The latest car registration plates have been available since 1st March and with attention focused on the motor market we wanted to highlight an issue that often comes up when discussing insurance with clients.
Tracking devices have become a lot more sophisticated in the last decade, but with so many to choose from and so many now installed as standard, it’s difficult to know exactly what you’ve got.
For over 20 years vehicle security systems have been independently accredited by an organisation called Thatcham Research and there are eight categories that these systems can fall into. Categories five, six and seven relate specifically to tracking systems, with category five being the most sophisticated.
So what’s the difference?
• Category five
The system will automatically detect unauthorised movement, notify the police and enable street level tracking and remote immobilisation of the vehicle.
• Category six
You’ll have to inform the police of the theft, but the system lets them track the vehicle and immobilise it remotely.
• Category seven
The system will locate the vehicle to a general area and a hand-held device can then pinpoint its location.
The exact criteria for each accredited category can be found on www.thatcham.org.
Car theft has fallen dramatically in the UK, but it’s become a lot less opportunistic and a lot more targeted towards prestige and luxury vehicles. Having the right tracker will make it possible to secure the most appropriate insurance and make it more likely you get your car back if it’s stolen.