How Vehicle Security Devices Can Lower Your Premium

As an FCA-authorised expert broker in the UK, WeCovr understands that motor insurance costs are a major concern for drivers. This definitive guide explains how investing in the right anti-theft technology for your car, van, or motorcycle can directly lead to cheaper, more comprehensive vehicle cover.

WeCovr lists the best anti-theft tech for cheaper cover

Vehicle theft remains a significant issue across the UK. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), vehicle theft has been on an upward trend in recent years, with sophisticated methods like "relay attacks" targeting keyless entry cars becoming increasingly common.

For insurers, this rise in theft translates directly to a higher number of claims, which in turn pushes up premiums for everyone. However, by taking proactive steps to secure your vehicle, you not only protect your valuable asset but also present yourself as a lower-risk customer to insurers. This is where approved security devices come in, often unlocking substantial discounts on your motor policy.

As a leading broker that has helped arrange over 900,000 policies, WeCovr provides expert guidance to help you navigate the options and secure the best possible price for your cover.

Understanding UK Motor Insurance: The Legal Essentials

Before we delve into security devices, it's crucial to understand your legal obligations as a vehicle owner in the United Kingdom. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, it is a legal requirement to have at least a basic level of motor insurance for any vehicle that is driven or parked on public roads.

The three primary levels of cover are:

Business and Fleet Insurance: For businesses that own vehicles—whether a single van for a tradesperson or a large fleet of company cars—standard private car insurance is not sufficient. You are legally required to have business or fleet insurance that covers commercial use, goods in transit, and liability for employees.

WeCovr are specialists in arranging comprehensive motor insurance for private cars, commercial vans, motorcycles, and entire business fleets, ensuring you have the correct, legally compliant cover at a competitive price.

Why Your Vehicle's Security Matters to Insurers

The entire business of insurance is built on assessing risk. When an underwriter calculates your premium, they analyse dozens of factors to predict the likelihood of you making a claim. These include:

• Your personal profile: Age, driving history, and location.
• Your vehicle: Its make, model, age, value, and repair costs.
• Your vehicle's security: This is a key variable you can control.

A car with no alarm, parked on a street in a high-crime area, is a much higher risk than the same car fitted with a Thatcham-approved tracker and parked in a locked garage. By installing recognised security devices, you are actively reducing the statistical probability of a theft claim. Insurers recognise this and reward it with lower premiums.

Thatcham Research: The UK's Benchmark for Vehicle Security

You will frequently see the term "Thatcham-approved" when discussing car insurance and security. Thatcham Research is a not-for-profit organisation funded by the motor insurance industry. For decades, it has been the UK's leading authority on vehicle security, safety, and repair.

When an insurer asks if your car has an "approved alarm or immobiliser," they are almost always referring to a Thatcham-certified device. Thatcham's security categories are the industry standard, and fitting a device from one of the higher categories can lead to significant premium discounts.

Here is a breakdown of the main Thatcham Security Categories for aftermarket systems:

Having a Thatcham-certified device provides insurers with the confidence that your vehicle is protected by technology that has been rigorously tested against the latest theft techniques.

The Best Security Devices to Lower Your Motor Insurance Premium

Equipping your vehicle with the right anti-theft technology is one of the most effective ways to reduce your insurance costs. Here’s a detailed look at the best options available.

1. Thatcham-Approved Trackers (Category S5 & S7)

For high-value, desirable vehicles, many insurers will insist on a Thatcham-approved tracker as a condition of cover. Even if it's not a requirement, voluntarily fitting one can unlock the largest premium discounts, often between 15% and 25%.

• Category S7 Trackers: These are sophisticated GPS-based systems. When you report a theft, a secure operating centre is alerted and can provide real-time location data to the police, dramatically increasing the chances of recovery. The Association of British Insurers (ABI) notes that recovery rates for tracked vehicles are often over 90%.
• Category S5 Trackers: This is the ultimate security standard. S5 systems include all the features of S7 but add Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR). You carry a small, discreet tag with you. If the vehicle is started or moved without the tag being present, the system automatically triggers an alert. This protects against key theft and "relay attacks," as the thief will not have the ADR tag.

Real-Life Example: A brand new Range Rover, a vehicle often targeted by thieves, could have an annual premium of over £2,500. Fitting a Thatcham S5 tracker could reduce this premium by £500 or more, meaning the device pays for itself in the first year alone.

