Thatcham approved car alarm

Choosing a Thatcham approved car alarm can be confusing as there are so many makes and models on the market but all category 1 Thatcham approved car alarms have the following; door, bonnet and boot protection, ultrasonic or microwave interior protection, 2 circuit immobilisation, a self powered siren, remote control central locking and high security remotes.

If your car has key operated central locking the remote control of any cat1 Thatcham approved car alarm will operate both the alarm and locks. For those who wish to use their existing remotes some Thatcham approved car alarms can be armed and disarmed from an existing remote but not all cars are compatible as some car remotes are not very secure and considered a risk.

A Thatcham approved car alarm will have an ultrasonic or microwave sensor to protect the interior and it is important to choose a microwave sensor if you have a soft top car, all other category1 Thatcham approved car alarms can be used for hard top cars.

Choose a Thatcham approved car alarm with an immobiliser if your car does not have an existing Thatcham approved immobiliser, you can find out if your car has a factory fitted immobiliser by contacting an approved installer or asking your insurer. All cat 1 Thatcham approved car alarms with integrated immobilisers can be fitted to cars with or without an existing immobiliser.

Newer cars with UK specifications are usually factory fitted as standard with a cat2 immobiliser so a Thatcham approved car alarm cat 2>1 upgrade is all you need, both types of Thatcham approved car alarms are available from Cobra, Clifford, Viper, Gemini and GT.