Cobra 8510

The Cobra 8510 is a touch key operated two circuit immobiliser that is insurance approved to Thatcham Category 2 status. Cobra 8510 immobiliser has automatic system passive arming with electronic touch key disarm, 2 touchkeys, LED status indication and ignition on safety circuit.

Toad Powerkey

The Toad Powerkey is a keyless, high security insurance approved immobiliser using the latest transponder technology in the fight against vehicle crime. The ultimate in user friendly vehicle protection. Toad Powerkey automatically arms when you remove your ignition keys and disarms when you insert them programmable keys and status LED complete the features. Thatcham immobiliser with two transponder key fobs allows engine to start without the use of touchkeys or alterations to the dashboard and the Toad Powerkey can be upgraded anytime to a Thatcham category 1 alarm and immobiliser by fitting Toad C4T Thatcham alarm.

Thatcham category 2 status

There are two popular types of Thatcham category 2 immobilisers available;

• Touchkey immobiliser requires an electronically coded key fob to be inserted into a receptable on the dash before starting the engine.
• Transponder immobiliser uses a key fob that transmits a wireless coded signal to the engine that allows it to start.

A Touchkey immobiliser is cheaper but requires a modification to be made on the dashboard and requires the driver to insert the touchkey key fob every time they start the engine. The Transponder immobiliser is very easy to use and you do not even notice that it has been fitted because you start the engine as before without the need to insert a touchkey.

Thatcham immobilisers are known as category 2 or cat 2 for short and is the only type of immobiliser to be approved by UK insurance companies. Fitting a Thatcham immobiliser to your car could pay for itself when you consider the saving you make from cheaper insurance.

There are two main types of category 2 Thatcham immobilisers, touchkey and transponder. A touchkey Thatcham immobiliser works by inserting an electronically coded key into a receptacle on the dash board and turning the ignition key within a set time limit. Transponder Thatcham immobilisers are easier to use because the electronically coded keyfob sends a wireless signal to the engine to let you start it normally by turning the ignition key.

A Thatcham immobiliser must isolate at least 2 circuits on the engine to prevent it from starting without a coded touchkey or transponder, the starter motor is the most important to isolate to avoid it turning over and save power. Some Thatcham immobilisers have 3 circuit immobilisation which could include: starter motor, ignition and fuel pump isolation.

Some of best Touchkey Thatcham immobiliser manufacturers are: Cobra, Gemini, GT and Toad. If you are looking for transponder Thatcham immobilisers then we recommend Toad or Laserline

A Thatcham immobiliser must be installed by a qualified fitter who can issue a certificate which needs to be presented to your motor insurance company.