Approved Products
Thatcham-approved security systems
The Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre (MIRRC), known as Thatcham, has been testing and approving 'aftermarket' security systems since 1992. They publish lists of approved products and systems. Some insurers have insisted that a Thatcham approved security system be fitted as a condition of cover on certain high-risk cars. Other insurers offer discounts if you install Thatcham-approved systems. Check before buying insurance.
Thatcham approves security systems under a number of categories.
For cars
CAT1 - Combined alarm and immobiliser
Key features
- Alarm with full perimeter and passenger compartment sensing and battery backed-up siren
- Passively armed immobiliser isolating a minimum of two operating systems
- Anti-scan, anti-grab key-code system
- Coded fuel valve for diesels
CAT2 - Immobiliser
Key features
- Passively armed immobiliser isolating a minimum of two operating systems
- Anti-scan, anti-grab key-code system
- Coded fuel valve for diesels
CAT2 - 1 - Alarm upgrade
Key features
- Upgrades a fitted CAT2 system to full CAT1 status
CAT3 - Mechanical immobiliser
Key features
- Isolates a minimum of one operating system
- Easy to arm and disarm
- High level of attack resistance
- Permanent or temporary installation
CAT4 - Wheel locking devices
Key features
- Reliability and durability
- Secure key replacement procedures
- attack resistance
- Traceability
CAT5 - After theft tracking and recovery systems
Key features
- Vehicle location systems
- Vehicle Remote immobilisation systems
- Vehicle signalling systems
For motorcycles
MC1 - Combined alarm and immobiliser for motorcycles 125cc and up
Key features
- Alarm with ECU protection, ignition and tilt detection and battery backed up siren
- Passively armed immobiliser isolating a minimum of two operating circuits
- Anti-scan, anti-grab resistant key codes
MC2 - Immobiliser for motorcycles 125cc and up
Key features
- Passively armed immobiliser isolating a minimum of two operating circuits
- Anti-scan, anti–grab resistant key codes
MC2 - 1 - Alarm upgrade for motorcycles 125cc and up
Key features
- Upgrades fitted MC2 immobiliser to full MC1 status
MC3 - Mechanical immobiliser for motorcycles 125cc and up
Key features
- Isolates a minimum of one operating system
- Easy to arm and disarm
- High level of attack resistance
- Permanent or temporary installation
MC4 - Electronic immobiliser for motorcycles smaller than 125cc
Key features
- Passively armed immobiliser isolating a minimum of one circuit or system
- Anti-scan, anti grab resistant key codes
Important information
- Systems undergo a wide range of laboratory and attack tests to ensure they're safe, reliable and effective against common attack methods used by thieves.
- Fitting a Thatcham-approved system doesn't guarantee that your car won't be stolen, but it should considerably reduce the risk.
- An alarm or immobiliser is only as good as the installation. We recommend installation by a Vehicle Systems Installation Board (VSIB) approved installer.
For more details on approved products, contact Thatcham's Vehicle Security National Helpline on 0870 550 2006.
'Q'-class products
Thatcham also tests products that don't fit into any of its standard categories. Examples are glass etching, parts marking systems, wheel-locking devices, security containers and remote immobilisation systems.
- These are tested at the request of the manufacturer as "non-categorised" systems and are given a so-called 'Q-class' listing if performance is satisfactory.
- Tests are agreed between Thatcham and the manufacturer and are designed to show that the system:
- Meets the manufacturer's claims
- Can reduce risk of theft
- Is safe, reliable and durable
For more details of Q-listed products contact Thatcham's Vehicle Security National Helpline on 0870 550 2006.