As contactless theft becomes an ever-growing threat to car safety, it’s understandable that many are looking into aftermarket security solutions, one of which being the Autowatch Ghost Immobiliser. But you may be wondering ‘Does a Ghost Immobiliser reduce insurance?’
Keyless car crime is a seriously frightening trend. In the UK, on average, a car is stolen every 10 minutes. Criminals are using an advanced technique called relay attack, to hack into cars and drive them away. Here, professional thieves work together to copy the signals of a victim’s car keys, disable the car’s telematics, and then manipulate the car into starting.
With this information in hand, we at Car Specialist Customs believe it is our responsibility to share with you a staple in car security, the Ghost Immobiliser.
So what is a ghost immobiliser used for?
Ghost immobilisers are used to add another layer of protection to your vehicles and make it harder for them to be stolen or otherwise entered. It serves to protect keys, combat key cloning, hacking or keyless entry and essentially stop thieves from getting your vehicle.
We found that no matter where you live or park your vehicle, it can be prone to thieves – that’s why ghost immobilisers can be so important in this modern age.
They work by preventing your engine from working unless an additional, unique pin number or code sequence is entered alongside your key fob.
With more and more people putting emphasis on their cars, it’s only natural for some to choose to improve their security at the same time with the use of a ghost immobiliser.
The device is also low-maintenance and incredibly hard to detect. It has a connection to the CAN (Controller Area Network) and operates through the ECU (Engine Control Unit), and can be installed in a hidden location, works silently, has no radio signals and is unrecognisable to the untrained eye.
For added security, only the ghost immobiliser fitters themselves are aware of the location of the device, and the car owner, at their own discretion.
Whilst a wheel lock can be cut off, and a car’s wires can be jumped, or a universal key can be applied, a ghost immobiliser cannot be found or detected in time to make a speedy getaway.
One of its added benefits is that, if you choose to be, you can be the only person who knows where it is located, and that it even exists. Because of this, thieves can be left wondering why your vehicle will not start, which can lead to them assuming that it is broken and leaving it be.
You can experience these benefits when investing in the ghost immobiliser.
- Adds a full prof extra layer of security
- Can not be detected, its location is only known to installers (and the owner if they choose to)
- Creates ease of access for the user whilst making it impossible for thieves to steal
- Help protect a vehicle you have invested a lot of money and time into
- Cloned keys are nullified
- Even if a thief gets into the car, the engine will not start without the required code etc
- There is no trace of instillation, meaning the aesthetics of your car in the interior and exterior will be unaffected.
- Ability to change your pin as much as you like
- If you have invested in personalising your vehicle, or own a very expensive or rare vehicle, this is the best investment to make to keep your vehicle safe at all times, so you don’t lose the time and money you invested into the vehicle.
Does a Ghost Immobiliser reduce insurance?
As there are a wide variety of insurance agencies to choose from who have their own rules, policies and exceptions. As a result it is difficult for us to give a concrete answer as to whether a ghost immobiliser reduces or increases your insurance. We advise you speak to your insurer to find out before investing in this after-market security solution.
Installing & removing/deactivating a ghost immobiliser
Ghost Immobilisers can be fit by yourself, however we at Car Specialist Customs do not recommend this for people who have no experience in installing aftermarket security solutions.
Ghost Immobilisers benefit by having there systems being hidden within your car, this means that potential thieves will have immense difficulty in finding & deactivating the immobiliser. Having your ghost immobilisers installed by us means that only we know where it will be (if you choose not to know).
We are professional and experienced installers of Ghost Immobilisers, we leave no indication as to where it was installed, whilst also testing it after installation to make sure it is working as it should be.
When it comes to how to remove a Ghost Immobiliser, we recommend you do not remove it yourself unless you installed it or have experience successfully doing this. The reason being, is that the system directly affects your engine, and any mishandling of removal may damage the engine.
If you have had a Ghost Immobiliser installed by use and would like it removed, or are looking for guidance for removal, don’t hesitate to contact us to see where we can help you.
There may be instances where you need to turn off your Ghost Immobiliser for services such as a valet or servicing. If this is your need then here is how to activate Service/Valet mode on your Ghost Immobiliser according to the AutoWatch website.
How to enter service / valet mode
- Disarm the system using your disarm sequence or mobile app
- Drive to, and park up at the dealership, airport, valeter’s etc and while the engine is still running, turn the app completely off then press your service button 5 times
- The indication lamp will flash back at you 5 times to confirm service / valet mode has been entered
How to exit service / valet mode manually
- Simply enter your normal disarm sequence (must have an ignition cycle since service mode was entered)
- There will be the normal disarm 2 flash confirmation
- The next time the ignition is switched off the Ghost will rearm as normal
How service / valet mode exits automatically
- Drive up to 31 mph (50 kph)
- Continue to drive (at any speed) for 15 minutes
- Once the time as elapsed there will be 2 flashes to indicate that service / valet mode has exited
Note 1: If you switch off the ignition before the 15 minutes time has elapsed the Ghost will stay in service / valet mode
Note 2: Should you not know what your service button is, contact autowatch or your installation company
Another aftermarket security option
The Pandora Alarm is a security system that protects your vehicle from wheel jacking, towing, hijacking and tampering. This is achieved by using not one but two immobilizers, which are electronic devices that stop the car’s engine from starting without the correct key or fob.
Pandora Alarms also have smart-device compatibility via the Pandora app, giving you full control of your system and an instant update of the current status of your car when you can’t physically see it, like if you parked on a street unfamiliar to you, or are far away from your vehicle, or even when you’re in bed.
Whether you want your Pandora Alarm system installed by us, or if you want to buy one and install it yourself, we have you covered. To make an investment in the next generation of vehicle preservation, whilst securing your vehicle click here to get your quote, or click here to browse our stock of Pandora Alarm systems.
Contact Car Specialist Customs today
If you’d like more information about our services and products, or clarity on how we can help you, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us. Our specialist team provide around-the-clock quality care and services to help you find the product or service that fits your needs.
To reach us and get more information today, you can contact Car Specialist Customs at 07523 971347 or use our email at info@carspecialistcustoms.co.uk for the quickest responses and swift support from members of our team.
Alternatively, if you prefer to browse independently, you can find a portfolio of our work here with plenty of photos to show off our quality. Whatever you choose to do, we have no doubt that you’ll find what you’re looking for with us.
We at Car Specialist Customs hope this has been an insightful and helpful resource for you, answering questions you may have had whilst providing an in-depth and thorough breakdown of the TASSA Approved Ghost Immobiliser and our services along with the top-quality products that we offer.
We also have a blog page with multiple articles addressing the questions you may be looking for. Have a read by clicking here.