A Look At The Future What Is The Van Secure Industry Look Like In 10 Years?
How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that can transport expensive tools and equipment. Security for your van should be a top priority and there are a variety of ways to ward off thieves and protect your tools.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as you shut them and are useful for couriers who do short drops or are prone to not locking the van. Other upgrades include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and fitting a lockable tool vault.
Security locks
It is important to protect the contents of vans, as they are used both as a mode of transport and storage on the move. The right van security measures will deter criminals and protect your belongings, allowing you to travel with confidence.
Door locks are the primary security measure, securing the van's doors and preventing unauthorized access. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, provide an adequate level of security however they are easily manipulated by a few determined thieves. Upgrading to more advanced security locks that are immune to cutting, drilling, and picking is an investment in peace of mind.
Considerations when choosing the right van lock include material and the build quality, as well as whether it's approved by Thatcham. This ensures that the lock is of top quality and is more difficult to compromise. The slamlock is an additional aspect to consider. It locks automatically the doors of the loading area upon closing and requires a specific key to unlock. This is perfect for couriers who may not lock their vans during deliveries. Another alternative is the hook lock, which adds reinforcement to side and rear doors and prevents 'peel and steal' attacks.
Regular cleaning and lubrication of your van locks is also essential to maintain functionality and ensure the reliability of the mechanism. This will help prevent corrosion and rust and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to detect any signs of wear or damage and address them immediately, thereby preventing security vulnerabilities from emerging.
Installing the right security system can save you money on van insurance. Many insurers offer favourable terms for the purchase of robust security solutions.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective methods to deter thieves is by strengthening the locks on your van. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make the door of your van more secure and harder to break into. This is especially crucial if you plan to use your van to transport expensive tools or other valuable cargo.
The slam lock is activated automatically when your door is shut which means you don't have to press a key to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be tampered and is ideal for couriers and tradespeople who work out of their vans all day. They might not remember to lock it after each trip. It also helps in battling the petty thieves who just open the door of your vehicle and take what they can, including the tools that you need for your work.
There are a number of different kinds of slam locks available and some of them come with additional security features, such as anti-drill and anti-pick technologies or a steel plate that prevents drilling attacks. Certain models are specifically designed for applications, such as those used by multidrop drivers and those who transport lots of valuable items.
If you're looking for more security than a standard locks that slam can provide, there are options like deadlocks. They function independently of the original locking mechanism of the manufacturer and can only be removed with a supplied key under full control of the driver. You can also buy hooklocks, which function similarly, but adds additional security by using deadlocking bolts that lock in the opposite part of the body and is controlled by the supplied key.
Dashboard cameras
Install a dash camera in your vehicle if you wish for it to be more secure and safer. These cameras can be used to prevent collisions and accidents when driving. They can also prove your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic violation. They work by converting the incoming light into electrical signals, and then transform those signals into digital data. They can be powered by the vehicle's battery, or a cigarette lighter.
Many of the dashboard cams that are available have SD cards or flash drives for saving recordings. These devices overwrite old footage in order to allow for new videos. However, they can be upgraded to accept larger memory cards when more video data is required. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage features, which eliminate the requirement for memory cards. These types of dashboard cameras connect to a smartphone or Wi-Fi network and upload their data at varying intervals.
Wireless or hard-wired cameras are also worth considering. Hardwired cameras are less prone to interferences from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some are able to endure the elements.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams. They can record footage from both the rear and front of the vehicle. security locks for van doors is helpful when reverses in tight spaces or while parking. Some cameras feature night vision which can brighten the images in low light conditions and increase visibility. Many van owners have added this feature to their system. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This can be an enormous benefit for van dwellers that are often away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who love exploring and travelling, but it has its own risks. People who live in their vehicles are often at the mercy of thieves who may attack their vehicle and its contents. There are a number of ways to protect your vehicle and its contents, but one of the most effective is to install an alarm system. These alarm systems can be linked to your keypad so that you receive notifications in the event of a burglary. These systems can also help reduce the cost of insurance. This can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system will have the base station, a keypads, and entry sensors that guard against door peal. Some even have an inbuilt motion sensor that detects movement inside your van and notify your phone. This can be a great way to deter potential thieves and also assist in catching thieves before they do.
The addition of deadlocks to all your doors is an excellent option to keep your van secure. They require a key and are harder to operate than standard locks. There are locks that operate via a smartphone application. This will allow you to monitor your van while you are away.
Many van alarms also come with an engine immobilizer which disables the vehicle's motor in the event that you use the wrong key to start it. This is a good precaution, but it will not stop a determined criminal from who would take the entire engine. An alternative is to use a low-power tracker that prevents the engine from starting and will notify you of the location of your vehicle when it is moved.
Insurance
Vans are a vital source for many businesses, and protecting their contents is a top priority. A van security system will give peace of mind and reduce insurance costs. Insurers take into account the security measures taken by van owners when calculating premiums.
Your driving history, as well as the make, model and year of your van, will also affect the rate of insurance you pay. Your rates could also be affected by the location in which you reside and work because higher crime rates can result in an increase in premiums. Insurance companies will also take the use of your van into consideration as commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than personal ones.
If you're thinking of making major modifications to your van it's essential to talk with your insurance provider prior to making any changes since it could have an impact on the policy price. The cost of your insurance will also increase by adding any extras that aren't part of the standard vehicle. A Thatcham Category 2 -approved dash camera is an easy way to deter thieves since they'll be cautious before attempting to break into.
Another essential element of van life is insurance to cover the tools and equipment you keep in your vehicle, in case they are stolen. You can get comprehensive physical damage protection, as well as roadside assistance plans to protect you from breakdowns and other emergencies that occur while 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 the limits of coverage and deductibles as well as other benefits to find the best policy for your needs. In addition to comprehensive coverage, it's also worth considering gap insurance as it can cover the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan if it is totalled.