Security Devices

[Guest mick]

I have (along with a great deal of my work collegues) just had my insurance policy effectively cancelled due to EU rules and regs concerning insuring a European registered car through a UK firm.

 

To obtain insurance here in Holland, I have been informed that I have to have an alarm system fitted which covers the following:

 

1. Immobilizer which automatically activates itself and blocks a minimum of two units (eg fuel pump, ignition, starter etc).

 

2. standard alarm with inside and outside detection, siren and remote control

 

3. protection against sabotage by means of a siren, which has its own backup battery. Furthermore, a detection against the vehicle being towed away.

 

I know that some of these are covered, but to what degree? Any pointers as to where can I obtain verification that a Ford Cat 1 alarm covers (or doesn't), and if not, recommend an alarm which can be retro fitted would be appreciated.

[seatkid]

;) Wot? They didn't specify the user removable engine block?

 

Clearly they don't want your business - I bet the only EU regs they're referring to are the ones they've just thought up. :huh:

 

Shop around ... try dutch companies.

 

I don't know why anyone has so much faith in alarms, my experience is everyone ignores them, or even makes sure they get away from any potential threat asap.

[Guest mick]

Thanks Fredt for the link for Thatcham, suprising how much info there is there. Looks like a Ford Cat 1 alarm covers all that is required!

 

The removable engine block allows for a 5 euro discount!!!

 

Having shopped around the Dutch insurers (only 3 due to time restraints), looks like I will be paying the equivalent of 250 stg more for two cars for the year. The 'insurers book' over here quotes the Gal 1.9tdi 130 at just under 43000 euro incl all taxes! :huh:

[Guest mick]

Interesting. CD Bramells (where I bought the car) lot don't think that the Ford alarm is rated by Thatcham what so ever, and The local Ford garage here in NL doesn't think the Gal falls into any of the 3 classes shown at the start of this thread. When asked how much to upgrade to Class 3, was met with sharp intake of breath, and 'in excess of €1000'.

 

Some further investigation required I think! :rolleyes:

[Guest EVSS]

we have the ford alarm and self arming immobiliser fitted to ours, the insurance wouldnt accept it, stating if the vehicle wasnt upgraded, cover would be third party only.I fitted my own just to please them, and the only difference between the two is total closure on the cat one. never mind at least the insurance are happy.

To be honest we come accross this problem a lot, at least your insurance told you, we are getting a lot of customers now who when they fill the proposals out ,say yes it has a alarm( quite rightly) then two months down the line if there lucky receive a letter asking for the certificate for the install.The down side is they paid for fully comp and find they have been covered third party for non motoring probs ie your stereo goes and no cover.

[Guest mick]

Guess I'll have to bite the bullet and go for the alarm upgrade. I spoke to another insurance company today, and again, asking for the full lot. I would shop around for other alarm systems, but with car still in grips of warranty.....

:o

[Ivor_E_Tower]

AIUI, all new cars sold in the UK must have a Thatcham Category 2 immobiliser as standard (ie not necessaily have an alarm, but at least 2 items immobilised electronically when car is locked). This may be a European-wide requirement too, but I'm not sure. If your car was built to UK spec, and is a 130PS, then it should have a Thatcham immobiliser fitted as a minimum requirement.

Anyone know better?

[Guest mick]

Looking at the Thatcham web site, there is no mention of Gals on any of their Cats with the exception of the 2.0 and 2.3 16v (Jan 1996 on...) under the Class 2 immobiliser. That list was updated in Nov 2003.