Car Security, Insurance Advice, UK

Landlords Insurance

In these modern times security devices on vehicles such as car alarms and immobilisers are required to help you beat the car thief.

Car crime peaked about a decade ago and has reduced slowly reduced over time, but don't think for one moment that you are safe, last year nearly 1 million vehicles were either stolen or broken into. Remember that this is only what was reported so the figure is likely to be a lot higher.

This is not a nice situation for anyone to find themselves in and therefore the more precautions that can be taken with regards to securiy of your car, the better. Not only can it save you a nasty shock but you can also benefit as a number of different insurers offer discounts for having certain devices fitted on vehicles, although to be accepted they usually need to be fitted by an approved workman.

These days newer cars are usually fitted, as standard, with much better security, which has been in part, driven by insurance companies, due to the high level of pay-outs that were made during the last decade. These security improvements have meant that your keys and where you leave them are probably one of your biggest car security risks so make sure that you always know where they are and never leave them in a place where they could be pocketed by a thief.

The better your level of car security, the more likely an insurance company is to reward you by lowering the premiums and/or excesses of your policy as your vehicle comparatively represents a lower risk.

For the older vehicle, or should you wish to make even greater roads into reducing the premium on a newer car, there are many security devices available, such as immobilisers that can be added to your vehicle.

It is worthwhile talking to insurance companies or looking on their websites to see if there may be any makes or models that they prefer, as stated above, they may even want a guarantee that they have been professionally installed.

Whatever your vehicle it is highly likely that added security will help to reduce your Car Insurance premiums.

If you have a high powered performance car it will often be the case that your Car Insurance premiums will be much higher than the average. Many insurers may even refuse to insure you, as they feel that the risks to them are too high. There are companies that specialize in these areas and may be able to attain you a better quote, even if your car is kit built, imported, modified, or simply has a powerful engine.

Sonar Direct will search a panel of insurers for to help try and provide you with a competitive Car Insurance quote.

Be warned, often you will need a specified security device. A "Thatcham" Category 2 device is an approved alarm. A "Thatcham" Category 1 device is an alarm and an immobilizer.

Your insurer may insist, for high powered cars, on a Cat1/Cat 2 or even a tracker - generally regarded as the best device.

Immobilisers and Alarms

Electronic engine immobiliser:
- fitted to all new cars since September 1998
Alarm system. Look for sensors that react to someone lifting the car or breaking windows. Also sensors that cover the doors, ignition and inside of the car.

Locks

Central locking stops you leaving one door unlocked.
Deadlocks stop the door being opened even if someone's broken a window.
Locking wheel nuts stop wheels getting stolen:
- particularly important for attractive alloys
A lockable fuel cap prevents fuel theft.
Secure spare wheel. Make sure it's stored inside the car or in a strong carrier that's difficult to open from outside.
Secure luggage area. Ideally, it should be difficult to get into from inside the car.

Security Markings

Security etching/marking The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), registration or other unique number can be marked on windows, lights and elsewhere. It makes it more difficult to hide or change the car's identity.
Visible VIN A secure plate marked with the VIN, attached to the car body. You can see it easily through the windscreen on the left near the tax disc holder. It's difficult to remove or change it.
Secure in-car CD/stereo You need security codes, removable front panels or a unit built into the dashboard.

Secure Glazing

Secure Glazing/Enhanced Protection Glazing (EPG) EPG resists attack for much longer than the normal, toughened glass used in side windows. Currently only fitted to some luxury cars, it should filter down to a wider range of cars over the next few years.

Used Cars

Some used cars are targeted for their parts. As cars get older, the demand for parts increases, and owners are less likely to want to pay expensive dealer prices.

Used cars that don't have immobilisers are easy targets for opportunists and professionals. Electronic engine immobilisers only became standard on all new cars in 1998.

Consider fitting a security system or upgrading the existing one. In fact, your insurer may insist on it, or offer you a discount if you do.

You should also get an alarm fitted if the car hasn't got one.

Make sure you use an approved installer to fit alarms and immobilisers. Look for the Vehicle Systems Installation Board (VSIB) logo.

Security and Insurance

Both new and used cars are put into insurance groups according to factors such as price, performance and repair costs. The car's security system is also taken into account, so good security can mean lower insurance.

See our security info, including advice on protecting your new car.

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