UK motorists could reduce their insurance costs by making a single modification to their vehicle.
Insurance companies typically consider a variety of factors when determining your insurance premium, including your age, driving experience, the type of car you own and its security level.
The security of a car can significantly impact your insurance costs, with many firms charging higher premiums for vehicles that are easier to break into and therefore more likely to be stolen. However, one modification can greatly decrease the likelihood of a thief making off with your vehicle.
How ghost immobilisers can secure your car
An immobiliser’s main function is to halt a vehicle if someone tries to steal it. This can be achieved either mechanically, such as with a clamp or steering wheel lock, or through an integrated electrical system.
Electrical immobilisers can safeguard a vehicle from common theft methods like hotwiring or cloned keys. They generally do this by disabling certain components in the car, preventing it from being driven.
Ghost immobilisers – so called because they cannot be seen – offer an additional layer of security beyond standard manufacturer immobilisers. A distinctive feature of ghost immobilisers is the requirement for the driver to input a sequence of commands before the engine can be started – for instance, the driver might need to press the clutch twice and push the windscreen wiper stick up once before the engine ignites.
In theory, this makes it harder for thieves to steal a vehicle, even if they manage to hotwire it or steal the keys, as it would be highly unlikely they could guess the security input to start the engine.
Choosing the right ghost immobiliser for your car
Not all ghost immobilisers are made equally, and there is no guarantee that they will bring down your insurance. However, you can increase your chances of getting a cheaper premium by installing a tracker that is approved by Thatcham Research.
This organisation assesses various vehicle security and safety features and assigns them an approval rating. Insurers often use this rating to help determine the risk of a vehicle being stolen.
It’s generally advised to opt for a ghost immobiliser that has been approved by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association (TASSA), as this indicates that the device meets the necessary security standards. Moreover, it’s recommended to have the device installed by a TASSA-approved installer to ensure its correct fitting and operation.
Informing your insurance provider about modifications
If you decide to fit a ghost immobiliser in your vehicle, it’s crucial to inform your insurance provider. This is because any significant modification, even those enhancing the car’s safety, must be declared so that your insurer has the most current information about your vehicle.
Failure to do so could lead to the invalidation of your insurance, which could result in you driving without valid coverage. Typically, this could incur a fixed penalty of £300 and six points on your licence for driving without valid insurance.
The consequences can escalate to an unlimited fine or even a driving ban if your case is brought before a court.
