Best 5 Immobilisers for Cars and Vans in 2025

Car and van theft remains a growing concern in the UK, with an average of 354 vehicles reported stolen daily in 2023-2024. One of the most effective ways to protect your vehicle? Immobilisers.

Unlike standard alarms or trackers, immobilisers prevent the engine from starting without the correct PIN, tag, or smartphone authorisation, stopping thieves in their tracks. In this guide, we break down their key features, pros and cons, and fitting prices to help you choose the best car immobiliser for your security needs.

Summary Table

Immobilisers	Key Features	Best for	Thatcham Approved	Pros	Cons	Fitting Price £
Autowatch: Ghost Immobiliser 2	PIN entry via steering wheel buttons, undetectable, prevents key cloning	Everyday car & van security	Yes (Category S5)	Discreet, proven tech, widely insurance-recognised	PIN sequence may feel less convenient than tag/app-based systems	From £499
Autowatch: Ghost Immobiliser Pro	Ghost II features + smartphone app control, encrypted communication	Tech-savvy drivers & fleet managers	Yes (Category S5)	App integration, secure updates, extra convenience	Slightly higher cost, requires smartphone pairing	From £599
StarLine: M13	Smartphone app, GPS tracking optional, motion/tilt alerts	Vans, fleets, high-value vehicles	Some models yes	Great for fleet tracking, motion alerts, versatile	Less UK brand recognition, app reliance may not suit everyone	From £480
Scorpion: X‑Series	Immobiliser with Bluetooth tags, emergency override, compatible with modern CAN	Businesses or users needing tag access	Yes (Category S5)	Convenient tag system, robust support, insurance-friendly	Tag-based system may feel less secure than PIN-only systems	From £499
CAN: Phantom	Hidden installation, CAN bus integration, PIN disarm via existing controls	Covert security seekers, stealth focus	Yes (Category S5)	Extremely stealthy, hard to bypass, insurance-approved	Limited app/tag integration, PIN setup required	From £499

Understanding Vehicle Immobilisers

Vehicle immobilisers are advanced security devices that prevent your car or van from starting unless the correct code, tag, or smartphone verification is used. By working directly with the vehicle’s electronic systems, they provide a discreet but highly effective barrier against key cloning, hot-wiring, and theft. Before working through comparisons, if you are new to car immobilisers, explore our what is an immobiliser guide to establish a good foundation of immobilisers.

Immobilisers, Car Alarms and Trackers

In vehicle security, immobilisers are often featured with car alarms and trackers as a package, but they perform different functions. Car alarms alert you to a break-in, trackers help locate your vehicle if stolen, and immobilisers prevent the engine from starting, stopping theft before it happens. Alarms can be triggered accidentally, and trackers only help after theft, but immobilisers work silently and continuously in the background.

For further insights, read about the difference between an immobiliser and a car alarm.

Tip: For maximum security, many drivers combine all three systems, providing an ideal blend of the best car immobiliser and tracker systems, starting with alarms for notifications, trackers for recovery, and immobilisers for proactive theft prevention.

Recommended Immobiliser Features

When choosing the best aftermarket car immobiliser for your van or car needs, look for features that maximise security and convenience.

Some of the best car immobiliser system features include:

• PIN Code or Tag Entry:  Requires a unique code or authorised tag to start the vehicle, preventing unauthorised use.
  
• CAN Bus (Controller Area Network bus): An electronic communication system built into modern vehicles that allows different components (like the engine, gearbox, airbags, brakes, and even your immobiliser) to “talk” to each other without needing separate wiring for every function, an ideal integration for stealth and reliability.
  
• Smartphone App: Allows you to control, monitor, and disarm the immobiliser remotely via a secure mobile application.
  
• GPS Tracking: Provides real-time location monitoring of your vehicle, helping with theft recovery and fleet management.
  
• Thatcham Approval: UK certification that ensures a vehicle security system, like an immobiliser or alarm, meets rigorous standards for theft prevention. Cars fitted with Thatcham-approved devices are often eligible for insurance discounts and are recognised by insurers as providing reliable protection that meets category rankings.

Combining these features during a London Ghost Immobiliser Installation helps to build the best immobiliser system for you and protect your vehicle while giving you peace of mind.

Autowatch: Ghost Immobiliser 2

The Ghost Immobiliser 2 is a popular and considered one of the best immobilisers for car UK, offering discreet protection against key cloning, ECU (Engine Control Unit) swapping, and relay theft. It uses the vehicle’s own buttons and steering wheel controls to create a unique PIN sequence that must be entered before the engine will start.

Features

• Undetectable by key-cloning and diagnostic tools.
• Personalised PIN code entry using dashboard buttons.
• Secure mobile app with encrypted Bluetooth connection.
• No radio frequency signals, making it extremely secure.
• Works with most makes and models.

Best for
Drivers who want discreet, proven protection against modern theft techniques without changing their keys or fobs.

Pros

• Extremely discreet (invisible to thieves).
• High compatibility across vehicle makes.
• Secure, PIN-based system unique to the driver.

Cons

• No mobile app or GPS tracking functions.
• PIN code must be remembered and entered each time.

Fitting Price:

Car Keys Solutions: From £499 in store, £549 mobile service.

📞 Call us on 0203 393 5669 for a free consultation tailored to your vehicle.

Autowatch: Ghost Immobiliser Pro

The Ghost Immobiliser Pro builds on the Ghost Immobiliser 2 by adding smartphone app integration and optional Bluetooth tags. This allows faster disarming while keeping the same high level of vehicle security.

Features

• All features of Ghost 2, but with an added CAN module to block the gearbox.
• Secure mobile app with encrypted Bluetooth connection.
• Optional driver recognition tags.
• Same discreet PIN code entry system.

