Can Trackers, Immobilisers, and Dashcams Lower Your Car Insurance Premiums?

Oct 1, 2024

3 min read

In an era where car security is paramount, many UK drivers are wondering whether investing in advanced security devices can do more than just protect their vehicles—can they also reduce insurance premiums? Let's delve into how trackers, immobilisers, and dashcams might affect your insurance costs.

Trackers: Keeping Tabs on Your Savings

GPS trackers have become increasingly popular among car owners, and for good reason. These devices can significantly increase the chances of recovering your vehicle if it's stolen. But what about insurance premiums?

Potential for Savings: Many UK insurers offer discounts for cars fitted with approved tracking devices, especially for high-value vehicles.
Thatcham Approval Matters: Trackers with Thatcham approval (categories S5, S7, or S5+) are often looked upon more favourably by insurance companies.
Recovery Rates: The high recovery rate of stolen vehicles with trackers can translate to lower risk for insurers, potentially leading to reduced premiums.

Immobilisers: Stopping Thieves and Lowering Costs

Modern immobilisers are a powerful deterrent against theft, making it nearly impossible for criminals to start your car without the proper key or fob.

Standard in Newer Cars: Most cars manufactured after 1998 come with factory-fitted immobilisers, which insurers already factor into their premiums.
Aftermarket Benefits: If you have an older car, installing an approved aftermarket immobiliser could lead to insurance discounts.
Advanced Systems: Some insurers offer additional discounts for more sophisticated systems, like those with custom disarm sequences.

Dashcams: Providing Evidence and Potentially Reducing Premiums

While primarily known for capturing footage of accidents and road incidents, dashcams can also play a role in your insurance costs.

Proof in Disputes: Dashcam footage can be crucial in determining fault in accidents, potentially protecting you from false claims.
Emerging Trend: Some UK insurers are beginning to offer discounts for dashcam users, though this isn't yet widespread.
Indirect Savings: Even without direct discounts, dashcams can help maintain a clean driving record, indirectly keeping your premiums lower over time.

How Much Could You Save?

The potential savings on your insurance premiums can vary widely depending on several factors, but here's a general idea of what you might expect:

Trackers: Discounts typically range from 5% to 15%, with high-end vehicles seeing the most significant reductions. Some insurers offer up to 25% off for certain approved trackers.
Immobilisers: For cars without factory-fitted immobilisers, adding an approved device could save you between 5% and 10% on your premium.
Dashcams: While not all insurers offer direct discounts for dashcams, those that do typically provide reductions of 10% to 20%.
Combined Devices: Installing multiple security devices could lead to cumulative savings. Some drivers report total discounts of up to 30% when using a combination of approved security measures.

It's important to note that these figures are general estimates. Your actual savings will depend on your specific circumstances, the insurer's policies, and the type and quality of the devices installed.

The Bottom Line: It Depends on Your Insurer

While many security devices can potentially lower your insurance premiums, the exact impact will vary depending on your insurer, the type of device, and other factors such as:

The make and model of your car
Where you live
Your driving history
The level of cover you choose

It's always best to check with your insurance provider before investing in security devices solely for the purpose of reducing premiums. Some insurers may have specific requirements or preferred brands for trackers, immobilisers, or dashcams.

Beyond Insurance: The Bigger Picture

Remember, while potential insurance savings are a bonus, the primary benefit of these devices is enhanced security for your vehicle. They can provide peace of mind, deter thieves, and in the case of dashcams, offer valuable evidence in the event of an incident.

Investing in quality security devices from reputable installers ensures that you're not just potentially saving on insurance, but also genuinely improving your vehicle's security. After all, the best insurance is preventing theft or damage in the first place.

At Car Security Solutions, we offer a range of Thatcham-approved trackers, advanced immobilisers, and high-quality dashcams. Our expert technicians can help you choose and install the right security solutions for your vehicle, potentially helping you save on insurance while significantly boosting your car's security.

Remember to always inform your insurer about any security upgrades you make to your vehicle. It could make a difference in your premiums and ensure you're fully covered in case of an incident.