10 Tell-Tale Warning Signs You Should Know To Get A New Van Secure
10 Tell-Tale Warning Signs You Should Know To Get A New Van Secure
Blog Article
How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can carry expensive tools and equipment. It is essential to ensure that your van is as secure as possible. There are a myriad of ways you can do this.
Slamlocks locks doors once you close them, which can be beneficial for couriers who make short drops or are prone to not locking their vans. Other options include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and installing the tool vault with a lockable feature.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans used as a method of transportation and storage units that can be moved around, it is vital to protect their contents against theft. The right van security measures will deter criminals and protect your items, allowing you embark on your journeys with confidence.
Door locks are the primary security measure, securing the van's doors and preventing unauthorized access. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, offer the most basic protection but are easily manipulated by a determined thief. Upgrade to more secure locks that are resistant to cutting, drilling, and picking is a good investment in peace of mind.
When choosing a vanlock, you must consider the materials, the build quality and if it is certified by Thatcham. This ensures that the lock is of top quality and more difficult to compromise. Other important factors to consider include the slamlock system that automatically locks load area doors when closed and requires keys to open the door; this is perfect for couriers who may forget to lock their van between deliveries. Hook locks are another option that can be used to secure the front and side doors to prevent 'peel-and-steal' attacks.
It is important to clean and lubricate your van locks to ensure their function and the integrity of the mechanism. This will prevent rust and corrosion and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections help you spot any signs of wear or damage and fix these issues promptly, thus to prevent security vulnerabilities from arising.
In addition to enhancing the overall security of your vehicle, installing the appropriate security equipment can save you money on your van insurance. Many insurers offer favourable terms in exchange for robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to deter thieves is by strengthening your van's locks. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make your van's door more secure and less difficult to break into. This is particularly important if you use your van to transport expensive tools or valuable cargo.
The slam lock is activated automatically when your door is closed and you don't have to press a button to trigger the mechanism. It's less likely to be compromised, which makes it perfect for courier drivers and tradespeople that are in and out their vans throughout the day. They may forget to lock it up at the end of each trip. It also helps to combat the problem of opportunistic theft which is when thieves just unlock your vehicle's lock and then take off with whatever they can grab that includes the tools you need for your job.
There are many different types of slamlocks available. Some come with additional security features like anti-drill and anti-pick technology, or a steelplate that prevents drilling. Other locks are suitable for specific purposes, such as multidrop drivers or those who transport a lot of high-value items.
Deadlocks are a good alternative for those who require more protection than what is offered by a slamlock. These operate independently from the manufacturer's original locking mechanism and can only be unlocked with a key that is supplied that is fully controlled by the driver. You can also buy hooklocks, which function in the same manner but adds additional security by using deadlocking bolts that lock in the opposite part of the body and is operated by the supplied key.
Dashboard cameras
Include a dash camera into your vehicle if you want it to be more secure and safer. These cameras can aid you in avoiding accidents and collisions when driving, and can also help in showing your innocence in the event of a traffic violation. They work by converting light incoming into electrical signals, and then converting these signals into digital data. They can be powered by your vehicle's battery or a lighter for your cigarette.
Many dashboard cameras on the market have SD cards or flash drives for recording. These devices typically erase old footage to create space for new recordings, however they can be upgraded using memory cards with high capacity if you want to save more video information. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage capabilities, which can eliminate the necessity for memory cards. These dashboard cams are connected to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both and upload data more info at various times.
Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also important to consider. Hardwired models are less vulnerable to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some can stand up to the elements.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams. They can record footage from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This is helpful when reverses in tight spaces or while parking. Some cameras feature night vision which can brighten the images in low-light conditions and improve visibility. Many van owners have added this feature to their system. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This can be an enormous benefit for van dwellers that spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who enjoy exploring and travelling, but it comes with its own dangers. The people who live in vehicles are often at risk of being robbed. Thieves could take aim at the vehicle and its contents. There are a variety of ways to protect your vehicle and its contents, but one of the most effective is to install an alarm system. Alarm systems can be linked with your keypad, which means you'll receive notifications if anyone gets into your vehicle. These systems can also lower the cost of insurance. This could save you thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system includes an alarm base, keypad and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some even have a built in motion sensor that detects any movement in your vehicle and notify your mobile. This is a fantastic way to deter potential thieves and assist in catching thieves before they do.
The addition of deadlocks to all your doors is another great option to ensure your van is secure. They require the use of a key and are more difficult to control than regular locks. A good option is to get some that are capable of being operated using an app for smartphones, so you can check the status of your van when you're away.
A majority of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer which will disable the engine of your vehicle if a wrong key is used to start it. This is a good measure to take, but it won't stop a thief determined to taking away the entire engine. It is better to use a low-power tracking device which will stop the engine from running and will notify you of the exact location of your vehicle if it is removed.
Insurance
For many businesses their vans are crucial resources, and protecting their contents is a top priority. A van security system can provide peace of mind and reduce insurance costs. Insurance companies take into consideration the security measures implemented by van owners when calculating premiums.
The make, model and year of your van will impact your insurance premiums and your driving record. The area where you live and work can also affect your rates, since higher crime rates could result in higher rates. Insurance providers will also take the use of your van into account as commercial vehicles typically cost more to insure than personal vehicles.
If you're planning to make any major van modifications it's essential to talk with your insurer beforehand as this could have an impact on the cost of your policy. The cost of insurance will also increase when you add any additional features that aren't part of the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 approved dash camera is an easy way to deter thieves since they'll think twice before trying to gain entry into.
Another essential element of van life is insurance to protect the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle, in case they are stolen. You can purchase complete physical damage insurance as well as roadside service plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies.
When comparing insurance policies it's worth bearing in mind that the cheapest option isn't always the best. Compare coverage limits, deductibles and other added benefits to find the best policy for your needs. It's worth considering gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. This can pay the difference between your value of the van's cash and any outstanding balance on your loan, in the event that your vehicle is destroyed.