How to Make van security doors Secure
A van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive tools and equipment. Making your van secure is an absolute priority and there are numerous ways to stop thieves from entering your van and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you shut them, which can be useful for couriers that make small drops or are susceptible to not locking their vans. Other options include security stickers covering windows or tinting them and fitting the tool vault with a lockable feature.
Security locks
It is essential to safeguard the contents of vans, since they are used as a vehicle for transportation and storage on the move. The proper van security measures will deter criminals while also protecting your belongings. This will allow you to travel with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line in defence. They protect the doors and block the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Locks that are standard are usually installed and offer a basic protection but they can be easily hacked. Upgrade to more secure locks that are impervious to cutting, drilling, and picking is a good investment in security.
When you are choosing a vanlock you must consider the material, build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This guarantees that the lock is of high-quality and more difficult to alter. van security locks fitted are the slamlock system that automatically locks doors for loading area upon closure and requires the use of a key to open them and close them. This is great for couriers who might not lock their vans between deliveries. Hook locks are another option, which reinforces side and rear doors to prevent 'peel-and-steal' attacks.
It is important to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks to keep their functionality intact and the integrity of the mechanism. This stops corrosion and rust and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections let you spot any signs of wear or damage and fix them promptly, making sure that security vulnerabilities are not uncovered.
Installing a security system that is appropriate can save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies recognize the importance of security systems that are robust providing favorable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to stop thieves is by strengthening your van's locks. By installing high-strength or slam locks, your van's doors will be more secure and difficult to break into. This is especially important if you use your van to transport expensive tools or valuable cargo.
The slam lock is activated automatically as soon as the door is shut and you don't have to press a key to trigger the mechanism. It's less likely to be damaged which makes it ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out their vans throughout the day. They might not remember to lock it after each trip. It also helps in tackling the issue of opportunistic theft, where thieves simply open your vehicle's existing lock and then take off with whatever they can get their hands on - which often includes the tools you require to complete your job.
There are many different kinds of slam locks, with some offering extra security features, like anti-drill technology and anti-pick technology, or a steel plate that prevents drilling attacks. Some are designed for specific applications, such as those used by multidrop drivers and those who transport a lot of valuable goods.
If you're looking for more protection than a slam lock can offer the option of deadlocks. They operate independently of the original locking mechanism that is supplied by the manufacturer and are only unlocked by the driver by using the supplied key. Alternately, you can purchase hook locks that operates similarly, however, it provides extra security by using a deadlocking hook bolt which connects to an opposite body section and operates with the key supplied under complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
Include a dash camera into your vehicle if you wish for it to be more secure and safer. These cameras can be used to help avoid collisions and accidents while driving. They can also demonstrate your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic infraction. They work by converting incoming light into electrical signals, and then they convert those signals into digital data. They can be powered by your car's battery or a lighter in your cigarette.
Many dashboard cameras available on the market come with SD cards or flash drives to record. 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 save more video information. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage features, which remove the necessity for memory cards. These kinds of dashboard cameras connect to the Wi-Fi or smartphone network and upload their data at different intervals.
Another thing to take into consideration is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hardwired models are less vulnerable to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and certain models are able to withstand the weather.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams, which can capture footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This can be helpful when reversing into tight spaces or when parking. Some cameras have night vision, which can make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and increase visibility for the driver. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored, which is a huge benefit for van owners who are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life has become increasingly popular for those who love to travel and explore - but it's not without its risks. People who live in their vehicles are often at the mercy of thieves who could attack their vehicle and its contents. van security doors are one of the best ways to protect your van and its contents. These alarm systems can be incorporated with your keypad, which means you'll receive notifications if anyone gets into your vehicle. They also help reduce insurance premiums, which can save you a fortune over the lifetime of your van.
A good alarm system comes with keys, a base and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with a built-in motion sensor that detects movement inside your van. This will send an alert to you phone. This is a great way to deter anyone who might be a target and could assist you in identifying a criminal before they strike.
Adding deadlocks to all of your doors is another great method to ensure the security of your van. They require the use of a key and are more difficult to control than conventional locks. A good option is to purchase a lock that is capable of being operated using apps for smartphones, which means you can monitor your van while away.
A lot of van alarms are equipped with an engine immobilizer, which disables your vehicle's engine if the wrong key is used to start it. This is a great precaution to do, but it's not enough to stop a thief determined to taking away the entire engine. It is best to utilize a low-power tracker which will stop the engine from starting and send you the position of your vehicle once it is relocated.
Insurance
For many companies their vans are crucial resources, and protecting their contents is a top priority. Not only does a robust van security system provide peace of mind, but it also helps reduce cost of insurance since insurers take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating premiums.
The year, model, and make of your van will impact your insurance premiums, as will your driving record. Your rates are also affected by the location in which you live and work, because higher crime rates can result in an increase in premiums. Insurance companies will also take into consideration the use of your vehicle because commercial vehicles are usually more expensive to cover.
If you're considering making any major changes to your van it is important to speak with your insurer beforehand as this could have an impact on the cost of your policy. The cost of insurance could also rise when you add any additional features that aren't included in the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 certified dash camera is an easy method to deter thieves, as they will be cautious before attempting to break in.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance that covers the equipment and tools you keep in your vehicle in case they are stolen. You can purchase complete physical damage protection and roadside assistance plans that cover breakdowns and other emergencies that occur while you're driving.
When comparing insurance policies, it's worth bearing in mind that the cheapest policy isn't always the most effective. Compare coverage limits along with deductibles, coverage limits and other benefits to determine the most suitable policy for your requirements. In addition to full coverage, it's worth considering gap insurance as this can pay the difference between your van's actual cash value and the remaining amount on your loan if it's totaled.