The 10 Most Dismal Van Secure Failures Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
How to Make Your Van SecureA van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive tools and equipment. Making your van secure is a top priority and there are numerous methods you can employ to ward off thieves and protect your tools.
Slamlocks secure doors when they are closed and are beneficial for couriers who make frequent short trips or are prone to not locking the van. Other upgrades include security sticker covering or tinting the windows, and installing a lockable tools vault.
Security locks
It is crucial to secure the contents of vans because they serve as a means of transportation and mobile storage. The right van security measures can deter criminals as well as protect your items, allowing you embark on your journeys with confidence.
The door locks of the van are the first line of defense. They protect the doors and prevent the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Standard locks are often pre-installed and offer basic security but they can be easily hacked. Moving to more sophisticated security locks that are impervious to drilling, cutting and picking is a good investment in security.
When you are choosing a vanlock you should take into consideration the material, build quality and if it is certified by Thatcham. This designation ensures the lock is of high-quality which makes it harder to break or compromise. Other important aspects to consider are the slamlock lock system, which automatically locks the doors to the load area upon closure and requires the use of a key to open them; this is perfect for couriers who may forget to lock their van between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock that provides reinforcement to front and side doors and helps prevent 'peel and steal attacks.
It is essential to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks in order to keep their functionality intact and the strength of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and helps ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to identify the signs of wear and damage and then address them promptly. This will stop security weaknesses from forming.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the right security system can help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurers offer favourable terms for the purchase of robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to deter thieves is by strengthening the locks of your van. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make the door of your van more secure and difficult to break into. This is especially important if the van is used to transport expensive tools or equipment.
The lock is activated automatically once your door is closed. You don't have to press any keys to activate the mechanism. This means it's much less likely to be tampered with, making it ideal for courier drivers or tradespeople who are in and out of their van throughout the day and may forget to lock up at the end of each trip. It also helps combat the problem of opportunistic theft, where thieves simply unlock your vehicle's lock and run off with whatever they can get their hands on and often include the tools you require for your job.
There are many different kinds of slam locks that are available that come with extra security features, such as anti-drill and anti-pick technology or steel plates that block drilling attacks. Other locks are suitable for specific applications like multidrop drivers, or those that carry a large volume of high-value items.
If you're looking for more security than a standard slam lock can offer, there are options like deadlocks. These operate independently from the manufacturer's original locking mechanism and can only be removed with a supplied key with full control by the driver. Alternatively, you could purchase a hook lock that works in the same way but provides additional security through a deadlocking hook bolt which connects to an opposite body section and is operated using the key supplied under complete control of the driver.
Dashboard cameras
If you want to make your vehicle more secure and safe you should consider installing a dash cam. These cameras can aid you in avoiding accidents and collisions when driving, and can also be useful in showing your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic offense. These cameras work by converting light signals into electrical signals and converting the signals into digital information. These can be powered either by the battery of your vehicle or the cigarette lighter.
Many dashboard cameras on the market come with SD cards or flash drive for recording. These devices can overwrite old footage in order to allow for new videos. However they can be upgraded to support larger memory cards if more video data is needed. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage capabilities, which eliminate the need for memory cards. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at various intervals.
Another feature to take into consideration is whether the camera is wireless or hard wired. Hard-wired models are less susceptible to interference from cellular networks or other sources. They are also more durable and some models are able to withstand weather.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cameras that record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing into tight spaces or while parking. Some cameras feature night vision which can brighten the images in dim light conditions and increase visibility. Many van owners choose to include this feature in their systems. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This can be a great benefit for van owners who spend long periods of time away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who love to travel and explore, but it's not without risk. People who live in their cars are often at risk of thieves who could target their vehicle and its contents. There are a variety of ways to protect your vehicle and its cargo, but one of the best is to install an alarm system. Alarm systems can be linked to your keypad so that you will be alerted in the event of a burglary. These systems can also reduce insurance premiums. This can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system should have an alarm base station, keypad and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with built-in motion sensors that detects movement within your van. The alarm will send an alert to you phone. This is a fantastic method to deter thieves and also assist in catching thieves before they do.
Installing deadlocks on all of your doors is another great way to keep your van secure. These locks require the use of a key and are more difficult to control than conventional locks. You can also get locks that operate via a smartphone application. This allows you to monitor your van while you are away.
A lot of van alarms are fitted with an engine immobilizer that will shut down your vehicle's engine if the wrong key is used to start it. This is a great security measure, but it will not stop a thief who is determined to removing the entire engine. It is best to use a low-power tracking device that stops the engine from running and provide you with the exact location of your vehicle if it is relocated.
Insurance
For many companies their vans are crucial resources, and protecting their contents is a top priority. A van security system will give peace of mind and lower the cost of insurance. Insurance companies consider the security measures implemented by van owners when read more calculating premiums.
The year, make, and model of your vehicle will affect your insurance rates as will your driving record. The location in which you live and work will also affect your rates, since higher crime rates could cause higher rates. Insurance companies also take your van's use into account as commercial vehicles generally cost more to insure than personal ones.
If you're considering making any major changes to your van, it's important to consult with your insurance company prior to doing so as it could have an impact on the cost of your policy. Likewise, adding on any additional features to your vehicle that aren't standard can increase the cost of your premium. A Thatcham Category 2 certified dash camera is an easy way to deter thieves as they will be cautious before attempting to gain entry into.
Insurance is a crucial aspect of the van's life. It protects the tools and equipment that you keep in your van in the event that they're stolen. You can get comprehensive physical damage protection and roadside assistance plans that will cover breakdowns and other emergencies while you're driving.
When comparing insurance policies, it's worth bearing in mind that the most affordable option isn't always the most effective. Compare coverage limits and deductibles as well as other benefits to choose the right policy for you. In addition to full coverage, it's worth looking into gap insurance since it can cover the difference between your car's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan, if it is totalled.