I once heard somewhere that fitting an 'Engine Start' button to the ignition circuit counts as an immobiliser for insurance purposes, and i wondered if this was correct? If not are they expensive to fit?

Secondly with regard to alarms are thatcham approved ones more expensive, and does the purchase price reflect the insurance discount?

I recently got my insurance for my G down to £370 subject to a Thatcham 1 alarm and immobiliser. My Clifford Viper cost me £400 and was the best buy i've made for the car.

What was your insurance before though - does the initial outlay make the saving worthwhile.

Theres no point me paying £400 for an alarm if it only saves me £200 on insurance!

to right i fit alarms for a living and i know on average a cat one will get you 5% discount off your insurance .is £400 5% of your insurance ????

you fit alarms to stop your car getting stolen!! not to save money

AH reet, my alarm and immob. makes no difference to the insurance.

And i know but you would think they'd at least consider it! But yeah i do sleep better at night knowing the beast will be there in the morning, or i'll be woken up to save its ass from those thieving pikeys...

I once heard somewhere that fitting an 'Engine Start' button to the ignition circuit counts as an immobiliser...?

You mean a hidden killswitch you have to use in addition to the key to start it? I'm afraid not. I've checked with the insurance as I have one on all of my cars (no one's reading this right? ) and they said no.

Haha fair enough - at least it feels more like an aston or a ferarri though, and if you hide it well makes it a bit harder to take off with the car.

What was your insurance before though - does the initial outlay make the saving worthwhile.

Theres no point me paying £400 for an alarm if it only saves me £200 on insurance!

The renewal came in at £1400. So i was quite happy to spend the money. Plus my car is more secure, gives me peace of mind.

I once heard somewhere that fitting an 'Engine Start' button to the ignition circuit counts as an immobiliser for insurance purposes, and i wondered if this was correct? If not are they expensive to fit?

No this is not correct!

Far an alarm or immobiliser to be Thatcham approved it must be fitted by an authorised installer who will certify in writing that it has been fitted.

your insurance company will want to see this before awarding any discounts.

Why not RING your insurance company and say 'please can you give me a quote for my car if i have an alarm /immob'

they will then tell you how much the difference is

What was your insurance before though - does the initial outlay make the saving worthwhile.

Theres no point me paying £400 for an alarm if it only saves me £200 on insurance!

But then the extra £200 is worth it because it's fun to press some buttons before you get in the car

Seriously, There worth it for things like remote central locking, and the alarm

But immobilisers are a bastard. Anyone whos had one go faulty will tell you they won't ever get another one

What was your insurance before though - does the initial outlay make the saving worthwhile.

Theres no point me paying £400 for an alarm if it only saves me £200 on insurance!

But then the extra £200 is worth it because it's fun to press some buttons before you get in the car

Seriously, There worth it for things like remote central locking, and the alarm

But immobilisers are a bastard. Anyone whos had one go faulty will tell you they won't ever get another one

Had my toad laserkey cat 2 immobiliser for 7 years no and not had one problem with it. It has a lifetime warranty, from Toad.

My first premium was £1500, the immobiliser brought it down to £1400 and cost £70 to fit

I've got a cat1 alarm and immobiliser, it doesnt do anything on my policy. the cars got to be worth over £1000 pounds before you need one...

Yeah I'm not fussed can't see anyone stealing it anyway. I've got an alarm, supposedly its got an immob but i don't think it does, unless its triggered by the alarm going off. Never mind eh.

I haven't got my Polo yet ( getting a 1998 1.6 estate) but was quoted £354.57 for a yeays ins ( full comp) with out alarm or imb and £325.57 with..

So i dont think its worth paying £400 for a cat 1 alarm to save £29.00

This is the same thing for my super bike

Edited 3 March, 200719 yr by Rhino-Neil

I've just got myself a cat 1 alarm...and quinn direct dont give a discount for it ....its going to cost me about £200 in all...but its worth it for the remote start :-D