If you’re investing in a quality vehicle—be it a high-performance sports car, a premium SUV, or a work van—it makes sense to secure it properly. In the UK, when talking about professional vehicle security, one name comes up time and time again: Thatcham Research.
What is Thatcham Research?
Thatcham is a non-profit organisation that assesses and tests the security and repair methods of vehicles and aftermarket parts. Their primary purpose is to help reduce the cost of motor insurance by driving down accident frequency and the risk of vehicle theft. When an insurer asks for an “approved” tracker or immobiliser, they almost always mean a system that has been certified by Thatcham.
The Key Security Categories
Thatcham categorises vehicle security based on how effective the system is against modern theft methods. The most common categories you’ll encounter for aftermarket security devices are:
Category S5 (The Gold Standard)
This is the highest level of vehicle tracking security. An S5 system is mandatory for many high-value, high-risk, or performance vehicles by insurance companies.
- Key Feature: Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR) Tags. The driver must have a small fob or tag on their person. If the vehicle is moved without the tag present (e.g., in a relay attack or key-safe burglary), the tracking company is alerted immediately.
- Response: Includes 24/7 monitoring and direct liaison with the police to recover the vehicle.
Category S7 (The Reliable All-Rounder)
This is the standard, reliable level of GPS tracking. An S7 system is monitored, and the tracking unit is hidden within the vehicle, making it difficult for thieves to locate.
- Key Feature: The system is triggered when the vehicle is moved illegally or tampered with. It does not usually include the ADR feature of an S5 system.
- Response: Provides accurate location data to the monitoring centre, speeding up recovery.
Category 2 (Immobilisation)
This rating applies to engine immobilisers, such as the Autowatch Ghost II that we supply. A Cat 2 system prevents the engine from starting unless a specific action is performed, like entering a code via existing buttons on the steering wheel or dashboard (a process known as a PIN code sequence or disarm sequence).
Why Your Insurer Cares
The biggest motivation for fitting a Thatcham-approved device is often your motor insurance policy. Thieves are getting smarter, using key cloning and relay attacks to steal vehicles without forcing entry.
- Mandatory Requirement: For many high-end or high-risk vehicles, having an S5 or S7 tracker fitted is a non-negotiable condition of your policy. Failure to fit one—or not keeping the subscription active—could void your insurance in the event of a theft.
- Premium Reduction: If you fit a Thatcham-approved device when it isn’t strictly mandatory, your insurer views your vehicle as a lower risk. This can often result in a discount on your annual premium, effectively helping the device pay for itself over time.
- Proof of Security: Having certified proof of security provides peace of mind that your vehicle is protected by a system proven to beat professional thieves.
When choosing security, look for the Thatcham logo and ask us which category is appropriate for your vehicle. It’s not just about protecting your asset; it’s about meeting your insurance requirements and sleeping soundly.
