Do Thatcham Devices Cut Your Insurance Costs?

Thatcham devices have the potential to reduce your insurance costs, however, this can vary significantly between the insurance providers and their stipulations, as well as the type of security system installed.

Depending on your vehicle, it may already have a thatcham approved device installed, though this is unlikely to reduce your insurance costs. Let’s share why exactly an insurer would reduce their costs for a Thatcham approved device installed in the vehicle. 

Reducing risk of theft

Insurance companies view cars with Thatcham-approved security as less likely to be stolen, these devices make it harder for thieves to steal the car in the first place. If it is stolen, the device (depending on what it is) will likely increase the chances of recovery. This reduced risk translates to lower premiums.   

Insurance requirements (in some cases) 

Some insurers specifically require certain Thatcham categories of security devices, especially for high-value or performance cars. If your car has the required level of Thatcham approval, you’ll be eligible for their insurance policies and potentially benefit from lower premiums. Of course, you would need to check and confirm this with your insurer.  

Reduced premium

Many insurance providers offer discounts for cars with Thatcham-approved devices, even if they don’t explicitly require them, the amount of the discount can vary depending on the type of device and the insurer’s policies.   

The unpredictable factors

While Thatcham-approved devices often lead to lower premiums, it’s not a guaranteed result, each insurance company has its own criteria for calculating premiums, and other factors like your driving history, age, and location also play a role.

It’s always best to contact your insurance provider to ask about their policies regarding Thatcham-approved devices. They can tell you what types of devices they recognise, what discounts they offer, and whether having a Thatcham device will affect your premium.

Further to this point, the level of Thatcham approval can also affect the discount you receive. Generally, higher categories (like Category 1 for alarms and immobilisers, or Category S5 for tracking systems) might lead to larger discounts.   

Don’t forget, even if you have a Thatcham-approved device, it needs to be installed correctly by a professional to be effective. A poorly installed device might not be recognised by your insurer, and it could even be easily bypassed by thieves.

What’s the difference between Thatcham 1 and 2 categories?

The key difference between Thatcham category 1 and category 2 security systems lies in the presence of an alarm. As a basic explanation, category 1 has a more robust (and therefore superior) security rating. There are more category ratings available depending on the kind of device, however, category 1 and 2 are generally much more superior. 

Below is a deeper look into the two options. 

Thatcham category 1

• Combined Alarm and Immobiliser: Category 1 systems offer the highest level of security by combining both an alarm and an immobiliser.   
• Alarm Features: The alarm component includes features like perimeter and ignition detection, movement sensors (for example, detecting tilting or glass breakage), and a siren with its own power supply.   
• Immobiliser Requirements: The immobiliser must be passive (activating automatically) and isolate at least two crucial vehicle systems or one critical control unit, making it very difficult to start the car without the correct key.   

Thatcham Category 2:

• Immobiliser Only: Category 2 systems consist of an immobiliser without an alarm.

• Immobiliser Function: Like Category 1 immobilisers, these must be passive and isolate at least two circuits or systems, or one vital vehicle control unit.   

Which option is better??

• Category 1: Offers the best protection against theft, as it combines the deterrent of an alarm with the engine-immobilising function. This is often recommended for higher-value vehicles or those in high-risk areas, category 1 options are generally more expensive.

• Category 2: Provides a good level of security by preventing the car from being started without the correct key. This might be sufficient for lower-value vehicles or those in safer areas, additionally, category 2 options can be a more budget-friendly alternative. 

Where to find Thatcham approved devices and installation services