When it comes to car insurance, slap on any barely-there modification to your vehicle’s security setup, and you might see a noticeable change in premiums. And when I say “any,” one of the most trusted modifications in the insurance and automotive world is to fit a Thatcham Immobilisers – a recognised standard right across the car and insurance industry in the UK. But does fitting one of these immobilisers reduce your insurance premium, or is it just a nice option for peace of mind?
Let’s look deeper at Thatcham Immobilisers, why insurers care about them, and whether they reduce your premium.
What are Thatcham Immobilisers?
“Thatcham” refers to the Thatcham Research Centre, an organisation founded by the motor insurance industry to assess vehicle safety and security products. Thatcham has developed a classification system that examines immobilsers, alarms, tracking, and other vehicle security technologies.
Thatcham Immobilisers are an electronic device that will not permit the engine to run unless a correct key/fob is presented to the system. This system immobilises at least two of the three major components to start a car – ignition, fuel system, and starter motor – which makes it very difficult for a thief to drive the vehicle away.
Why do insurers value Thatcham-rated products?
Insurers tolerate risk, but they most certainly do not like risk. When you claim your car insurance, insurers want to limit their liability as much as possible. The higher the risk of your vehicle being stolen, the more they will charge you to mitigate that risk. So when an anti-theft product claims to effectively reduce that risk, especially if its effectiveness has been independently verified, it will be welcomed by the insurer.
Thatcham’s category ratings are well-accepted and embraced by the car insurance industry because their severe test standards and testing mean something. If your vehicle is fitted with a Thatcham Cat 1 or 2 Immobiliser, then one would think it is likely that insurers will deem this makes your car a lower theft risk; i.e., you have less chance of a claim, leading to lower insurance premiums.
Here’s a quick summary:
Category 1: An alarm and immobiliser combined.
Category 2: Immobiliser only.
Category 2/1 upgrade: Moving from a Category 2 alarm to a Category 1 alarm.
Will It Cost Less to Insure?
The short answer is: Yes – but it depends..
Many insurers in the UK will provide a discount if your vehicle comes with, or has had, a Thatcham-approved immobiliser fitted, especially if it did not come with an immobiliser in the first place. The discount may not be massive, but it will be less than what you would normally pay throughout your policy.
Here is how it works:
If your car is older or did not come with all of the modern security features available now, fitting a Thatcham Immobiliser correctly will show insurers that you are going to extra lengths to mitigate the possibility of theft occurring.
Some insurers will not even quote you unless your vehicle is fitted with a recognised immobiliser.
For high-performance or high-value vehicles, having a Thatcham-approved immobiliser is often a stipulation for insurance coverage to even be an option for you.
However, not all insurers will provide a discount just because you now have a security device. Some may want documentation or proof of installation from a certified technician. It’s best to contact your insurer directly and let them know and provide them with the documentation.
Factory Systems vs Aftermarket: What’s the difference?
You may find that many newer vehicles come with a Thatcham-rated security system fitted as standard. If you are unsure, just check the manufacturer’s manual or ask the manufacturer or Thatcham’s official database at thatcham.org.
If your vehicle is not fitted with a Thatcham-approved immobiliser, there will be a marked improvement in security by installing one with a reputable installer such as Lock and Track – this is especially the case if you are seeking to enhance vehicle security for a fleet or commercial vehicle.
Aftermarket installations give you the flexibility to specify the level of vehicle security you want, including shutting down the engine remotely or integrating with a vehicle tracking system.
Bonus: Theft Protection
So while the discount for insurance is still nice to have, the real value of Thatcham Immobilisers is in its prevention of vehicle theft. According to Home Office figures, vehicles fitted with approved immobilisers are 40% less likely to be stolen than those without.
So, even if you have only saved a relatively small percentage off your premium, when you consider the potential costs of vehicle theft, plus the inconvenience, lost time, and potential excess, Thatcham Immobilisers are a worthy purchase.
Conclusion: Is it worth it?
An Immobiliser recommended by Thatcham presents a good option if your car doesn’t have one. It provides a valuable add-on to the security of your vehicle and may provide added reductions to your insurance payments, so older high-risk vehicles qualify.
It’s a valuable investment to consider adding this immediately to an existing vehicle or comparing it with leasing option plans. To read reviews and see what others say about Lock & Track, click here.
Please reach out to us for certified options with Lock and Track to get started.
