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You can cancel your car insurance policy, but there could be costs involved. Here’s what you need to know
Having a robust security system for your car can offer several benefits – not only should it act as a deterrent to thieves and vandals, it may also help you cut the cost of your car insurance.
The prime objective is to protect your car from being stolen or broken into, so as well as making your vehicle more secure, you should also consider having a deterrent to criminals.
Making sure you have security systems that are not only effective, but recognised by your insurer is also paramount – so look for Thatcham-approved devices. If a device is approved by Thatcham you can be sure it meets the right standards for car security.
Having a security system in place can also help lower your car insurance premiums.
You should consider how expensive the security system is to install or maintain as this may outweigh the savings you make, but almost all new vehicles come with modern technology, such as high-tech immobilisers, already installed.
The final area to consider is developing good habits around car security, such as:
Immobilisers, alarms and tracking devices all reduce the chances your car will be broken into or stolen, so you’ll often – but not always – be given a discount on your premiums.
However, there are some things to consider. Before buying a lock, alarm, immobiliser or tracker for your car, check that your insurer will recognise it as a valid security device.
You can balance the cost of buying and fitting extra security with the amount your premiums will reduce, but it’s not the only consideration.
Your improved security should also be more of a deterrent for criminals, which will lessen the chance of theft or damage. In turn, this will allow you to keep a clean insurance record, build your no claims bonus and further reduce premiums in the future.
Thatcham is the research centre of motor insurers and approve security devices used in the UK. It has seven different classes, with Class 1 being the most secure.
Class 1. Electronic alarm and immobiliser: The most complex and secure system available.
Class 2. Electronic immobiliser: Similar to Class 1, but without the alarm. The immobiliser must be able to disable two of the three systems – ignition, fuel system and starter motor – used to drive a car.
Class 2.1. Electronic alarm upgrade: Adding a Class 1 alarm to the immobiliser is as close as you’ll get to Class 1 without buying a new car.
Class 3. Mechanical immobiliser: Will disable only one of the three systems used to drive a car. For example, a steering wheel lock is a Class 3 device.
Class 4. Wheel locks: Often present on alloy wheels, they can only be removed using a special key.
Class 5. Post-theft tracking: A system that tracks your car’s position so the police can recover it. The car can also be immobilised remotely.
Class 6. Tracker: Same as Class 5, but without the ability to remotely immobilise the car.
Class 7. Tracker: A simpler version of a Class 6 tracker.
A Q class covers security upgrades that don’t fall into classes 1-7, including locks and alarms that aren’t approved by Thatcham.
If your car was first sold in the UK after October 1998, it should have a factory-fitted immobiliser.
Check by looking at the handbook or if it’s a new purchase, ask the seller before you buy.
If you’re still unsure, a mechanic will be able to tell you whether the vehicle has an immobiliser, and if not, can help fit one.
Improving your car’s security is just one way to help lower your premiums.
You could also look at:
Finding a cheaper quote for car insurance takes just minutes with MoneySuperMarket and will help you to find the cover you need at an affordable price.
Just tell us about yourself and the car you want to be insured on, and we’ll search the market for a list of quotes tailored to your needs.
You’ll be able to compare policies by the overall cost, the cover you’ll get and the excess you’ll need to pay to make a claim. Once you’ve found the deal you want, just click through to the provider to finalise your purchase.
As with any kind of insurance, keep in mind the cheapest option isn’t always the most suitable – we recommend balancing the cost with the cover you’ll get, so you know you have the protection you need at an affordable price.
You can cancel your car insurance policy, but there could be costs involved. Here’s what you need to know
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