FLEET managers are being cautioned to check all vehicle security systems meet new standards or they may find insurance premiums increasing. Thatcham, the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre, has for the past two years been warning aftermarket security system manufacturers, vehicle manufacturers and insurers of the delisting of all 'Issue 1' security systems and introducing 'Issue 2' standards.

The two-year period comes to an end on October 1 and after this date any vehicle fitted with an alarm or immobiliser system with the Thatcham evaluation numbers TC1, TE1 or TU1, will be delisted and no longer be eligible for insurance discounts. Original equipment systems fitted by manufacturers are subject to different standards and will only have to meet the Issue 2 criteria - with the prefix TC2, TE2 and TU2 on the Thatcham evaluation number - when a model undergoes a facelift or model change from next month. If it is still fitted with an Issue 1 system the insurance group could increase.

A Thatcham spokesman said: 'Any vehicle undergoing a significant facelift or model change, such that regrouping is required, that is still fitted with an Issue 1 security system, will be deemed non-compliant and score accordingly. This may well affect the grouping of the vehicle.'