2. Ghost Immobilisers

A "Ghost" immobiliser is a next-generation anti-theft device that is becoming increasingly popular. It is a covert system that integrates with your vehicle's electronics (like the CAN bus network) and has no key fobs or LED indicators to give away its location.

How it works: To start the car, you must enter a unique PIN code by pressing a sequence of existing buttons on your steering wheel, dashboard, or console (e.g., window up, volume down, cruise control on). Without this sequence, the engine will not start.

Insurance Benefits: While Ghost immobilisers are not yet part of the official Thatcham categories, their effectiveness against keyless theft is so high that a growing number of specialist insurers now recognise them and offer significant discounts. Always declare a professionally installed Ghost immobiliser to your insurer or broker. WeCovr works with insurers who understand and reward this advanced technology.

3. Thatcham-Approved Alarms & Immobilisers (Category 1 & 2)

If your vehicle is older or doesn't have modern factory-fitted security, installing a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser system is a superb upgrade. It provides a powerful audible deterrent (the alarm) and a robust electronic barrier (the immobiliser). For vehicles that already have a basic alarm, adding a Category 2 immobiliser can still earn you a respectable discount of 5% to 10%.

4. Mechanical Security: The Visible Deterrent

Never underestimate the power of a visible deterrent. While they might not always offer the same level of direct premium discount as electronic systems, insurers look very favourably on their use.

• Steering Wheel Locks: High-quality, brightly coloured steering wheel locks (like those from Disklok or Stoplock) are a thief's nightmare. They are difficult and time-consuming to remove, and their presence alone may convince a criminal to move on to an easier target.
• Gearstick Locks and Handbrake Locks: These devices physically lock the gearstick in place, preventing the vehicle from being driven.
• Wheel Clamps: While more commonly associated with parking enforcement, a robust wheel clamp is an excellent security measure, especially for vehicles, caravans, or trailers that are left stationary for long periods.

When getting a quote, always mention that you consistently use these devices. It helps build a picture of you as a security-conscious owner.

5. Faraday Pouches: The £5 Solution to a £50,000 Problem

Modern keyless entry systems are convenient but vulnerable to "relay attacks." This is where thieves use a pair of devices to capture the signal from your key fob inside your house and relay it to your car, tricking it into unlocking and starting.

A Faraday pouch (or box) is a simple signal-blocking wallet. When you place your key fob inside, its signal cannot be transmitted or captured. This completely neutralises the threat of a relay attack. While you won't get a specific discount for owning one, preventing a keyless theft will protect your No-Claims Bonus and prevent a huge premium hike at renewal. It's the best few pounds you will ever spend on car security.

How Much Can You Realistically Save on Your Motor Policy?

The exact discount you receive depends on your insurer, your vehicle's make and model, its value, and where you live. However, the table below provides a realistic guide to potential savings.

Fleet Insurance: Protecting Your Business and Lowering Costs

For business owners and fleet managers, vehicle security is not just about preventing theft—it's about protecting assets, ensuring business continuity, and managing operational costs.

Modern telematics systems, which often include Thatcham-approved tracking, are a game-changer for fleet insurance.

Benefits of Fleet Telematics:

1. Theft Reduction & Recovery: Tracked commercial vehicles have extremely high recovery rates, minimising disruption and the cost of replacement.
2. Improved Driver Behaviour: Telematics can monitor speed, acceleration, braking, and cornering. This data can be used to coach drivers, reducing accident rates by up to 30% according to some fleet studies. Fewer accidents mean fewer claims and a lower fleet insurance premium.
3. Fuel Efficiency: By monitoring idling times and promoting smoother driving, businesses can significantly reduce their fuel bills.
4. Proof Against False Claims: GPS and camera data can provide irrefutable evidence in the event of an accident, protecting your business from fraudulent "crash for cash" schemes.

WeCovr is an expert broker in the field of fleet insurance. We work with businesses of all sizes, from sole traders with a single van to large corporations with hundreds of vehicles, to implement security and telematics strategies that deliver substantial, long-term savings on their motor policy.

