Vehicle security guide

• The importance of vehicle security
• What is Thatcham?
• Car security
• Van security
• Motorcycle security
• Vehicle tracking
• How to buy tracking devices

The importance of vehicle security

The importance of vehicle security cannot be underestimated, both in terms of minimising losses to the insurance industry and for the vehicle owner's peace of mind. At Groupama there are a number of vehicles for which we require a particular level of security to be fitted, generally due to either the vehicle value, or its theft attractiveness. In addition, we may offer premium discounts to those policyholders that chose to fit additional security.

We require all vehicle security systems to be fitted by VSIB approved installers. The VSIB (Vehicle Systems Installation Board) have a code of practice by which all installation companies must comply in order to maintain their accreditation, and therefore provide a guarantee of fitting standards. More information can be obtained via their website, www.vsib.co.uk.

We have agreements with two national security providers, Trackstar and TOAD Group, who will undertake to install the appropriate devices to our client's vehicles at discounted rates.

What is Thatcham?

The Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre, more commonly known as Thatcham, was established in 1969 by the British insurance industry, to take responsibility for vehicle security testing, to undertake safety research, to test and classify vehicle parts, and to train vehicle repair technicians.

The Vehicle Security Department began in 1993, with the mandate to test the effectiveness of security devices, initially just for private cars, being extended later to encompass commercial vehicles and motorcycles.

Since 1993, Thatcham have tested almost every new vehicle, as well as hundreds of after market immobilisers, alarms and tracking devices. Once compliant, the approved systems are placed on the Thatcham Vehicle Security National Listing.

The Vehicle Security Department keeps manufacturers and insurers updated with reports and statistics on vehicle theft, and provides information for the ABI Group Rating Committee, who decide the grouping of each vehicle for insurance purposes. They also run the National Security Helpline, which advises consumers and insurers on matters such as the compliance of a system, finding an authorised installer, and help in contacting a manufacturer.

Vehicle security systems evaluated by Thatcham must comply with particular criteria, before they can be accredited. These are then reviewed every twelve months. The current categories and their main features are as below. More information can be obtained via their website, www.thatcham.org.

Car security

Although most manufacturers will fit a Thatcham approved security device to their vehicles as standard, there may be cases where Groupama needs additional security fitted. This could be because of the value of the vehicle, or because both internal and external statistics show that the particular make, model or type of car makes it more theft attractive than others.

The additional security that Groupama may require will be in the form of a Thatcham-approved alarm, immobiliser or Tracking device. Our quotation systems will advise which particular category of device is required. If it is an underwriting requirement that a vehicle be fitted with the appropriate security, then a warranty will be applied, meaning that theft cover will be excluded unless the notified system is fitted and operational at the time of the theft.

We do not offer security discounts under our standard private car policy, as in most cases the standard manufacturer-fitted security would have been taken into account when the vehicle grouping was agreed by the ABI Group Rating Committee. However, our non-standard Optima Plus policy offers the following discounts. Please note that, when calculating the discount, the quote system takes into account a number of factors, including the home address, and where the car is kept overnight, meaning that the actual discount received may be less than is quoted below.

Van security

It is unusual for us to require a Tracking device to be fitted on vans that we insure, although we will insist on a Thatcham approved immobiliser being fitted if the value of the vehicle exceeds £15,000. These will usually be fitted as standard by the manufacturer, but we do offer the following premium discounts should the systems be fitted retrospectively.

Please note that, when calculating the discount, the quote system takes into account a number of factors, including the home address, and where the van is kept overnight, meaning that the actual discount received may be less than is quoted below.

Motorcycle security

For some motorcycles valued in excess of £10,000, we will require security to be fitted. In addition to the Thatcham approved immobiliser, we will need to ensure that there is satisfactory physical immobilisation and a ground anchor in use. There are currently very few motorcycle tracking systems available, and so consequently we do not offer a discount, or require one to be fitted. There are, however, other methods of security that can be utilised, including padlocks, Datatag, and Smartwater. Datatag is an electronic transponder hidden on the bike that can be identified by a police scanner; and SmartWater is a water-based solution containing a unique forensic code, which enables the bike to be identified and returned to it's rightful owner.

We offer the following premium discounts for the installation of these systems. Please note that, when calculating the discount, the quote system takes into account a number of factors, including the home address, and where the motorcycle is kept overnight, meaning that the actual discount received may be less than is quoted below.

Tracking devices

Tracking devices have been widely available since 1993, and there are now many different systems on the market. There are two primary methods of monitoring, either by radio signals, which generally only operate effectively over a short distance, and via GPS satellites, which offer a far greater operational capability both in terms of distance and accuracy.

There are also two primary methods of activating a tracking system. The more basic devices are re-active, meaning that the theft must be reported to the monitoring centre, who can then track the car. Most systems now are pro-active, whereby the car is automatically monitored if it is started without the keys. In addition, due to the increase in the frequency of theft incidents involving the taking of keys, some trackers now have the ability to detect a theft even if the keys are being used, via a "driver recognition" transponder card that identifies the authorised driver.

Thatcham separate tracking devices into two categories. Firstly, "Q Class" encompasses all types of tracking system, and unlike their other security categories, does not confirm the quality or effectiveness of a device. It simply ensures that the system performs as claimed by the manufacturers, that it has the potential for loss reduction, that it is reliable and that it can be securely and safely be installed in a vehicle.

In order to achieve Thatcham Category 5 accreditation, the tracking system must activate automatically at the time of the theft, even if the keys are taken, and then continuously monitor the vehicle via GPS satellites until a recovery can be made. There must be a 24 hour monitoring centre, which can operate throughout Europe, an agreement to guard the vehicle until it can be recovered to it's rightful owner, and the ability to remotely immobilise the car once it is stationary.

Thatcham are currently in the process of launching Category 6, which should provide for a "middle option" between Q Class and Category 5, whereby the system will still be required to achieve certain standards for accreditation, although these will not as onerous as for Category 5. This should make systems cheaper, and therefore a more realistic option for the majority of car owners.

Although there are many types of tracking devices that are on the Thatcham Q Class list, or are Thatcham Category 5 approved, only the following are currently acceptable to Groupama.

Q Class Listed Tracking Devices

• NavTrak ProActive ADR (Automatic Driver Recognition)
• NavTrak (standard)
• Trackstar
• Trackstar Plus
• Securicor Trakbak
• Siemens DataTrack Trakbak
• Tracker 24 Hour Monitor
• Tracker 24 Hour Monitor including Guard and Recover
• Tracker Monitor
• Tracker Horizon
• Matrix Active
• Matrix InterActive

Thatcham Cat 5 approved systems

• Cobra Trak5
• Matrix 5
• Lasertrax NCG
• Auto-txt AT101 (BT RedCare)
• Scorpion 5
• Tag Guard Locator
• Thales Cat 5
• T Trac
• Tracker Echo
• TRAKM8 T2002

We offer the following discounts for the installation of the above tracking devices. Please note that, when calculating the discount, the quote system takes into account a number of factors, including the home address, and where the vehicle is kept overnight, meaning that the actual discount received may be less than is quoted below.

How to buy

Groupama have agreements with two national security providers, Trackstar and TOAD Group, who will undertake to install the appropriate devices to our client's vehicles at discounted rates.  For more information, please contact one of the providers below.

0870 787 7623

www.trackstar.co.uk

0870 887 2000
Quote "GROWEB"

www.tg21plc.com