Responsible For A Van Secure Budget? 10 Amazing Ways To Spend Your Money
How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset worth having, typically carrying expensive equipment and tools. Making your van secure is an absolute priority and there are numerous methods you can employ to deter thieves and keep your tools safe.
Slamlocks lock doors as soon as they are closed and are useful for couriers that make frequent short trips or are prone to not locking the van. Other options include security stickers covering windows or tinting them and installing the tool vault with a lockable feature.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans used as a method of transportation and storage units that can be moved around, it is vital to protect their contents against theft. The proper van security measures will deter criminals and protect your items, allowing you embark on your journeys with confidence.
The van's door locks are the first line of defense. They secure the doors and ward off the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Standard locks are often pre-installed and offer basic security however, they are easily hacked. Upgrade to more secure locks that are immune to drilling, cutting and picking is an investment in security.
Considerations when choosing the right van lock include material and the build quality, as well as whether it's certified by Thatcham. This ensures that the lock is high-quality and is more difficult to compromise. The slamlock is another important aspect to consider. It automatically locks the doors of the loading area when it is closed and requires a specific key to unlock. This is perfect for couriers who forget to lock up their vans between deliveries. The hook lock is another option, which reinforces front and side doors to prevent 'peel-and-steal' attacks.
It is important to clean and lubricate your van locks in order to ensure their function and the strength of the mechanism. This will prevent rust and corrosion and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections help you spot any signs of damage or wear and address them immediately, thereby to prevent security vulnerabilities from arising.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, installing the right security system can help you save money on insurance for your van. Many insurers recognise the value of security systems that are robust providing favorable terms and additional coverage options.
Slamlocks
One of the most effective ways to deter thieves is by strengthening your van's locks. Installing slam or high-strength locks will make your van's door more secure and difficult to break into. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use your van to transport expensive equipment or valuable cargo.
The lock is activated automatically once your door is shut. It doesn't require you to press any keys to activate the mechanism. It's less likely to be tampered which makes it ideal for couriers and tradespeople that are in and out their vans all day. They may overlook locking it after every journey. It also assists in fighting criminals who can simply open the vehicle's lock and take what they can, which includes the tools you require to do your job.
There are many different types of slamlocks to choose from. Some come with additional security features, such as anti drill and anti pick technology or a steelplate that blocks drilling. Certain models are specifically designed for uses, like those used by multidrop drivers and for those who transport lots of valuable goods.
If you're looking for more protection than a slam lock can offer alternatives like deadlocks. These locks function independently from the locking mechanism from the manufacturer and are only be unlocked by the driver by using the key supplied. You can also purchase hooklocks, which function similar to a hooklock, but provides extra security with deadlocking bolts that are inserted in a different section of the body and is operated with the key supplied.
Dashboard cameras
If you're looking to make your vehicle more secure and secure, consider adding a dash camera. These cameras can assist you in avoiding collisions and accidents when driving, and can also be useful in proving your innocence in case of a traffic offense. security locks for van convert incoming light into electrical signals, and then they convert those signals into digital data. They can be powered by your vehicle's battery or the cigarette lighter.
Many dashboard cameras on the market include SD cards or flash drives for recording. These devices typically erase old footage to create space for new recordings, however they can be upgraded using high-capacity memory cards for those who want to save more video data. Some dashboard cameras offer cloud storage, eliminating the necessity for memory card storage. These dashboard cams are connected to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both, and can upload data at various intervals.
Wireless or hard-wired cameras are also important to take into consideration. Hard-wired cameras are less susceptible to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some models can endure the elements.
Some vans have dual dash cams that can record video from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This can be useful when you need to reverse in tight spaces or while parked. Certain cameras come with night vision, which can make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and enhance visibility for the driver. Many van owners have added this feature to their system. Certain dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored. This is an excellent benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who are avid travelers and want to explore - but it's not without risk. People who live in their vehicles are frequently at risk of thieves who might take aim at their vehicle and contents. There are a variety of ways to protect your vehicle and its cargo however, one of the most effective is an alarm system. These alarm systems can be incorporated with your keypad, meaning you'll receive notifications if anyone breaks into your vehicle. They also help reduce insurance premiums, which can save you a fortune over the life of your vehicle.
A good alarm system comes with a base, keypad, and entry sensors to guard against door peal. Some alarm systems have a built-in motion sensor that detects movement inside your van. It will then send an alert to you phone. This is a great way to deter any potential thieves and can aid in identifying the criminal before they strike.
The addition of deadlocks to all your doors is a great way to ensure the security of your van. They require the use of a key and are more difficult to operate than conventional locks. It is a good idea to get some that are able to be operated with a smartphone app, so you can check on your van when you're away.
Many van alarms also come with an engine immobilizer which disables the motor of your vehicle if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a great precaution to do, but it's not enough to stop a determined thief from taking the entire engine. Better to have an engine tracker with low power that stops the engine from starting, and will send you the exact location of your vehicle whenever it is removed.
Insurance
For many companies their vans are crucial resources and safeguarding their contents is an important priority. Not only does a robust van security system give peace of mind, it also helps reduce cost of insurance since insurance companies take the security measures of van owners into consideration when calculating their premiums.
Your driving record, along with the make, model and year of your vehicle will also affect your insurance rate. Your rates will also be affected by the region in which you reside and work, because higher crime rates can result in an increase in rates. Insurance companies will also take into consideration the use of your van because commercial vehicles are typically more expensive to insure.
Consult your insurer before making any major van mods. This could affect the cost of your insurance. Additionally, adding additional features to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard can increase the cost of your premium. For instance an Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to deter thieves, because it can make them think twice about trying to break into your vehicle.
Another important aspect of van life is insurance to cover the tools and equipment you keep in your vehicle in the event that they are stolen. You can purchase comprehensive physical damage insurance along with roadside service plans that cover breakdowns as well as other emergencies.
It's important to remember that the insurance policy with the lowest cost doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare the coverage limits, deductibles and other added advantages to find the most appropriate policy for your requirements. In addition to complete coverage, it's important to consider gap insurance because it can cover the difference between your van's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan, if it's totaled.