Best for
Motorists who want the convenience of smartphone or tag-based control alongside the Ghost Immobiliser’s proven security.

Pros

• Added convenience with an app and tags.
• Strong encryption and PIN backup.
• Stealth installation and no RF (radio frequency) signals.

Cons

• Requires careful setup of the app or tags.

Fitting Price

Car Keys Solutions: From £500-£700 in store, or dependent on mobile location and vehicle type.

📞 Call us on 0203 393 5669 for a free consultation tailored to your vehicle.

StarLine: M13

The StarLine M13 is a GPS-enabled immobiliser that combines engine blocking with real-time vehicle tracking. It’s controlled via a smartphone app, allowing remote immobilisation and monitoring from anywhere.

Features

• Immobiliser and GPS tracker in one.
• Smartphone app control and notifications.
• Remote engine blocking via GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications).
• Location tracking for theft recovery.

Best for
Owners who want both anti-theft immobilisation and live vehicle tracking in one package.

Pros

• Combines an immobiliser and a tracker in one device.
• Remote control from anywhere.
• Recovery aid if the vehicle is stolen.

Cons

• Requires a GSM signal for some features.
• App setup can be more technical than others.

Fitting Price

From £480 (installation included).

📞 Call us on 0203 393 5669 for a free consultation tailored to your vehicle.

Scorpion: X-Series

The Scorpion X-Series immobiliser is Thatcham-approved and designed to meet insurer requirements while giving reliable anti-theft protection. It uses driver recognition tags to allow authorised access and prevent unauthorised engine start.

Features

• Thatcham-approved for insurance recognition.
• Encrypted driver ID tags (such as small electronic fobs or cards).
• Automatic immobilisation when the tag is not detected.
• Professional installation with discreet fitting.

Best for
Drivers who want an insurance-approved immobiliser with user-friendly tag access.

Pros

• Insurance-recognised (Thatcham approved).
• Simple to use with automatic disarm.
• Professional fitment and support.

Cons

• Relies on tag batteries.
• Not as discreet as PIN-code systems.

Fitting Price

*Car Keys Solutions doesn’t provide installation for this model of immobiliser; however, the benchmark price for fitting a Scorpion X series usually ranges from £499 to £599.

📞 Call us on 0203 393 5669 for a free consultation tailored to your vehicle.

CAN: Phantom

The CAN Phantom is a modern immobiliser that integrates directly with your vehicle’s CAN bus system, preventing the engine from starting without the authorised code. It’s undetectable by thieves using standard diagnostic tools and offers robust protection.

Features

• Direct integration with the CAN bus system.
• Customisable secure disarm sequence.
• Undetectable by key cloning or diagnostic scanning.
• Compatible with most vehicle types.

Best for
Drivers who are seeking discreet, cutting-edge protection integrated directly into their vehicle’s electronics.

Pros

• Highly secure and invisible to thieves.
• Works seamlessly with the vehicle’s original systems.
• Simple disarm process once set up.

Cons

• Less widely known brand than Ghost or Scorpion.
• Limited additional convenience features (no app or tags).

Fitting Price

*Car Keys Solutions doesn’t provide installation for this model of immobiliser; however, the benchmark price for fitting a CAN Phantom usually ranges from £499 to £599

📞 Call us on 0203 393 5669 for a free consultation tailored to your vehicle.

Best Car Alarm and Immobiliser Pairings

While each device offers a unique set of functions and benefits for a user’s needs, we believe that the best car alarm and immobiliser UK covers your needs, budget and utilises layered protection. Consider an immobiliser paired with an alarm, as this recommended pairing achieves necessary vehicle security measures and appeases insurers.

• Immobiliser: Autowatch Ghost Pro: Thatcham-approved, PIN/tag entry, app integration, and highly trusted by insurers.
  
• Alarm: Any Thatcham-approved Car Alarm: These are often bundled with Ghost systems or Scorpion X-Series units, which provide audible alerts and deter opportunistic theft.

Why this pairing works: The Ghost Pro ensures proactive engine-blocking protection, while the car alarm system adds a visible/audible deterrent, and together they satisfy most UK insurers for premium discounts and claim support.

Conclusions

Choosing the best immobiliser for cars or vans depends on the level of security you need, your vehicle type, and the features that matter most, such as PIN or tag entry, CAN bus integration, and GPS tracking. Thatcham-approved systems like the Ghost II, Ghost Pro, and Scorpion X-Series offer insurance-friendly protection and peace of mind. Combining immobilisers with car alarms or trackers can provide a comprehensive approach, ensuring your car or van is both secure and easily recoverable if stolen.

For expert Ghost Immobiliser Installation UK service, contact our team for workshop and mobile convenience.

FAQs

How do I know if my car has a Thatcham approved immobiliser?

You can check your vehicle’s documentation, such as the manufacturer’s handbook or service booklet, where Thatcham-approved security systems are usually listed. Many UK insurers also provide this information when quoting, and you can confirm by contacting the manufacturer or an authorised installer. Look for the Thatcham logo or Category S5/S7 designation, which indicates official approval.

CAN Phantom vs Ghost Immobiliser, which one is better?

Both are excellent options, but they serve slightly different needs. The Ghost Immobiliser (Ghost II or Pro) is widely recognised, Thatcham-approved, and highly trusted by insurers, offering PIN or tag-based access for maximum insurance compatibility. The CAN Phantom is stealthier, integrating directly with the vehicle’s CAN bus to block the engine without any visible hardware, making it harder for thieves to detect, but it lacks app or tag conveniences. Ultimately, choose Ghost for insurance recognition and proven reliability, and CAN Phantom for maximum covert security.