This Week's Most Remarkable Stories Concerning Van Secure

How to Make Your Van Secure

A van is an asset that can be used to transport expensive equipment and tools. It is important to make your van as secure as possible. There are a myriad of ways to do this.

Slamlocks locks doors once you close them and are useful for couriers that make frequent short trips or are prone to not locking their vans. Other options include security stickers, covering or tinting windows and installing the tool vault with a lockable feature.

Security locks

With so many vans being utilized as a means of transport as well as storage units that can be moved around, it is vital to safeguard their contents from theft. The right van security measures will deter criminals while protecting your possessions. This will allow you to travel in peace.

The door locks of the van are the first line in defence. They secure the doors and prevent the entry of anyone who is not authorized. Locks that are standard are usually installed and offer a basic protection but they can be easily bypassed. Upgrade to more secure locks that are impervious to cutting, drilling, and picking is an investment in peace of mind.

The factors to consider when selecting the right van lock include quality of the material and construction and whether it's certified by Thatcham. This certification ensures that the lock is of top quality and is more difficult to compromise or break. Other important aspects to consider are the slamlock system that automatically locks the doors to the load area when closed and requires a key to open and close them. This is great for couriers who may not lock their vans between deliveries. The hook lock is a different option that can be used to secure the side and rear doors to guard against '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 help prevent corrosion and rust, and ensure smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to detect any signs of wear or damage and fix them immediately, thereby to prevent security vulnerabilities from arising.

In addition to improving the overall security of your vehicle, installing the right security systems can save you money on your van insurance. Many insurers offer favourable conditions in exchange for high-quality security solutions.

Slamlocks

One of the most effective methods 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 harder to break into. This is especially crucial if you plan to use your van to transport expensive tools or other 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 compromised which makes it ideal for courier drivers and tradespeople who work out of their vans throughout the day. They may forget to lock it up after each trip.  The Key Lab  helps combat the issue of opportunistic burglaries, where thieves simply unlock your vehicle's lock and then take off with whatever they can get their hands on - which often includes the tools needed to do your job.

There are a number of different types of slam locks available and some of them come with additional security features, for instance anti-drill and anti-pick technology or a steel plate that blocks drilling attacks. Some are designed for specific applications, like the ones used by multidrop drivers and those who transport a lot of valuable items.

For those who require more protection than a slam lock can offer, there are options like deadlocks. These locks function independently of the original locking mechanism from the manufacturer and are only be unlocked by the driver using the key provided. Alternately, you can purchase hook locks that works similarly, but offers extra security through a deadlocking hook bolt which connects to an opposite body section and is operated using the supplied key under full control of the driver.

Dashboard cameras

Install a dash camera in your vehicle if you want it to be more secure and safe. These cameras can aid you in avoiding accidents and collisions when driving, and can also help in proving your innocence in case of an accident or traffic offense. These cameras work by converting light signals into electrical signals, and then convert the signals into digital information. These can be powered either by the battery in your vehicle or an cigarette-lighter.

A majority of the dashboard cameras that are available have SD cards or flash drives to save recordings. These devices typically overwrite old footage to make room for new recordings, however they can be upgraded with high-capacity memory cards for those who want to store more video data. Some dashboard cams also have cloud storage capabilities that can eliminate the necessity for memory cards. These types of dashboard cams connect to either a Wi-Fi or smartphone and upload their data at different intervals.

Hard-wired or wireless cameras are also important to consider. Hardwired cameras are less vulnerable to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable, and some models can withstand the elements.

Some vans come with dual dash cameras which can record video from the front and back of the vehicle. This is useful when reversing in tight spaces or when parked. Some cameras have night vision, which can enhance images in low light conditions and enhance visibility for drivers. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored, and this is an immense benefit for van owners who are often away from their vehicles.

Alarms

Van life is becoming increasingly popular among those who are avid travelers and want to explore - but it's not without risks. People who live in vehicles are usually susceptible to theft. Thieves can take aim at the vehicle and its contents. There are a variety of ways to secure your van and its cargo but one of the best is an alarm system. These alarm systems can be incorporated with your keypad, meaning you'll receive alerts if anyone is able to break into your vehicle. They also help reduce insurance premiums, which could save you money over the lifetime of your van.

A good alarm system will have the base station, a keypads, and entry sensors that guard against door peal. Certain alarm systems come with a built-in motion sensor that detects movement inside your vehicle. The alarm will send an alert to your phone. This can be a great way to deter thieves and also assist in catching them before they strike.

Installing deadlocks on all of your doors is a great method to keep your van secure. They require a key to operate and are more difficult to break than regular locks. A good option is to choose a lock capable of being operated using an app for smartphones, so you can check the status of your vehicle while you're away.

Many van alarms are also equipped with an engine immobilizer which will disable your vehicle's engine if the wrong key is used to start it. This is a good security measure, but it will not stop a determined criminal from removing the entire engine. It is better to use a low-power tracking device which will stop the engine from starting and provide you with the exact location of your vehicle if it is moved.

Insurance

Vans are a vital source for many businesses and protecting their contents is a top concern. A van security system will give peace of mind and lower insurance costs. Insurers take into account the security measures taken by van owners when calculating their premiums.

Your driving history, as well as the model, make, and year of your van, will also affect your insurance rate. Your rates will also be affected by the region in which you live and work, since higher crime rates could cause an increase in rates. Insurance companies will also take your van's use into account as commercial vehicles typically cost more to insure than personal vehicles.

If you're thinking of making major modifications to your van it's essential to talk with your insurer beforehand as it could impact on the cost of your policy. Additionally, adding additional features to your vehicle that aren't standard will increase your insurance. For instance an Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a great way to discourage thieves, since it makes them think twice about attempting to gain entry into your vehicle.

Another crucial aspect of van life is insurance to protect the tools and equipment you keep in your vehicle in case they are stolen. You can purchase comprehensive physical damage protection as well as roadside assistance plans to protect you from breakdowns and other emergencies when you're out on the road.

It's important to keep in mind that the cheapest insurance policy isn't always the best. Compare coverage limits, deductibles, and other benefits to choose the best policy for your needs. It's worthwhile to consider gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. This can pay the difference between the van's cash value and any outstanding balance on your loan if your van is totalled.