12 tips to safely store camera gear in a vehicle

The truth is that there is no foolproof solution when it comes to storing camera gear in a vehicle such as a car or van. Ultimately, there will always be some risk involved in doing this. However, sometimes it is necessary, and there are some steps that can be taken to mitigate the risks.

Tips to safely store camera gear in a van:

1. Make sure that the vehicle is relatively nondescript (e.g., production/rental company logos will make it too obvious to thieves that gear is probably inside).

    

2. Use a hard-shell case [Amazon Affiliate Link]: A hard-shell case will provide the most protection for your gear, as it is more resistant to impact and weather.

    

3. Tint or paint your windows. Buy blinds [Amazon Affiliate Link] to prevent people from seeing what is inside your vehicle.

    

4. Park your vehicle back against a wall whenever possible so that it is harder to get in through the back doors/trunk.

    

5. Use a locking mechanism: A locking mechanism such as a padlock or combination lock [Amazon Affiliate Link] can help prevent theft.

    

6. Store gear out of sight: If possible, store your gear out of sight, so that it is not visible to potential thieves; e.g., use blankets.

    

7. Use a safe: If you have a larger van, consider installing a safe [Amazon Affiliate Link] to store your gear inside or at least chaining together the gear. This will make a smash-and-grab harder.

    

8. If you need to park the vehicle overnight: stay at reputable hotels; hotel parking lots should be well-lit and monitored by cameras and security guards.

    

9. Use security cameras: If you have the capability to install security cameras [Amazon Affiliate Link] in the vehicle, it will help you to monitor the gear and also it can be used as evidence in case of theft.

    

10. Park in a secure location: Park your van in a secure location, such as a gated parking lot or a well-lit area with surveillance. Don’t rely on surveillance alone, though, as this won’t necessarily deter potential thieves. But a combination of all these tips, plus surveillance, might be enough to deter them. If you make it difficult for them, they will likely move on and look at other targets.

     

11. You likely don’t need to leave ALL of your camera gear in the vehicle; consider what items you could unload into your residence for the night.

     

12. In case a theft does happen, have a Tile/tracker [Amazon Affiliate Link] embedded in a discrete spot within your gear to be able to track it post-theft.

Always be aware of your surroundings and take any necessary precautions to protect your camera gear. In case a theft does happen, you will want to have insurance in place.

Get Photography Insurance (Canada)

Front Row’s photography insurance policy (Canada) can be purchased online 24/7. If a location requires evidence of liability insurance before they will allow you on the property to shoot, Front Row can provide that to you in 5 minutes, 24/7 for 12 months of coverage. Online means lower cost.

Many Canadian photographers have come to recognize Front Row as the industry’s best coverage – and rely upon us to protect their valuable camera gear. In case a claim does occur, you can work with your Front Row broker to resolve the claim and get compensated for losses as quickly as possible.

Get Film/Video Equipment Insurance (Canada)

DigiGear Insurance (Canada): custom equipment insurance for owners of: cameras, sound and lighting gear working in the film/TV industry. Also available online. Quotes in 2 minutes. Policy available in 5 minutes. Shop from your phone. If you’re in the US, get a quote here.