How to Make Your Van Secure

A van is an asset that can be used to transport expensive equipment and tools. It is essential to make your van as secure as you can. There are many ways to do this.

Slamlocks lock doors right after you close them. This is useful for couriers who make short drops, or who tend to forget to lock their vans. Other options include security stickers covering windows, tinting or covering them and installing the tool vault with a lockable feature.

Security locks

It is crucial to secure the contents of vans, since they are used as a means of transportation as well as mobile storage. The proper van security measures can deter criminals as well as protect your possessions, allowing you to embark on your journeys with confidence.


Door locks are the first line of defense, protecting the doors of the van and preventing unauthorized access. Standard locks, often pre-installed by the manufacturer, offer a basic level of protection however they are easily manipulated by determined thieves. Upgrade to advanced security locks that are resistant to cutting or drilling. This is an investment in security that will give you peace of mind.

Considerations when choosing van locks include the material and the build quality and whether it's approved by Thatcham. This means that the lock is of high-quality and more difficult to alter. The slamlock is an additional consideration. It automatically locks the doors of the loading area when it is closed and requires a special key to unlock. This is perfect for couriers who may not lock their vans during deliveries. Another alternative is the hook lock which provides additional security to the front and side doors and helps prevent 'peel and steal attacks.

It is crucial to regularly clean and lubricate your van locks in order to maintain their functionality and the strength of the mechanism. This helps prevent corrosion and rust and promotes smooth operation. Regular inspections allow you to identify the signs of wear and tear, and address them immediately. This will prevent security weaknesses from forming.

Installing the right security system can help you save money on van insurance. Many insurers offer favourable terms for the purchase of robust security solutions.

Slamlocks

One of the most effective ways to deter thieves is strengthening your van's locks. By installing slam or high-strength locks the doors of your van will be more secure and harder to break into. This is especially crucial if you plan to use your van to transport expensive equipment or valuable cargo.

A slam lock operates automatically as soon as the door is shut, meaning you don't need to press a key to activate the mechanism. This means it's much less likely to be stolen which makes it ideal for couriers or tradespeople who are constantly in and out of their van throughout the day and may not remember to lock it after each journey. It also helps combat the issue of opportunistic burglaries, where thieves simply unlock your vehicle's lock and run off with whatever they can get their hands on and often include the tools you require to complete your job.

There are a variety of slamlocks available. Some have additional security features like anti drill and anti pick technology, or a steelplate which prevents drilling. Certain locks are specifically designed for uses, like those used by multidrop drivers and for those who transport lots of valuable goods.

Deadlocks are an alternative for those who require more protection than what a slamlock can provide. They operate independently from the locking mechanism from the manufacturer and can be unlocked only by the driver by using the supplied key. You can also purchase hooklocks, which function similarly, but provides extra security with deadlocking bolts that are inserted in an opposing section of the body and is operated with the key that comes with it.

Dashboard cameras

If you want to make your van more secure and secure you should consider installing a dash camera. These cameras can be used to help avoid collisions and accidents while driving. They can also demonstrate your innocence in the event of an accident or traffic infraction. They work by converting the incoming light into electrical signals and then they convert these signals into digital data. They can be powered by the battery of your vehicle or by a cigarette-lighter.

A lot of dashboard cameras on the market include SD cards or flash drives to record. These devices overwrite old footage in order to make room for new recordings. However they can be upgraded to support larger memory cards if additional video data is required. Certain dashboard cameras come with cloud storage, removing the requirement for memory card storage. These dashboard cams connect to a smartphone, Wi-Fi network or both and upload data at various times.

Wireless or hard-wired cameras are also worth considering. Hardwired models are less prone to interference from cellular networks and other sources. They are also more durable and some models can withstand the weather.

Some vans have dual dash cams. They can record video from both the front and rear of the vehicle. This can be useful when you have to reverse into tight spaces or when you're parked. Some cameras come with night vision, which can make images appear brighter in low-light conditions and increase visibility for drivers. Many van owners choose to add this feature to their systems. Some dashboard cameras can be remotely monitored, and this can be an immense benefit for van dwellers who spend long periods away from their vehicles.

Alarms

Van life is becoming increasingly popular with those who like to travel and explore - but it's not without risks. People who live in their vehicles are often at risk of thieves who might target their vehicle and its contents. Alarm systems are one of the best ways to protect your van and its contents. Alarm systems can be linked to your keypad, so you'll receive notifications in the event of a break-in. These systems can also help reduce insurance premiums. This could save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your van.

A good alarm system will come with an alarm base station, keypads and entry sensors that protect against door peal. Some alarms even have a built in motion sensor that can detect any movement in your vehicle and notify your mobile. This is a great method to deter thieves and even assist in catching them before they strike.

Add deadlocks to your van's doors to ensure it's secure. They require a key and are harder to manipulate than standard locks. You can also purchase locks that you can operate via a smartphone application. This will allow you to check on your vehicle while you're away.

Many van alarms are also fitted with an engine immobilizer, which disables the engine of your vehicle in the event that the wrong key is used to start it. This is a sensible step to do, but it's not enough to stop a thief who is determined from taking away the entire engine. It is best to use a low-power tracking device which will stop the engine from starting and will notify you of the position of your vehicle once it is moved.

Insurance

For a lot of businesses their vans are crucial resources and safeguarding their contents is an important priority. A van security system can give peace of mind as well as reduce the cost of insurance. Insurance companies take into consideration the security measures implemented by van owners when calculating premiums.

The make, model and year 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, as higher crime rates may cause an increase in rates. van security system The Keylab may also take into account the possibility of using your van, as commercial vehicles are generally more expensive to insure.

If you're planning to make any major changes to your van it's essential to talk with your insurance provider prior to making any changes as this could have an impact on the price of your policy. The cost of insurance will also increase by adding any extras that aren't included in the standard vehicle. For instance the use of a Thatcham Category 2 approved dashboard camera is a simple way to discourage thieves, as it will make them think twice about trying to gain entry into your vehicle.

Another important aspect of van life is insurance to cover the tools and equipment that you keep in your vehicle, in the event of theft. You can obtain complete physical damage protection and roadside assistance plans that will protect you from breakdowns and other emergencies while you're on the road.

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, deductibles and other added benefits to determine the most suitable policy that meets your needs. In addition to full coverage, it's worth looking into gap insurance since this can pay the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and the remaining balance on your loan if it's repaid in total.