10 Tell-Tale Signals You Need To Know Before You Buy Van Secure
How to Make Your Van Secure
A van is an asset that is worth having, usually carrying expensive equipment and tools. It is crucial to ensure that your van is as secure as is possible. There are a myriad of ways you can do this.
Slamlocks locks doors once they are closed and are beneficial for couriers who make frequent short trips or are prone to forgetting to lock the van. Other upgrades include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and fitting a lockable tool vault.
Security locks
With the increasing number of vans used as both a mode of transport as well as a mobile storage unit it is crucial to secure their contents from theft. The proper van security measures will deter criminals while also protecting your belongings. This allows you to travel with peace of mind.
Door locks are the primary line of defense, protecting the van's doors and preventing unauthorized access. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, provide the most basic protection but are easily manipulated by a few determined thieves. Upgrade to advanced security locks that can withstand cutting, drilling, or picking. This is a wise investment in security that will give you peace of mind.
When choosing a vanlock, you must consider the material, build quality and whether it is Thatcham-approved. This designation ensures the lock is of high-quality which makes it harder to break or compromise. The slamlock is another important aspect to consider. cargo van security door locks locks automatically the doors of the load area upon closing and requires a key to unlock. This is a great option for couriers that may forget to lock up their vans during deliveries. The hook lock is a different option that can be used to secure the doors on the rear and side to stop 'peel-and-steal' attack.
Regularly cleaning and lubricating your van locks is crucial to keep them functioning and ensure the strength of the mechanism. This prevents rust and corrosion and promotes smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to identify signs of wear and tear, and fix them immediately. This will stop security issues from arising.
Alongside improving the overall security of your vehicle, fitting the right security systems can save you money on your van insurance. Many insurance companies are aware of security systems that are robust with attractive terms and additional coverage options in return.
Slamlocks
Strengthening your van's lock is among the best methods to deter thieves. Installing high-strength locks or slam locks will make the van's door 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.
A slam lock operates automatically when the door is shut and you don't have to press a button to activate the mechanism. This means it's less likely to be tampered with, making it ideal for courier drivers or tradespeople who are in and out of their van every day long and not remember to lock it after each journey. It also helps to combat the petty thieves who just open the door of your vehicle and take whatever they can get, which includes the tools that you need to complete your job.
There are many different types of slamlocks that are available. Some come with additional security features like anti drill and anti pick technology or a steelplate that prevents drilling. Certain locks are specifically designed for applications, such as those used by multidrop drivers or those who transport a lot of valuable goods.

If you're looking for more protection than a lock that slams can provide, there are options like deadlocks. These locks function independently of the original locking mechanism from the manufacturer and can be unlocked only by the driver by using the supplied key. You could also invest in hooklocks, which function similarly, but offers additional security through deadlocking bolts that lock in the opposite part of the body and is operated with the supplied key.
Dashboard cameras
Include a dash camera into your van if you want it to be more secure and safer. These cameras can aid you in avoiding accidents and collisions while driving. They can also be useful in proving your innocence in the event of a traffic violation. These cameras function by converting light incoming into electrical signals and then convert those signals into digital information. They can be powered by your vehicle's battery or by an lighter in your cigarette.
Many dashboard cameras available on the market have SD cards or flash drives for recording. These devices overwrite old footage to allow room for new recordings. However they can be upgraded to accept larger memory cards if additional video data is required. Some dashboard cameras also come with cloud storage capabilities, which eliminate the necessity for memory cards. These dashboard cameras are connected to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both, and can upload data at various intervals.
Another feature to be considered is whether the camera is wired or wireless. Hard-wired models are less susceptible to interference from cell networks or other sources. They are also more durable and some can endure the elements.
Some vans are equipped with dual dash cams, which can record footage from both the rear and front of the vehicle. This is helpful when reverses in tight spaces or when parking. Certain cameras come with night vision that can enhance images in low light conditions and increase visibility for the driver. Many van owners include this feature to the system. Some dashboard cams can be remotely monitored, and this is an immense benefit for van owners who spend long periods away from their vehicles.
Alarms
Van life is becoming more popular with those who enjoy traveling and exploring However, it is not without dangers. People who live in their vehicles are frequently at risk of thieves who may attack their vehicle and its contents. There are a variety of ways to protect your vehicle and its contents however, one of the most effective is an alarm system. These systems can be connected to your keypad, so that you will be alerted in the event of a burglary. These systems can also reduce the cost of insurance. This could save you thousands of dollars over the course of your vehicle.
A good alarm system will come with the base station, a keypad and entry sensors that guard against door peal. Some alarms even have a built-in motion sensor that will detect the presence of movement inside your vehicle and notify your phone. This can be a powerful deterrent for anyone who is a potential thief and could assist you in identifying a 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 operate than regular locks. There are locks that operate via a smartphone application. This allows you to check on your van while you are away.
A lot of van alarms include an engine immobilizer which disables your vehicle's motor if you use the wrong key to start it. This is a good security measure, but it will not stop a determined criminal from taking the entire engine. An alternative is to have a low-power tracker which stops the engine from starting and will notify you of the location of your vehicle when it is relocated.
Insurance
Vans are an essential source for many businesses and protecting their contents is a top concern. Not only does a robust van security system provide peace of mind, it can also reduce insurance costs since insurers take the security measures of van owners into consideration when calculating their premiums.
The year, model, and make of your vehicle will affect the cost of insurance as will your driving record. The location in which you reside and work will also affect your rates, as higher crime rates can cause higher rates. Insurance companies also take your van's use into consideration since commercial vehicles generally cost more to insure than personal vehicles.
Contact your insurance company prior to making any major van mods. This could impact the price of your policy. Likewise, adding on any accessories to your vehicle that aren't included in the standard will increase the price of your premium. A Thatcham Category 2 approved dash camera is an effective method to deter thieves, as they will think twice before trying to break into.
Insurance is another essential part of van life. It covers the tools and equipment that you keep in your van in case they are stolen. You can get complete physical damage protection as well as roadside assistance plans that will protect you from breakdowns and other emergencies while you're driving.
It's important to keep in mind that the insurance policy with the lowest cost doesn't necessarily mean the best. Compare the coverage limits and deductibles as well as other benefits to determine the best policy for your needs. It is worth looking into gap coverage in addition to comprehensive insurance. This can pay the difference between your cash value of your van and the outstanding amount on your loan in the event that your vehicle is destroyed.