Key Insurance Concepts Every Driver Should Know

Understanding the language of your motor insurance policy is vital. Here are three key terms explained:

• No-Claims Bonus (NCB) / No-Claims Discount (NCD): This is one of your most valuable assets in motor insurance. For every consecutive year you drive without making a claim, your insurer gives you a discount on your premium. This can build up to a significant reduction, often 60-70% or more after five or more claim-free years. Making a single claim can dramatically reduce or even wipe out your NCB, leading to a huge price increase at renewal.
• Policy Excess: The excess is the amount of money you have to pay towards any claim you make. It's made up of two parts:
  • Compulsory Excess: A fixed amount set by the insurer.
  • Voluntary Excess: An amount you agree to pay on top of the compulsory excess. Choosing a higher voluntary excess can lower your premium, but you must ensure you can afford to pay the total excess amount if you need to make a claim.
• Optional Extras: These are add-ons you can choose to include in your policy for an additional cost. Common extras include:
  • Breakdown Cover: Assistance if your vehicle breaks down.
  • Legal Expenses Cover: Covers legal costs to help you recover uninsured losses after an accident that wasn't your fault (e.g., your policy excess, loss of earnings).
  • Courtesy Car: Provides you with a replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired after a claim.

What to Do If Your Vehicle is Stolen

Even with the best security, theft can still happen. If you are the unfortunate victim of vehicle crime, follow these steps immediately:

1. Contact the Police: Report the theft straight away by calling 101 (or 999 if a crime is in progress). You will need to provide your vehicle's registration number, make, model, and colour.
2. Get a Crime Reference Number: This is essential for your insurance claim. The police will provide you with one when you report the crime.
3. Contact Your Tracker's Monitoring Centre (if applicable): If you have a tracking device, call their 24/7 centre immediately after contacting the police. They will activate the device and begin tracking.
4. Inform Your Insurer: Contact your insurance company's claims line as soon as possible. Have your policy number and the crime reference number ready. They will guide you through the next steps of the claims process.
5. Notify the DVLA: You must tell the DVLA that your vehicle has been stolen. Your insurer may handle this for you, but it's your responsibility to check.

WeCovr: Your Partner for Smarter, Cheaper Motor Insurance UK

Navigating the world of motor insurance can be complex. As an independent and FCA-authorised broker, WeCovr acts on your behalf, not on behalf of the insurers. Our mission is to find you the right cover—whether for your private car, commercial van, motorcycle, or entire business fleet—at the most competitive price.

Our team of UK-based experts understands the market inside and out. We know which insurers offer the best discounts for specific security devices and can provide tailored advice to help you save money. WeCovr's high customer satisfaction ratings reflect our commitment to clear, honest, and helpful service.

Furthermore, clients who purchase motor or life insurance through WeCovr may be eligible for discounts on other insurance products we offer, providing even greater value.

Don't just renew your policy—re-evaluate it. Let us show you how the right security can lead to the right price.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Will a steering wheel lock definitely lower my car insurance premium?

A steering wheel lock may not always result in a direct, specified discount from all insurers. However, it is a powerful visual deterrent that significantly reduces the risk of theft. You should always declare its use to your insurer or broker like WeCovr. Insurers view it as a sign of a responsible owner, which can positively influence your overall risk profile and may prevent premium loading, especially for high-risk vehicles.

2. Is it worth paying for a subscription for a vehicle tracker?

Absolutely, especially for vehicles worth over £20,000 or those on the most-stolen list. The annual subscription (typically £150-£200) pays for the 24/7 monitoring service, which is essential for police liaison and rapid recovery. The potential premium discount of 15-25% combined with the high chance of getting your car back makes it a very worthwhile investment, often paying for itself within the first year.

3. Do I have to tell my insurer about all my security modifications?

Yes, you must declare all modifications, including security upgrades. It is a requirement of your policy to provide accurate information. Declaring professionally installed, Thatcham-approved security devices will almost certainly lower your premium. Failing to declare them means you could be paying more than you need to for your motor insurance.

4. What is the difference between a Thatcham Category S5 and a Ghost Immobiliser?

A Thatcham Category S5 device is primarily a tracking system with driver recognition tags. Its main purpose is vehicle recovery after a theft has occurred, alerting a monitoring centre if the car is moved without the tag. A Ghost Immobiliser is a preventative measure. It is a covert immobiliser that prevents the engine from starting altogether without a unique PIN code being entered via the car's existing buttons, stopping the theft before it begins. Both are highly effective against modern theft methods.

5. How can WeCovr help me find the best car insurance provider?

As an expert motor insurance broker, WeCovr has access to a wide panel of UK insurers, including specialist providers who understand and reward advanced security measures. Instead of you spending hours comparing quotes, our team does the work for you. We assess your specific needs, vehicle, and security features to find the policy that offers the best combination of comprehensive cover and a competitive price, all at no extra cost to you.

Ready to see how much you could save? Get a fast, free, and no-obligation quote from WeCovr today and let our experts find the perfect motor policy for you.