When purchasing a new vehicle, one of your first considerations must be how to protect it from theft or vandalism. This normally entails fitting the vehicle with a good quality alarm/immobiliser. However, as useful as these are, they cannot by themselves provide complete protection from theft.
Many owners nowadays turn to vehicle trackers as an extra layer of security. But often the issue is how to choose a tracker that can provide absolute peace of mind.
Most vehicle owners will be aware of the term ‘Thatcham Approved’ when looking at vehicle security options. However, many may be unsure of what this means. Read on for all the information you need to know about choosing a Thatcham Approved tracker, and why they are so popular.
What makes Thatcham Approved the industry standard?
The Thatcham Research facility, based in Berkshire in the UK, has nearly 50 years’ experience in research and development of vehicle security systems and automotive risk. As a not-for-profit organisation, it is the key player in the automotive security industry.
Thatcham Research, in collaboration with the automotive industry and other stakeholders, analyses data around identified risks provided by others in the automotive industry to keep pace with fast-changing new vehicle technology.
The company’s well-established certification categories ensure that a product has reached the highest level of performance in safety, reliability and functionality. All products are rigorously tested against known identified risks, which are set out by Thatcham Research criteria.
What do the categories mean?
Thatcham Research covers security products for all vehicle types, including:
- Passenger cars and light commercial vehicles
- Motorcycles, scooters and ATVs
- Plant and agricultural vehicles
- Motorhomes, campervans and caravans
Thatcham Category 1
This is a combined alarm and immobiliser. It features ignition and perimeter detection by incorporating tilt and movement sensors. Alarms will be powered by a separate battery supply and immobilisation is set independently without any driver input.
Thatcham Category 2
This involves an electronic immobiliser. A Category 2 device again is independently set with no driver input.
Thatcham Category 2/1
An electronic alarm upgrade. This means a retrofitted alarm which meets Category 1 requirements and could lower your insurance premium.
Thatcham Category 3
This involves a mechanical immobiliser. This refers to physical, not electronic, devices which can be permanent or temporary such as steering wheel or gear lever locks.
Thatcham Category 4
These are wheel locking devices. Attack-resistant wheel locking nuts with a secure key replacement procedure.
Thatcham Category S5
S5 are vehicle tracking systems. These have a variety of functions depending upon which one you buy such as remote immobilisation and location tracking.
Thatcham Category S7
These are known as asset location systems and the latest in GPS tracking technology. This was introduced in 2019 to replace the previous Category 6 and 7 ratings. Also referred to as stolen vehicle location, it means that if the worst happens, your vehicle stands a very good chance of being quickly recovered.
Why should you buy a Thatcham Approved product?
Simply put, Thatcham Research is the industry benchmark when it comes to alarms, immobilisers and tracking devices and has been for almost five decades. Protecting your vehicle with a security device that bears Thatcham accreditation means that you have the best possible chance of keeping your vehicle safe from harm.
Thatcham approved security devices not only provide you with the peace of mind that the latest protection and monitoring technology has to offer but you will also receive a secure insurance certificate once your device is active.
For more information on which vehicle security system you need and to get help on navigating your way through the range of system categories and what they mean you should always go to a trusted retailer where knowledgeable and experienced staff can provide guidance.
