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Like all things there is unique lingo and terms you'll come across when looking for car security products. We've compiled a list of the most popular ones can you can find product specific jargon buster's on each of the product pages.
You may come across the following jargon or terms when looking for a car alarm.
Use the quick links below to navigate to the letter you need more quickly:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
ABI (Association of British Insurers)
The ABI (Association of British Insurers) represents the collective interests of the UK’s insurance industry. The Association speaks out on issues of common interest; helps to inform and participate in debates on public policy issues; and also acts as an advocate for high standards of customer service in the insurance industry. The Association has around 400 companies in membership. Between them, they provide 94% of domestic insurance services sold in the UK. ABI member companies account for almost 20 per cent of investments in the London stock market.
Alarm
This system sounds an audible and possibly visual warning when the vehicle is tampered with.
Anti-grab
See Random Encryption.
Anti-hijack
Prevents a thief forcing a driver to hand over his keys and driving off with the car.
Anti-scan
The alarm will ignore a device such as a radio scanner which bombards it with multiple codes in order to find the correct code.
Arm condition memory
If the power to the alarm is disconnected it remains in the same state when it is reconnected so that the alarm cannot be disarmed by disconnecting and reconnecting the power.
Auto re-arm
Prevents accidental disarming of the alarm. If the alarm is disarmed and no doors are opened within a period of time (usually 30 seconds) the alarm will re-arm itself.
Auxillary output
An output that can be controlled from the remote control. Useful for control of electric boot releases, add-on engine starters, neon lights etc.
B
Battery back up
A siren that has its own battery, which allows the alarm to continue to sound even if the car battery is disconnected.
Black box
Originally the name for the flight data recorder in planes, now refers to any data logging system.
Bolts
European vehicle manufacturers mainly use bolts to fasten wheels to cars versus nuts for American vehicle manufacturers.
Bonnet release
Usually a function in the remote control where you can open the boot by pressing a button.
Bonnet switch
Detects when the bonnet is open.
C
CDL
Stands for (C)entral (D)oor (L)ocking.
Central door locking
Many alarms now link into, and control, your car's central locking. Central locking will be activated or de-activated with the alarm.
h4>CloningA clone describes a stolen or damaged vehicle which has taken the identity of a legitimate vehicle of the same make. This means there are two cars on the road with the same identity.
Clocked
A vehicle is said to be “clocked” if it has had its mileage tampered with by turning back or replacing the odometer in order to increase the value of the vehicle.
Cut 'n' shut
Cut ‘n’ shut describes a vehicle that is made up of two cars, possibly welded together, that are usually both ‘write-offs’. You should always make sure that all VIN's on the vehicle match.
Compact alarm
An alarm that has all the electronics built into the siren. Generally considered less secure than a modular alarm and more susceptible to water damage of the alarms electronics.
D
Dead Locking
This disables the normal lock functions and prevents a thief opening the car from the inside by breaking the window and operating the release handle or button.
Differential GPS
A form of GPS which uses additional data from fixed and roving receivers to reduce plotting errors and obtain more accurate positioning.
Doorlock guards
They are added to surround the lock or handle on the outside of the vehicle, protecting the lock from being picked by screwdrivers or tools used to remove the entire lock to gain entry into a car.
DVLA
(D)river and (V)ehicle (L)icensing (A)gency - government agency responsible for all things to do with driving/licensing in UK, Scotland and Wales.
DVLNI
(D)river and (V)ehicle (L)icensing (N)orthern (I)reland - government agency responsible for all things to do with driving/licensing in Northern Ireland.
E
Emergency override
A feature enabling you to override the alarm if your remote control is lost or stops working.
Export
A vehicle that has been exported should not be on sale in the UK. You should only purchase the vehicle if you are convinced that the current V5C is dated after the vehicle was exported.
G
GeoFence
A geographic boundary that is set up to monitor your car. If your car goes outside this boundary, an alert is sent.
GIS
(G)eographic (I)nformation (S)ystem. Mapping software that uses geographic data.
Glass Break Detector
This sets off the alarm if a thief breaks a car window.
GSM
(G)lobal (S)ystem for (M)obile communications. Technology for mobiles used on most of the world's networks.
H
Hex keys
A tool used to drive screws and bolts with a hexagonal socket in the head.
I
Ignition locking
A safety feature where the doors are automatically locked when the ignition is turned on.
Immobiliser
An immobiliser stops the vehicle from being driven away. There are two types:
1. Mechanical: These lock either the steering wheel, gear lever or pedals in position.
2. Electronic: These disable the vehicle's electrical system and engine. This sets off the alarm if a thief breaks a car window.
Import
A vehicle is said to be "imported" if it has arrived in the UK via unofficial channels rather than through the official manufacturer channels.
There are 3 main categories of import:
Parallel imports - are vehicles that were manufactured for other European markets.
Personal Imports - are vehicles ordered from dealers inside the EU.
