What's The Ugly Truth About Van Secure
What's The Ugly Truth About Van Secure
Blog Article
How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can carry expensive equipment and tools. It is crucial to make your van as secure as possible. There are a myriad of ways to do this.
Slamlocks lock doors right after they are closed. This is useful for couriers that do short drops, or who are prone forgetting to lock their van. Other upgrades include security stickers, covering or tinting the windows and fitting a vault lockable to tools.
Security locks
With so many vans being used as both a mode of transportation and storage space mobile it is crucial to protect their contents against theft. The right van security measures will deter criminals and protect your possessions, allowing you to take your trip with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defence. They protect the doors and ward off unauthorized entry. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, offer an adequate level of security but are easily manipulated by a few determined thieves. Moving to more sophisticated security locks that are impervious to drilling, cutting, and picking is a good investment in security.
Considerations when choosing van locks include the material and the build quality, as well as whether it's Thatcham-approved. This guarantees that the lock is of top quality and is more difficult to compromise. Other important factors to consider include the slamlock system that automatically locks doors for loading area after closure and requires a key to open which is ideal for couriers who forget to lock their van between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock that provides reinforcement to doors on the rear and side and prevents 'peel and steal' attacks.
It is crucial to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to maintain their functionality and the strength of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to detect signs of wear and damage, and fix them immediately. This will stop security vulnerabilities from developing.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, installing the right security system will help you save money on your van insurance. Many insurers offer favourable terms for the purchase of robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to stop thieves is by strengthening the locks of your van. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make the van's door more secure and harder to break into. This is especially crucial if your van is used to transport expensive equipment or cargo.
The lock is activated automatically once your door is shut. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be compromised, which makes it perfect for courier drivers and tradespeople that work out of their vans all day. They might not remember to lock it at the end of each journey. It also helps in tackling the problem of opportunistic theft which is when thieves just open your vehicle's existing lock and run off with whatever they can get their hands on and often include the tools you require to complete your job.
There are a variety of slamlocks to choose from. Some come with additional security features such as anti drill and anti pick technology, or a steelplate that blocks drilling. Some are suited for specific applications like multidrop drivers, or those that carry a large volume of high-value items.
Deadlocks are a good alternative for those who require more protection than what a slamlock can provide. They operate in a different manner from the manufacturer's original locking mechanism and can only be removed with a key that is supplied with full control by the driver. Alternatively, you could invest in hook locks that works in the same way but provides additional security by using a deadlocking hook bolt that engages into an opposing body part and is operated using the supplied key under complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your vehicle more secure and safe, consider adding a dash camera. These cameras can be used to avoid collisions and accidents when driving. They can also prove your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic violation. These cameras work by converting light signals into electrical signals and then convert the signals into digital information. They can be powered by the battery in your vehicle or by an cigarette-lighter.
A majority of the dashboard cameras available on the market include SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices typically overwrite old footage to create space for new recordings, but they can be upgraded with memory cards with high capacity for those who want to store more video data. Some dashboard cameras offer cloud storage, removing the requirement for memory card storage. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at various times.
Another aspect to be considered is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hard-wired cameras are less susceptible to interferences from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models are able to withstand weather.
Some vans come with dual dash cameras that record video from both the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when you reverse in tight spaces or when in a parking spot. Some cameras have night vision that can enhance images in low light conditions and enhance visibility for drivers. Many van owners have added this feature to the system. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored, and this can be an enormous benefit for van owners who are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who like to travel and explore, but it's not without risks. People who live in their vehicles are frequently at risk of thieves who could take aim at their vehicle and contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to protect your van and its contents. Alarm systems can be linked with your keypad, so you'll receive alerts if anyone is able to break into your vehicle. These systems can also lower insurance premiums. This can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your vehicle.
A good alarm system should have the base station, a keypads, and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with an inbuilt motion sensor that detects movement inside your vehicle. The alarm will send an alert to you phone. This is a great way to deter any potential thieves and could help you spot the criminal before they get to get more info them.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. They require a key to operate, and they're much harder to alter than standard locks. You can also purchase locks that you can operate with a smartphone application. This allows you to check on your vehicle even when you're away.
A lot of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer that will shut down the engine of your vehicle if a wrong key is used to start it. This is a great precaution to take, but it won't stop a thief who is determined from taking the entire engine. Better to have an engine tracker with low power that prevents the engine from starting, and will send you the location of your vehicle when it's being relocated.
Insurance
Vans are an essential source for many businesses and securing their contents is of paramount importance. Not only can a strong van security system provide peace of mind, it can also reduce cost of insurance since insurers take the security measures of van owners into consideration when calculating their premiums.
The year, model, and make of your van will impact the cost of insurance, as will your driving record. Your rates could also be affected by the area where you reside and work, because higher crime rates can result in an increase in rates. Insurance companies will also take your van's use into account as commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than personal ones.
Contact your insurance company prior to making any major van mods. This could impact the cost of your insurance. The cost of insurance could also rise if you add any extras that aren't included in the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 -approved dash camera is an effective way to deter vandals, as they will be more cautious when trying to break in.
Insurance is another important aspect of the van's life. It protects the tools and other equipment that you keep inside your van in the event they are stolen. You can purchase comprehensive physical damage protection as well as roadside assistance plans that will take care of breakdowns and other emergencies that occur while you're driving.
It's important to be aware that the cheapest insurance policy isn't always the most effective. Compare the coverage limits, deductibles and other added benefits to determine the most suitable policy for your needs. It's worth considering gap insurance in addition to comprehensive insurance. This will cover the difference between the value of the van's cash and any outstanding balance on your loan in the event of a total loss to your vehicle.