Can having an alarm and immobiliser help?
According to a report from MoneySuperMarket, a car is stolen every 8.5 minutes in the UK. Alarming as that is, preventative measures serve a dual purpose. Not only can security devices on your vehicle deter unwanted attention, but the inclusion of such deterrents can indeed influence insurance premiums.
The report – written by experienced motoring journalist Sarah Tooze and reviewed by MoneySuperMarket content writer Collette Shackleton – provides a concise and common sense guide to protecting your vehicle, but also helps to reduce the cost of insuring it.
You can see the report in full here https://www.moneysupermarket.com/car-insurance/car-security/
In summary, yes, an immobiliser and alarm fitted to your car can lower the risk of theft, leading potentially to reduced insurance costs. It can naturally lead to your no claim bonus increasing over time.
Many newer vehicles have good quality security systems, but older models could need better protecting.
And of course, we, the drivers, have a responsibility too. Simple advice is included in the report, such as always locking your vehicle, even if youโre stepping away for just a moment; not leaving valuables in plain view – hide them or take them with you; park in safe, secure spots, such as garages, driveways, or well-lit areas with CCTV and keep your car keys hidden when youโre at home.
That last point resonates with a lot of folk. There have been many instances of keys being readily available to car thieves when the owner believes they are safe. Leaving your keys on a table in your house next to the front door is little better than leaving them on the driveway. A bent coat-hanger through the letterbox and bingo! Car is gone.
Communications Director for the Alliance of British Drivers, Paul Naylor, said: โEnsuring your vehicle has a good quality immobiliser and alarm is sound advice. If you are buying new, check with the dealership as to what the security measures are. If you are buying devices for your car and having them fitted, make sure they are approved by your insurer and that any additions to your vehicle are not classed as a modification that could nullify your insurance.โ
Steve Launchbury, Principal Engineer for Automotive Security at Thatcham Research, added: โLocking the vehicle every time remains the single most valuable security habit any driver can develop. Locking arms the alarm, perimeter protection and interior intrusion sensors. Everything the manufacturer engineered into the vehicle depends on that first action.โ
ENDS
Author Paul Naylor is a former journalist, having worked for the Midland News Association for 25 years. Paul left the industry in 2017 and created his own media business – MEDIA & YOU. He writes here on behalf of The Alliance of British Drivers (ABD), an organisation for which he is now a director.
For all media enquiries, contact Paul Naylor on 07914 304 504 or email paul@mediaandyou.co.uk
Notes: Founded in 1992, the Alliance of British Drivers (ABD) is the leading organisation promoting the interests and concerns of drivers in the United Kingdom.
The UK has over 37 million drivers โ that is a majority; we should stop tolerating the way we are treated by the government and local councils.
Cars, vans and taxis account for 80% of the mileage of all trips in the UK, and over 65% of goods being carried by road. The road network, and the people who use it, are of vital importance to the nationโs economy. Drivers should expect the road network to be improved and maintained to a standard that is fit for purpose. They should be able to use the roads in a safe and responsible manner without being subject to unreasonable charges, restrictions or penalties.
