When it comes to car insurance, one of the biggest factors affecting your premium is how secure your vehicle is. Insurers don’t just look at your postcode and driving history, they also care about the technology fitted to your car.
One of the most important of these systems is the immobiliser. But how does it affect your insurance, and do you need to declare it?
What is a car immobiliser?
An immobiliser is an electronic anti-theft device that prevents the engine from starting unless the correct key or fob is present. Introduced as standard on all new UK cars since 1998, it has become one of the most effective ways to stop thieves from hot-wiring or forcing a vehicle to start.
How immobilisers affect your insurance
Immobilisers can make a real difference to your policy in several ways:
Lower risk = lower premiums Cars with immobilisers are harder to steal, reducing the insurer’s risk. This can translate to lower premiums.
Mandatory for some insurers Many insurance providers require an immobiliser for cover, especially for high-performance or expensive vehicles.
Proof may be requested Some insurers ask for details about whether your car has a factory-fitted or aftermarket immobiliser.
Do all cars already have immobilisers?
If your car was built after 1998 and sold new in the UK, it almost certainly has a factory-fitted immobiliser. Older cars may not, and if that’s the case, insurers may encourage you to have one fitted to keep your premiums down and protect your car.
Aftermarket immobilisers and insurance
If you drive a classic, imported, or modified car, you might not have an immobiliser from the factory. Adding an aftermarket immobiliser can:
Reduce your insurance premium.
Help you meet the insurer’s security requirements.
Provide peace of mind, especially if the car is valuable or parked outside.
Insurers may require the immobiliser to be Thatcham-approved (a UK vehicle security standard).
Common questions
Do I need to declare an immobiliser? Yes. Always answer truthfully when insurers ask about your car’s security features.
Can I get a discount for fitting one? Often, yes. Many insurers offer reduced premiums for Thatcham-approved immobilisers.
What if my immobiliser is faulty? If your immobiliser isn’t working, it could affect both your car’s security and your cover. It’s best to get it checked and repaired promptly.
Why insurers care about immobilisers
From an insurance perspective, an immobiliser means:
Lower theft risk.
Fewer claims.
More confidence that your vehicle will stay where it’s parked.
That’s why they play such a big role in calculating your premium.
The Technical Vehicle Solutions approach
At Technical Vehicle Solutions, we can:
Diagnose and repair immobiliser issues.
Reprogram immobilisers and replacement keys.
Advise on aftermarket immobiliser options if your car doesn’t already have one.
Keeping your immobiliser in good health isn’t just about peace of mind — it can also help keep your insurance costs under control.
So, does a car immobiliser affect insurance?
Absolutely. A working immobiliser can lower your premiums, keep your car insurable, and ensure you meet your provider’s security requirements.
Need help with your immobiliser?
If your immobiliser isn’t working properly, or you need new keys coded, we can help. At Technical Vehicle Solutions, our experts ensure your car remains secure and compliant.
📞 Call us today on 01763 230411 to book an immobiliser check or repair.