Vehicle Security Systems

Safeguarding your ability to be safely mobile is the bottom line in vehicle security. Americans love their cars and spend thousands of dollars on auto accessories and security systems each year. In fact one of the smartest moves you can make when you begin to think about purchasing a vehicle is to first investigate the most reputable car alarm system with the best performance record. Once you find a car alarm system that has the features you want, you should factor this into the overall cost of purchasing, insuring and maintaining your automobile.

Although most of the car alarm systems today are compatible with most vehicles there are some sophisticated systems that need certain components to be present in the automobile for them to function properly. As you begin to shop for your car make sure you discuss the car alarm system that may be installed in the vehicle during production, the ability to upgrade it or replace it with another type of car alarm system as well.

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Thatcham Car Alarm – Difference between Cat1 and Cat2 to 1

Thatcham car alarms are approved by UK motor insurance companies and by fitting a Thatcham approved security system you will enjoy cheaper car insurance and a high level of car security.

Thatcham car alarms for vehicles without a category2 immobiliser must be be fitted with a full cat1 alarm with integrated 2 or 3 circuit immobiliser all combined in one unit. These Thatcham car alarms tend to be fitted to older cars or unofficial imports where they are not designed to UK specification in terms of Thatcham security systems. Thatcham car alarm systems for cars with cat2 already installed are cheaper and quicker to install because they use the existing immobiliser so they are less complicated to manufacture and install. Cat 2:1 Thatcham car alarms are suitable for newer UK specification cars as most of them come factory fitted with a class 2 immobiliser

The Thatcham organisation is an independent body set up by the insurance industry to improve vehicle safety and security for cars, vans, HGVs, motor bikes, plant and other vehicles. Thatcham do not manufacture car alarms but they do set design standards for car alarm manufacturers to meet and each alarm is given an evaluation code if it passes and makes it onto the Thatcham list of car alarms. Some of the best know Thatcham car alarm manufacturers are; Avital, Clifford, Cobra, Gemini, GT, Toad and Viper. Specifications vary from each manufacturer and model range but they all have the following basics; door, bonnet and boot protection, ultrasonic or microwave interior protection, 2 or 3 circuit immobilisation, a self powered siren, remote control central locking, 2x high security remotes and battery backup siren.

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Don’t Make Yourself a Target For Car Thieves

Car theft has been a problem in the United States since cars were invented. A car or other vehicle is stolen in the United States every 28.8 seconds according to 2008 data from the FBI. The chances of your car being stolen in the U.S. are 1 in 210 according to data from federal agencies and the Insurance Information Institute. The odds vary geographically. The Northeast has the lowest incidence of vehicle thefts, about 9.8 percent, and the Midwest 18.2 percent. The South and West have the highest percentage of vehicle thefts, about 36 percent each. Your chances of having your car stolen are highest in urban areas.

Although vehicle theft has been decreasing every year since 2006, only 59% of stolen vehicles were recovered last year, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Car theft is a major problem that can leave you without transportation while you deal with a time-consuming insurance claim. Here are some ways to reduce your chances of becoming a car thief’s next victim.

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