Thatcham Approved Car Alarms and Installers
Thatcham approved car alarms and immobilisers are vigorously tested to ensure devices comply with either Thatcham Category 1 or Category 2 standards. However to maintain these standards, systems must also be installed by a suitably accredited installer.
Click on our dealer map to find your nearest Thatcham Recognised Installer (TRI).
What are TRI, MESF and VSIB?
In April 2009 the Vehicle Systems Installation Board (VSIB) went into receivership and disappeared. This stunned the whole industry and left insurance companies, installers, and motorists in limbo. It also meant that VSIB certificates issued after January 2010 were not worth the paper they were written on.
Most installers became Mobile Electronics and Security Federation (MESF) Specialists - a long standing organisation providing similar services to VSIB as well as providing installation courses and training.
In July 2010 Thatcham launched their installer program Thatcham Recognised Installer (TRI). They created this dealer network to fill the gap left by VSIB, regulating installers and providing services to customers. They use an online system for individual alarm details, which allows insurance companies to quiz their database directly, thereby avoiding the possibility of paper forgeries.
This website gives a list of Thatcham Recognised Installers for car alarms.
What is Thatcham?
Thatcham is a UK organisation that provides standards for the motor industry. They work closely with insurance companies, providing vehicle repair times and information leading to a cars group rating. They also provide services for manufacturers who produce car alarms, immobilisers and vehicle tracking systems.
What are Thatcham Cat 1 Car Alarms?
Security devices are submitted to Thatcham for testing. Car alarms are given a Category 1 (Cat 1) classification and car immobilisers are given a Category 2 (Cat 2). Once systems are ‘Thatcham Approved’ they can then be sold to the public as, Thatcham Cat 1 car alarms or Cat 2 immobilisers.
What is an Insurance Approved System?
When your vehicle insurance company asks for a security system they usually mean a Cat 1 alarm system fitted by either a Thatcham Recognised Installer or an MESF Specialist. Most installers also provide vehicle tracking systems and Cat 2 systems if these are required for insurance.
