Introduction - One of the best ways to obtain a discount on motor insurance is to fit additional security devices to your car.   The majority of cars come fitted with the manufactures own security device and some times it is difficult to know what exactly has been fitted to the vehicle. We hope the following list may help you understand some of the terminology relating to vehicle security.  Ask you insurers if they will consider giving you a discount from your car insurance policy if you fit additional security. They will want to know exactly the type of device that has been fitted to your vehicle, and by whom. In all probability, they will ask to see documentary proof before giving you a discount from your car insurance. 

The main security devices and features include:-

• Alarm - This device will sound be highly audible and sometimes will also provide a visual warning via the headlights when the vehicle is being tampered with.

• Battery Back Up - A siren that has it’s own battery which allows the alarm to continue to sound even if the car battery is disconnected. Disconnecting the battery is a method used by thieves to stop the alarm sounding.

• Bonnet Locks - These lock the bonnet of the car, preventing thieves from attacking the engine compartment.

• Coded Audio Equipment /ICE - The radio /stereo/cd player in your car has a secret code; this stops the device from working if it is stolen.

• Coded Fuel Value - A valve will shut off the fuel supply to the engine and requires a sophisticated code to run the vehicle. This type of device is ideal for diesel vehicles.

• Dead Locking - This disables the normal locking functions and prevents a thief from opening the car from the inside by breaking the window and operating the release handle or button.

• DIY Security Markings - As the owner of the vehicle you can choose to mark the vehicle with your name and address or postcode and hide this, inside door skins, under the seat frames etc.  You can use dymo tape, ultraviolet pens cards or similar. This will help identify your vehicle if it is stolen.

• Glass Break Detector - This sets of the alarm if the thief breaks a car window.

• Glass Etching - All the glass on the vehicle sometimes including headlamps is etched with the vehicle registration number or the vehicle Identification number.

• Immobiliser - An immobiliser stops the vehicle from being driven away. There are two types:-

• Mechanical- these will lock the steering wheel, gear lever or pedals in position.

• Electronic These disable the vehicles electrical system and engine.
   

• Inclination Sensor - This sets off the alarm when it senses the vehicle is being raised or jacked up to tow away or to steal the wheels.

• Microwave Sensor - A volumetric sensor designed to reduce the possibility of false alarms on soft-top vehicles.

• Paging - A paging device sends a signal to the owner telling him the vehicle is being attached or stolen.

• Passive Arming - The alarm/immobiliser is switched on automatically when you leave the car.

• Perimeter Protection - If a thief opens any doors or the boot/luggage area or the bonnet then the alarm will go off.

• Radio Key- (Remote Control) - A tiny radio transmitter, which may operate the alarm/immobilier and or door, locks

• Random Code - This protects against grabbing as the Radio Key uses a different code match every time the system is set and unset.

• Locking Wheel Nuts - These help prevent a thief from stealing the wheels using a standard wheel brace.

• Side Screen Protection Film - a strong plastic film stuck over side windows. This may help prevent smash & grab theft attacks

• Thatcham Vehicle Security - Thatcham is a non-profit making organisation set up by Insurers to investigate the cost of repair after accident and to test the original equipment and after market security systems. Fitting a Thatcham security device to your vehicle reduces the chance of a Theft.

Thatcham Cat 1 - Combined Alarm & Immobiliser. A Thatcham Cat 1 alarm has the following features:-

 Alarm with full parametric and volumetric detection, battery back up siren.
 Immobiliser isolating a minimum of 2 operating systems, passively armed
 Anti Scan Anti Grab resistance of key codes

Thatcham Cat 2 - Electronic/Electromechanical Immobiliser

 Immobiliser isolating a minimum of 2 operating systems passively armed
 Anti Scan anti grab resistance of codes

• Tracking Systems - Tracking devices fitted to cars send out signals, which help the police locate a vehicle if stolen.

• Total Closure/ Central Locking - Enable the whole car) doors, boot sunroof) to be locked with just one operation of a key or remote control

• Touch Key - A key, which operates the alarm/immobiliser by direct contact with keypad.

• Transponder - This is a unique coded identification microchip, which can be used in a immobiliser to help prevent a vehicle being stolen.

• VIN- Vehicle Identification Number - A unique 17-digit number stamped on various parts of the vehicle check the VIN markings for signs of tampering.

• Visible VIN 17 Digit - Number viewed from outside the vehicle adjacent to the left hand windscreen pillar (passenger side)

• Volumetric Sensor - The sets of the alarm if a thief enters the car