What Type of Immobiliser Does My Car Have & How To Find Out?

When you take out a new car insurance policy, the insurer may ask you to specify what sort of immobiliser your car has.

If you don’t know what type of immobiliser you have, in this post we’ll discuss some ways you can find out.

What is a Car Immobiliser?

An immobiliser is an anti-theft device that prevents the car from starting unless you use the right key, or fob. The key or fob sends a unique code to the car’s electronic code unit (ECU), and if it’s the right code, the engine will start. An electronic control unit (ECU), also called an electronic control module (ECM), is a built-in computer that controls one or more electrical systems in a vehicle.

If a thief uses the wrong key or fob, the immobiliser prevents the ECU from receiving the code, which means the engine won’t start.

What Type of Immobiliser Does My Car Have?

If you want to find out exactly which type of immobiliser you have, you can:

• Check your car’s manual, which should detail what sort of security system you have installed.
• Ask a mechanic who can tell you what sort of immobiliser you have.
• Use your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) to look up key details about your car, which could include information about your security systems.

If your car does not have an immobiliser fitted as standard, then you can install an aftermarket security system in your car. In this case, it’s best to choose a Thatcham-approved device, as this will be guaranteed to give you the most dependable protection against car theft and break-ins.

The Different Types of Car Immobilisers

Thatcham Research, a not-for-profit company, is responsible for certifying and testing security systems for cars. There are seven categories of Thatcham certification:

• Category 1
• Category 2
• Category 2/1
• Category 3
• Category 4
• Category S5
• Category S7

Let’s look at each category in turn.

Thatcham Category 1

This refers to a ‘combined alarm and immobiliser’. Category 1 is the most sophisticated and secure immobiliser and alarm system possible. Features will include:

• Perimeter and ignition detection.
• Sensors to detect suspicious movement, as well as broken glass and attempts to tilt the car.
• An alarm that activates when the car’s broken into. This alarm is self-powered, which means that it does not rely on the car’s battery for power.
• All systems are passive, meaning that the driver does not have to activate or set anything. They therefore provide reliable anti-theft protection as standard.

Thatcham Category 2

Category 2 only applies to immobilisers. To qualify, the immobiliser must be passively-set, with no input required from the driver. Plus, the immobiliser must disengage at least two systems (such as ignition, the starter motor, or the fuel system), or at least one vehicle control unit.

Thatcham Category 2/1

This applies to a vehicle with a category 2 security system that is later fitted with an aftermarket category 1 alarm.

Thatcham Category 3

The previous Thatcham categories referred to electric immobilisation systems. Category 3 security systems use mechanical means to prevent a car from operating, such as steering wheel or gearstick locks.

Thatcham Category 4

This means the car has wheel locking devices. This can include the sort of wheel nuts that require a special tool to remove, which can help to deter thieves from stealing alloy wheels.

Thatcham Category S5

This means that the car will have some kind of GPS tracking system installed. On top of that, users will be able to immobilise a stolen car remotely, through using a dedicated app, for instance.

Thatcham Category S7

In 2019, Thatcham replaced categories 6 and 7 with category S7. Category S7 systems have GPS trackers that will help you locate your car if it’s stolen, but they won’t allow you to remotely immobilise your car as they could with an S5 system.

Does My Car Have an Immobiliser?

Most, if not all, cars manufactured since 1998 have immobilisers fitted as standard. So unless you’re driving a significantly older model, it’s almost certain that your car has an immobiliser.

Alarms, Immobilisers, and Insurance

A sophisticated security system can act as a strong deterrent against thieves. It can also help you track and recover your car in the event of a theft. As a result, your car’s security system can have a direct impact on your car insurance premiums.

This is why insurers will ask you to specify what type of immobiliser you have when you take out a new insurance policy.

At Go Girl, we know all drivers and every car is different. Now you have the information you need about your car’s security systems, it’s time to get a quote for your car insurance, fill in our quote form and get a quote today.