Sep
20
The Motor Insurance Repair Center (MIRC) sets all guidelines for car alarms in the UK. The Center was created in 1969 by insurers in Britain and care safety in particular became important after the 1980’s when car theft increased dramatically.
The MIRC’s main roles is to test and improve the effectiveness of car safety equipment. This includes rating anti-car theft devices such as car alarms. The alarms are tested by having various cars broken into at the center. These are known as attack tests. The car is broken into at different areas each time. The bonnet, the side doors and the boot are all used to get the car open. There are also tests that attempt to start the car without the original keys and overcoming a lock on the steering wheel. After the tests the effectiveness of the equipment is graded and suggestions for improvements are also made.
Understanding Thatcham Security Categories
After testing, products are categorized based on how effective they are. Full alarm systems are placed into Cat-1 and they include alarms that are an Immobilizer and electronic alarm combined. The 2-1 Category is for Cat 2 immobilisers that have had movement detection, battery back up and a alarm siren added.
As car alarms became more and more widespread it became more difficult for car thieves. However, this only made them more determined in many cases. Instead of just breaking into the car, the thieves started to break into the home and steal the actual keys. Thieves now started to target the location of the car keys by breaking into owners homes. It was the high value, sportier cars that were particularly targeted. They can take off the various parts and sell them on to different countries. No category of alarm could deter some thieves from getting their hands on the car.
However a solution was developed. The Police could trace car tracking devices hidden in the car once the car had been reported stolen. The tracker is activated via a support center and the route in which it is heading is shown which makes it easy to recover the car before any damage has been done.
Proper Alarm Installation is Essential
Purchasing an alarm or security system is only the beginning of protecting your car. Another thing that you have to ensure is that you have it correctly installed. Many alarms come with an installation certificate to make it more convenient for you. If you do not get a qualified installer to fit the alarm then the alarm will not be recognized by insurance companies. Without this certificate you won’t be eligible for the reduced rates on your insurance.
In 2001, new car security ratings were introduced. This shows buyers how secure various newer cars are. As usual Thatcham run the cars through a rigorous range of tests to establish the security of the car but with results that are easy for the prospective car buyer to interpret. Thatcham have been at the forefront of driving up the levels of car security over the past two decades.