Our Van Safety Checklist
Looking after a vehicle that doesn’t belong to you can be stressful, particularly if it’s your first time hiring a van. To ensure the rental process runs as smoothly as possible, we’ve compiled a list of simple steps you can follow to keep your van safe from potential thieves.
At Caversham Vehicle Hire, we’re pleased to provide an extensive fleet of vans for hire, guaranteed to suit a range of budgets and requirements. To find out more about our van hire services, please get in touch with a member of our team.
What Are the Most Common Ways Thieves Target Vans?
Unlocked Doors
The most common way criminals break into vans is by entering through unlocked doors. While it may seem like an obvious safety precaution, locking your vehicle every time you step away from it, day or night, could be all that’s needed to prevent a break in.
Breaking the Window
If thieves notice something valuable through your car window, the easiest way for them to reach the item is by smashing the window.
Peeling the Door Off
A straightforward way for thieves to break into your van, door peeling involves pulling back the door seal to reveal what’s inside the vehicle.
Key Fob Hacking
While wireless key fobs are incredibly convenient, with no need for a physical key, thieves have developed radio frequency technology that can either boost or block your key fob’s signal.
Once the signal is blocked, the vehicle won’t lock. Thieves will wait until the vehicle is left unattended, walk up to it, open the door and enter it as if it were their own.
They will also clone the key frequency to allow a key in their possession to open locked vehicle doors.
How to Keep Your Van Safe
1. Be Mindful of Where You Park
Your van will be significantly less likely to be broken into if you always make a conscious effort to park in well-lit, busy areas.
If you are parking your van at multiple locations during the day, keep an eye out for streetlights and park as close to them as you can. If possible, always try to situate your van with its back against a wall, this will prevent thieves from being able to get behind the vehicle and break in through the back doors.
2. Use a Steering Wheel Lock
Able to attach to the steering wheel and prevent it from being turned, steering wheel locks make it impossible for a thief to drive the van. These devices are often inexpensive and can provide unrivalled peace of mind during your hire period.
3. Remove All Valuables at Night
At the end of the day, remove all your valuables from the van. Whether it’s tools, furniture or specialist equipment, emptying your van at the end of each day will ensure your items remain safe and protected.
If, at some point, you have no choice but to leave something in your van, make sure it is covered and cannot be seen through the windows.
4. Lock the Doors and Keep All Windows Closed
Whether you’re parked at a rest stop, paying for parking or filling up your van at a petrol station, make sure your keys are out of the ignition and all windows are closed.
5. Have Insurance
Whether you’re hiring a van for a long or short period, it’s a good idea to have adequate insurance. The majority of vehicle hire companies will include third-party cover as standard, covering damage, theft and Third Party Liability Insurance. You will then be given the option to purchase optional extras.
In most cases, you will also receive a damage waiver with either collision (CDW) or remove This functions in a similar way to standard insurance, meaning you’re covered for certain types of damage to the van. You should note no vehicle hire company insurance will cover contents in the van and you should ensure you have adequate, separate insurance for your load, if required.
If your van is broken into during your rental period, you will likely be asked by the police to provide a list of what was taken. By keeping an inventory of your equipment and storing receipts, you’ll be making the process of submitting an insurance claim later down the line a lot simpler.
Keeping Your Van Safe
Prioritising the safety of your van during your hire period is crucial. Whether you’re renting for business or personal use, any damage or theft could result in financial liabilities or a loss of valuable assets.
Whether you’re moving house, conducting business deliveries or transporting tools and equipment, maintaining the security of your van is essential for your peace of mind.
If you’d like to find out more about our reliable van hire services, or to enquire about the steps you can take to keep your van safe during an upcoming rental period, please get in touch. One of our experienced team members will be more than happy to help. We look forward to hearing from you.