How to protect your van?

How to protect your van?

Whether you rent a van for your move or drive one every day for work, you don’t need a PhD to follow these simple steps to protect your vehicle and its contents. Here are our pro tips to protect your vehicle.

Not sure which insurance to choose?

Let’s start at the beginning. When you buy or rent a van for a longer or shorter period, it’s better to have suitable insurance. No one likes to be left out, so why opt for third-party insurance? If you want to fully protect your vehicle and its contents, choose comprehensive insurance. The name speaks for itself, no need for an explained reading. If you rent a van, take out insurance that also covers its contents, in case someone decides to steal your belongings.

• Deter thieves

Do you manage many employees? Do you work for someone? Are you self-employed? Thieves don’t make a difference, especially opportunists who easily spot poorly monitored vehicles. According to a recent study, more than 30 vans are stolen every day, and more than 80 are broken into. Fortunately, there are many ways to deter these looters.

• Don’t forget the essentials

Let’s start with the most obvious. Always lock your van, even if you leave it for just a minute or two. Opportunistic crooks who see you coming and going don’t need more time, so don’t make it easy for them. To ensure you’ve locked your vehicle, check the handles, always close your windows, and never leave valuables in plain sight, especially your GPS at night. Also, don’t leave your keys unattended in the van. Otherwise, your insurance won’t cover you, and you risk being the laughingstock of your entourage. A practice to ban purely and simply, okay?

• Park smartly

You can’t always choose where you park. But most of the time, if you use common sense, you’ll avoid luring thieves. Park in well-lit streets at night, and in busy parking lots equipped with cameras if you’re going on a trip. At night, put your van in your garage, if you have one, or install security lighting in your driveway if your vehicle sleeps outside.

• Don’t leave tools in your van overnight

We’ve all seen this sign on vans, and you might have one yourself. If so, respect it. You may not be able to empty your van every night, but make sure you don’t leave anything valuable in it. At least take out the equipment you need to work, so you don’t end up with nothing if someone steals your van or its contents.

• Side or rear break-in

You might remember this type of offense that was all the rage a few years ago. Thieves attack the side of the van, or the rear doors, and tear them off by force; two or three people are enough to force entry. To avoid this, park your vehicle close to a wall or doors, so that the criminals don’t have the necessary space.

One watchword: preparation

It’s always better to be prepared, in all circumstances. Here’s how to outsmart the robbers.

• Equip yourself with security devices

Today, most vans are equipped with good security systems, including an alarm and an immobilizer. But why not go further, with, for example, a steering lock, a tracking device, and additional locks on the doors? If they are clearly visible, these devices will deter professional robbers eyeing your vehicle.

• Secure your toolbox

Nowadays, you can get a lockable toolbox to fix to the floor of your van. This way, you outsmart thieves and avoid having to take your tools out of your van every night, even if it’s still the best thing to do, in case your vehicle is stolen.

• Outsmart the crooks

Unfortunately, catalytic converters have become a target for thieves. These parts are easily removed, and the precious metal they contain sells well. As vans are elevated, catalytic converters are easier to steal from these vehicles, but there are anti-theft devices for extra protection.

• Leave your mark

Always mark your equipment. Record, then mark all your equipment and tools with a marker, and make an inventory by referencing the brands, models, and serial numbers, so you can provide them to your insurance if needed.

• A bit of science to finish…

Do you know Michael Faraday? What a man! Although he died in 1867, almost twenty years before the first motor car was built, his genius still shines on the automotive world today. Do you want to know why? The electronic car keys we love so much today can easily be hacked by criminals thanks to their electrical signal… unless you place them in a pouch, envelope, box, or any container acting as a Faraday cage.

And there you have it! With all our tips, you are now able to protect your vehicle and keep it safe from thieves!