Vehicle security guide for motorcycles

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.

The importance of vehicle security
What is Thatcham?
Motorcycle security
How to buy tracking devices

The importance of vehicle security

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 who choose 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 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.

Category	Key features
Category 1 - Combined Alarm and Immobiliser	Alarm with full perimeter protection and volumetric detection, battery backed-up siren. Immobiliser isolating a minimum of 2 operating systems passively armed. Anti-scan, anti-grab resistance of key codes.
Category 2 - Electronic or Electromechanical Immobiliser	Immobiliser isolating a minimum of 2 operating systems passively armed. Anti-scan, anti-grab resistance of codes.
Category 3 - Mechanical Immobiliser	Immobiliser isolating a minimum of 1 operating system. Easy to arm and disarm. Attack resistant to a high level using a comprehensive range of hand-tools. Permanently or temporarily installed.
Category 5 (Tracking devices)	Transmitter hidden within the vehicle. Transmitter activated automatically at time of unauthorised vehicle movement, and continuously monitored via GPS satellites until a recovery can be made Vehicle securely guarded from time of recovery, and then delivered back to client Ability to remotely immobilise the car once it is stationary Monitoring operated via 24 hour secure operating centre (must be bombproof!) Monitored Europe-wide. System will recognise that a theft is occurring, even if the keys are taken with the car 24 hour police response agreement
"Q" class (Tracking devices)	Unlike categories 1,2,3 and 5, this is not confirmation of the quality or effectiveness of a system. No tests need to be passed in order to receive Q class accreditation. Thatcham simply ensure the system performs as claimed, demonstrates the potential for loss reduction, is reliable and durable, and can be installed safely and securely into the vehicle

Motorcycle security

For some motorcycles valued, 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.

Type of device	Discount (comprehensive cover)	Discount (TPFT cover)
Thatcham Category 1 alarm/immobiliser	10%	10%
Thatcham Category 2 immobiliser	7.5%	7.5%
Thatcham Category 3 immobiliser	7.5%	5%
Any ABUS Shackle-Lock	7.5%	5%
Any ABUS U Lock	7.5%	5%
ABUS Disclock	7.5%	5%
Secure-A-Bike	7.5%	5%
DataTag or SmartWater	5%	5%

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.