Thatcham Car Alarm – Difference between Cat1 and Cat2 to 1

Thatcham car alarms are approved by UK car insurance companies and by installing 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 category 2 immobilizer must be fitted with a full cat1 alarm with integrated 2 or 3 circuit immobilizer 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 specifications in terms of Thatcham security systems. Thatcham car alarm systems for cars with cat2 already fitted are cheaper and quicker to install because they use your existing immobilizer, making them less complicated to manufacture and install. Cat 2:1 Thatcham car alarms are suitable for newer UK spec cars as most of them are factory fitted with a class 2 immobilizer

The Thatcham Organization is an independent body set up by the insurance industry to improve the safety of cars, vans, HGVs, motorcycles, plants and other vehicles. Thatcham does not manufacture car alarms but does set design standards that car alarm manufacturers must meet and each alarm is given an assessment code if it passes and is included in Thatcham’s list of car alarms. Some of the best known 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 trunk protection, ultrasonic or microwave interior protection, 2 or 3 circuit immobilizer, self-powered siren, central locking with remote control, 2 high security controls and battery backup siren.

The installation must be done by an authorized installer who will provide a certificate from Thatcham after the installation is complete. Thatcham car alarms vary in time and complexity to install and you will need to allow extra time for the installer to install the additional optional sensors.

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