Car security systems

IN EUROPE, it is mandatory for insurance companies to have a security system on board the vehicles that are top of the line, second and third segment cars. And what has been devised is the state-of-the-art vehicle identification system that will blow one's mind. It is a unique system by which a transmitter is installed at an inconspicuous place in the car /automobile so that it is tracked by the monitoring authority anywhere in England or Europe. The process is so simple that once a car has this system on board the insurance company can insure it but the duplicate key of the car has to be handed over to the insurance company.

NavTrak is the system provider and the module is the data collection unit (DCU) that works off the GPS (global positioning satellite system developed by the U.S. military) and GSM cellular networks.

Once installed in the vehicle, the device can, on request, send messages that will pinpoint the position of the vehicle, whether it is moving or stationary, enabling its exact location to be fixed on a computerised map.

The NavTrak stolen vehicle recovery service enables its control centre to pinpoint the vehicle's position on demand, 24-hours a day. In the event of the car being stolen or moved without the owner's permission, it is able to locate the vehicle within a few metres of its position, anywhere in Europe. It is a Thatcham 'Q' listed device (an independent motor insurance repair research centre recognised by top motor insurance companies), so it will enable the driver to qualify for insurance premium discounts with most major insurers.

The organisation has revolutionised the market with a new business model that works in a similar way to those of digital television and mobile phones, where hardware is given free by providers. The module/box is provided free of charge to dealers and drivers. Unlike other security system manufacturers, where motorists pay 600-700 pound sterling for what is purely a stolen vehicle tracking system, with NavTrak motorists only pay a maximum of a 199 pound sterling installation fee to the car dealer, plus a monthly subscription of 9.99 pound sterling. The monthly subscription also entitles the customer to the following services:

Breakdown and Emergency: In an emergency, or if a customer's car breaks down, it will pinpoint the exact location of the vehicle and liaise with the relevant breakdown or rescue services to enable them reach the customer as quickly as possible. Proactive Security includes all the features of the NavTrak's standard vehicle recovery service, but also offers a proactive alert service that will monitor any vehicle movements that are not authorised by its owner.

The owner of the car identifies himsef or herself by touching a high security key card to a contact sensor installed in the car. If the engine is started without this authorisation, a silent alert will automatically get triggered and a signal will be sent to the control centre. NavTrak will then contact the driver to verify whether the vehicle is being used without its permission. It will then liaise with the relevant police force to ensure that the vehicle is safely retrieved. The monthly subscription for this service is 14.99 pound sterling.

Traffic Watch is a unique proactive traffic alert system that uses the same unit to establish and track a customer's position so that it can update them through mobile phone of any significant traffic problems as and when they occur on the journey ahead of the customer.

* Stolen Vehicle Recovery Service: When reported stolen, NavTrak will locate the vehicle and work with the police to recover the vehicle.

* Return and Valet Service: After the stolen vehicle has been recovered, NavTrak arranges for the car to be cleaned and returned to an address convenient to the customer.

* Replacement Vehicle Guarantee:- In the unlikely event that NavTrak fails to locate the car within six hours, the control centre will arrange to provide the customer with a car of a similar type in order to minimise any inconvenience caused.

* Breakdown and Emergency: In an emergency, or if a customer's car breaks down, NavTrak will pinpoint the exact location of the vehicle and liaise with the relevant breakdown or rescue services to enable them reach the customer as quickly as possible.

It is sold as a stolen vehicle-tracking device through franchised car dealerships, independent car entertainment specialists and on a direct sell basis. Customers can take advantage of driver information services based on the location finding ability of the DCU. The services include route specific and predictive traffic information, turn-by-turn navigation, plus breakdown and emergency assistance.

The next development that is being fine-tuned is the installation of the module with a lens that will transmit to the control room what is happening inside the automobile and who is driving it. No honeymooning in the car!!

Isn't this something worth thinking about, Police and Traffic management departments?

Tutu Dhawan

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