A Provocative Rant About Van Secure
How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset, often carrying expensive tools and equipment. It is crucial to ensure that your van is as secure as you can. There are many ways to accomplish this.
Slamlocks locks doors once you close them and are useful for couriers who do short drops or are prone to not locking their vans. Other improvements include a security sticker covering or tinting windows, and installing an instrument vault that is lockable.
Security locks
With so many vans being used as a method of transport as well as storage units that can be moved around it is crucial to protect their contents against theft. The proper security measures for your van will deter criminals and protect your possessions. This allows you to travel with peace of mind.
The van's door locks are the first line of defence. They protect the doors and block the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Locks that are standard, usually installed by the manufacturer, offer the most basic protection but are easily manipulated by determined thieves. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are resistant to drilling, cutting, and picking is a good investment in peace of mind.
Considerations when choosing a van lock include the material and build quality and whether it's approved by Thatcham. This means that the lock is of top quality, making it more difficult to compromise or break. ford transit security locks to consider include the slamlock system, which automatically locks load area doors when closed and requires a key to open which is ideal for couriers who might forget to lock their van between deliveries. Another option is the hook lock which adds reinforcement to front and side doors and prevents 'peel and steal attacks.
It is essential to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks in order to maintain their functionality and the strength of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and promotes smooth operation. Regular inspections help you identify any signs of wear or damage and address them immediately, thereby preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, installing the right security system will help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurance companies offer favorable conditions in exchange for high-quality security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to stop thieves is by strengthening your van's locks. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make the door of your van more secure and less difficult to break into. This is particularly important if the vehicle 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 that it's less likely to be tampered with and is ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are in and out of their van throughout the day and may not lock the door after each trip. It also helps in tackling the problem of opportunistic theft, where thieves simply unlock your vehicle's lock and take off with anything they can get their hands on that includes the tools you need for your job.
There are a variety of slamlocks available. van door security come with additional security features, such as anti drill and anti pick technology, or a steelplate that stops drilling. Certain models are specifically designed for applications, such as those used by multidrop drivers and those who transport a lot of valuable goods.
For those who want more security than a slam lock can offer alternatives like deadlocks. These locks operate independently of the locking mechanism that came from the manufacturer and are only unlocked by the driver using the key provided. You can also purchase hooklocks, which function similar to a hooklock, but offers additional security through a deadlocking bolt that engages in the opposite part of the body and is operated by the key that comes with it.
Dashboard cameras
Install a dash camera in your van if you want it to be more secure and secure. These cameras can aid you in avoiding accidents and collisions when driving, and are also useful in proving your innocence in the event of a traffic offense. They work by converting incoming light into electrical signals and they then convert those signals into digital data. These can be powered either via the battery of your car or by a cigarette-lighter.
A majority of the dashboard cameras that are available have SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices overwrite old footage to allow room for new videos. However, they can be upgraded to support larger memory cards when more video data is needed. Certain dashboard cameras also have cloud storage capabilities, which eliminate the necessity for memory cards. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at various intervals.
Cameras that are hard-wired or wireless are also important to consider. Hardwired models are less vulnerable to interference from cellular networks or other sources. They are also more durable, and certain models are able to withstand the weather.
Some vans have dual dash cameras which can record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when you have to reverse into tight spaces or while parked. Some cameras feature night vision that can increase the brightness of the images in low-light conditions and increase visibility. Many van owners choose to include this feature in their systems. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This is a great benefit for van dwellers that spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular with those who enjoy exploring and travelling However, it is not without dangers. People who live in their vehicles are often at risk of thieves who may take aim at their vehicle and contents. Alarm systems are among the best ways to protect your van and its contents. Alarm systems can be linked to your keypad, so that you will be alerted in the event of a burglary. They also help reduce insurance premiums, which could save you a fortune over the lifetime of your vehicle.
A good alarm system will have an alarm base station, keypads and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some even have a built-in motion sensor that can detect movement inside your van and notify your phone. This is a great deterrent to anyone who might be a target, and it can even help you spot the criminal before they get to them.
Install deadlocks on your van's doors to ensure it's secure. They require a key and are harder to manipulate than standard locks. You can also get locks that can be operated using a smartphone app. This allows you to check on your vehicle while you're away.
A majority of van alarms are equipped with an engine immobilizer which disables the engine of your vehicle in the event that the wrong key is used to start it. This is a good security measure, but it will not stop a determined thief removing the entire engine. Better to install a low-power tracker that prevents the engine from starting and sends you the location of your vehicle when it's being relocated.
Insurance
For many companies vans are essential resources and safeguarding their contents is a major priority. A van security system can provide peace of mind as well as reduce insurance costs. Insurers take into account the security measures implemented by van owners when calculating premiums.
The year, model, and make of your van will affect the cost of insurance and your driving record. Your rates will also be affected by the location in which you live and work, because higher crime rates can lead to an increase in premiums. Insurance providers will also take the use of your van into consideration since commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than personal vehicles.
Check with your insurance provider prior to making any major modifications to your van. This could impact the price of your policy. Additionally, adding accessories to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard can increase the cost of your insurance. For instance, a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple method to deter thieves as it will make them think twice about trying to break into your van.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance to protect the tools and equipment you keep in your vehicle, in the event of theft. You can obtain comprehensive physical damage protection as well as roadside assistance plans that will take care of breakdowns and other emergencies when you're out on the road.
It's important to keep in mind that the most affordable insurance policy doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare coverage limits as well as deductibles and other benefits to choose the right policy for you. It's worthwhile to consider 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, if your van is totalled.