Security systems

Thatcham approved for peace of mind

Your insurer might offer a premium discount if you get a Thatcham approved security system fitted. On high risk vehicles it might even be a condition of cover. Check before you buy insurance.

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.

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 security system doesn't guarantee that your car won't be stolen, but it should considerably reduce the risk.

You can find the names and suppliers of tested and approved products by category on the Thatcham website.

Electronic alarm and immobiliser

(Category 1 – applies to cars, commercial vehicles, plant and motorcycles)

Alarms must include perimeter detection, ignition detection, internal movement detection and independent battery back-up.

Immobilisers must set passively – without an action from the driver – and must isolate at least two operating circuits or one control unit critical to normal vehicle operation.

Electronic or electromechanical immobiliser

(Category 2 – applies to cars, commercial vehicles, plant and motorcycles)

Immobilisers must set passively – without an action from the driver – and must isolate at least two operating circuits or one control unit critical to normal vehicle operation.

Alarm upgrade

(Category 2-1 – applies to cars, commercial vehicles, plant and motorcycles)

Turns a category 2 approved immobiliser system into a category 1 system.

Mechanical immobiliser

(Category 3 – applies to cars, commercial vehicles, plant and motorcycles)

Must isolate a minimum of one operating system and be easy to set/unset. Devices can be permanently or temporarily installed.

Wheel locking devices

(Category 4 – applies to cars, commercial vehicles and plant)

Thatcham tests for resistance to attack, reliability and durability as well as the security of the key replacement process.

After theft systems for vehicle recovery

(Category 5 – applies to cars, commercial vehicles, plant and motorcycles)

Includes vehicle location systems, remote immobilisation systems and vehicle signalling systems.

Stolen vehicle tracking systems

(Category 6 – applies to cars, commercial vehicles, plant and motorcycles)

Stolen vehicle location systems

(Category 7 – applies to cars, commercial vehicles, plant and motorcycles)

Installation

An alarm or immobiliser is only as good as the installation.

Check for Thatcham approved installers in your area »

 

1 August 2011