10 Signs To Watch For To Know Before You Buy Van Secure
How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is a valuable asset that can transport expensive equipment and tools. It is essential to ensure that your van is as secure as you can. There are many ways you can do this.
Slamlocks lock doors right after they are closed. This is useful for couriers that do short drop-offs, or are prone forgetting to secure their van. Other upgrades include security stickers, covering or tinting the windows, and installing a lockable tools vault.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans utilized as a means of transport as well as storage space mobile it is essential to secure their contents from theft. The proper van security measures can deter criminals and safeguard your items, allowing you travel with confidence.
Door locks are the first line of defense, protecting the van's doors and preventing unauthorized access. Locks that are standard are usually installed and offer a basic protection however, they are easily smashed. Upgrade to more secure locks that are resistant to drilling, cutting and picking is an investment in security.
The factors to consider when selecting the right van lock include material and the build quality and whether it's certified by Thatcham. This guarantees that the lock is high-quality and more difficult to alter. Other important considerations are the slamlock system, which automatically locks doors for loading area after closure and requires keys to open the door which is ideal for couriers who may not lock their vans between deliveries. Another alternative is the hook lock which adds reinforcement to doors on the rear and side and stops 'peel and take attacks.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of your van locks is essential to maintain functionality and ensure the strength of the mechanism. This will prevent rust and corrosion and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections will allow you to spot the signs of wear and damage and fix them immediately. This will stop security weaknesses from forming.
In addition to improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the appropriate security equipment can save you money on insurance for your van. Many insurers recognise the value of robust security solutions, offering favourable terms and additional coverage options in return.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to deter thieves is by strengthening the locks on your van. By installing slam locks or high-strength locks your van's doors will be more secure and difficult to break into. This is especially crucial if your vehicle is used for transporting 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. This means it's less likely to be stolen which makes it ideal for couriers and tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van throughout the day long and might not lock the door after each trip. It also helps in tackling the problem of opportunistic theft which is when thieves just unlock your vehicle's lock and run off with whatever they can get their hands on that includes the tools needed to do your job.
There are ford van security door locks of slamlocks available. Some have additional security features such as anti drill and anti pick technology or a steelplate that prevents drilling. Some are designed for specific uses, like those used by multidrop drivers or those who transport a lot of valuable items.
For those who require more protection than a locks that slam can provide alternatives like deadlocks. They operate in a different manner from the locking mechanism used by the manufacturer and can only be removed by a key supplied with full control by the driver. You could also invest in a hooklock, which works similarly, but adds additional security by using deadlocking bolts that are inserted in a different section of the body and is operated with the key that comes with it.
Dashboard cameras
Install a dash camera in your vehicle if you want it to be more secure and safe. These cameras can assist you in avoiding collisions and accidents when driving, and can also be useful in proving your innocence in the event of a traffic violation. They work by converting the incoming light into electrical signals, and then they convert those signals into digital data. These can be powered either by the battery in your vehicle or the cigarette lighter.
A lot of dashboard cameras on the market include SD cards or flash drives for recording. These devices typically overwrite old footage to create space for new recordings, however they can be upgraded with memory cards with high capacity in case you wish to save more video data. Some dashboard cameras have cloud storage, eliminating the necessity for memory card storage. These dashboard cams are connected to a smartphone, a Wi-Fi network or both, and can upload data at various times.
Wireless or hard-wired cameras are also worth considering. Hardwired models are less prone to interference from cell networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and certain models are able to withstand the weather.
Some vans come with dual dash cameras which can record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This can be useful when you need to reverse in tight spaces or when you're parked. Certain cameras have night vision, which can enhance the images in low light conditions and enhance visibility. Many van owners opt to include this feature in their systems. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored, and this can be a huge 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 risks. People who live in their cars are frequently at risk of thieves who may take aim at their vehicle and contents. There are many ways to secure your van and its contents however, one of the most effective is to install an alarm system. These alarm systems can be incorporated with your keypad, which means you'll receive notifications if anyone gets into your vehicle. These systems can also help reduce the cost of insurance. This could save you thousands of dollars over the course of your van.
A good alarm system comes with keys, a base and entry sensors to protect against door peal. Some even have a built-in motion sensor that can detect movement inside your van and alert your mobile. This is a fantastic way to deter thieves and also help you catch thieves before they do.
Add deadlocks to your van's doors to make it more secure. These are locks that require a key for operation and are much more difficult to tamper with than normal locks. The best option is to choose a lock equipped to operate with a smartphone app, so you can monitor your van when you're away.
A lot of van alarms come with an engine immobilizer that disables the vehicle's motor in the event that you use the wrong key to start it. This is a sensible precaution, but it will not stop a determined thief who would take the entire engine. It is better to employ a low-power tracking device that stops the engine from starting and provide you with the exact location of your vehicle if it is relocated.
Insurance
For many businesses their vans are crucial resources and safeguarding their contents is a top priority. Not only will a well-constructed van security system provide peace of mind, it can also reduce cost of insurance since insurance companies take van owners' security measures into consideration when calculating their premiums.
The year, make, and model of your van will impact the cost of insurance as will your driving record. Your rates could also be affected by the region in which you reside and work, since higher crime rates could cause an increase in rates. Insurance companies may also take into account the use of your van, as commercial vehicles are usually more expensive to insure.
If you're considering making any major changes to your van it is important to speak with your insurer beforehand as it could have an impact on the policy price. Additionally, adding accessories to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard will increase the price of your insurance. For instance the use of a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is an easy way to discourage thieves, because it can make them think twice about trying to break into your van.
Insurance is another essential part of van life. It covers the tools and equipment that you store in your van in case they are stolen. You can obtain complete physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans to protect you from breakdowns and other emergencies when you're out on the road.
When comparing insurance policies, it's important to remember that the cheapest policy isn't always the best. Compare coverage limits and deductibles as well as other benefits to determine the right policy for you. In addition to complete coverage, it's worth looking into gap insurance since it will pay for the difference between your van's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan if it's repaid in total.