Grey Imports - were intended for markets outside of the EU.
Inclination sensor
This sets off the alarm when it senses the vehicle is being raised or jacked up to tow the vehicle away or steal the wheels.
L
Last door arming
See Passive Arming.
LCD display
A display on the remote control itself. This give visual confirmation that the alarm is armed, which detector has triggered it and if the remote engine starter is operated.
LED
Flashing light usually installed on the dashboard to indicate that the alarm is switched on.
Lift/Tilt Sensor
The system can tell if the vehicle is moved off the ground or tilted to a different angle. Some thieves steal cars by lifting them onto trucks and driving them away.
M
Microwave sensor
A sensor that detects movement inside the car, but is not susceptible to air movement. Designed to reduce the possibility of false alarms on soft top vehicles.
Modular alarm
An alarm that has the electronics and siren built into separate boxes. As the alarms electronics are inside the car these type of alarms are more secure and less liable to water damage than a compact alarm.
MOT Certificate
Shows that a vehicle has passed an annual roadworthiness check. It is compulsory for any car over three years old, without it, you may not be covered by your insurer.
Mute mode
Allows you to arm or disarm the alarm without the confirmation chirps from the siren. Handy when coming home late at night so you don't disturb your family or neighbours.
N
Nuts
US and Asian car manufacturers typically use wheel nuts to fasten wheels to cars versus bolts for European manufacturers.
O
Outstanding Finance
If there is finance outstanding on the vehicle (such as a loan or hire purchase agreement), the company referred to in the finance agreeenment will be the legal owner of the vehicle. The agreement will need to be settled before you purchase the vehicle - therefore, make sure you do a background checkon the vehicle, otherwise, you could be liable for outstanding finance.P
Paging
A paging device sends a signal to the owner, telling them the car is being attacked or stolen.
Panic feature
Allows the alarm to be set off from the remote control for personal protection.
Security parking posts
These are the metal folding posts that are spring loaded and are lockable in the upright position, to reserve your private parking space. They can fold down and be locked to the ground in order for your car to gain entry to the parking space. Also, can be a theft deterrent if its locked in the upright position while the car is parked in the space.
Parallel imports
See imports.
Passive arming
The alarm/immobiliser is switched on automatically when you leave the car.
Passive locking
The same as passive arming but the doors also lock.
Perimeter Protection
If a thief opens any doors, boot/luggage areas or the bonnet, the alarm will go off.
Personal imports
See imports.
Plate Transfer
People can legally change the registration plate in order to personalise their car but they may also change the plate in order to disguise the vehicle’s history.
Q
Q Plate
A Q Plate is literally a VRM (Vehicle Registration Mark) which starts with a Q prefix. The use of this plate indicates one of two things: a car which was not originally registered in the UK and for which proof of age was unavailable at registration, or a car which has been built using a significant proportion of used parts. It is perfectly normal for a kit car to have a Q registration but, on other cars, it suggests that their full history may be difficult to trace.
R
Radio Key (Remote Control)
A tiny radio transmitter, which may operate the alarm/immobiliser and/or door, locks.
Random encryption
The remote control changes its code every time its used preventing anyone from copying the code.
Remote control
A keyfob style device for arming and disarming the alarm.
Remote diagnostics
The system can talk to a remote location (ie. the company's HQ) to tell them if a failure is occuring. Similarly, the status of the system can be checked from a remote location.
Remote engine start
A convenience feature on some alarms which allows you to start the cars engine from the remote control. By leaving your heater or aircon turned on when leaving your car, you can use the remote to start to pre-warm or cool your car from the comfort of your house.
Reverse geocoding
The conversion of latitude and longitude coordinate data of locations into descriptive addresses.
Ringing
Ringing describes the practice of illegally changing a vehicle's true identity. The VRM (Vehicle Registration Mark) of a donor vehicle - often one that has been classified as a "write-off" - is used to disguise another vehicle's true identity. In many cases the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is also stolen from the donor vehicle making it very difficult to detect the crime. However, you should always check that ALL the VIN's match.
S
Sat Nav
Short for "Satellite Navigation", referring to navigation systems based on GPS data.
Scanner
Series of flashing lights used to indicate that the alarm is switched on. Offers higher visibility than a standard LED.
Self coding
A method of easily programming in new remote controls without having to visit a dealer.
Shock sensor
A device that detects knocks, bangs or impacts to the car. A dual stage sensor will sound the Warn Away chirps on some alarms if there is only a light knock only setting the full alarm off with a heavier knock or impact.
Silent arm/disarm
See mute mode.
Smart chirps
A series of chirps when disarming the alarm to alert you that the alarm was triggered during your absence.
Sold secure
Sold Secure is a non-profit making company dedicated to reducing the risk of crime by the assessment of security products. They were established in 1992 by Northumbria and Essex Police with the help and backing of the Home Office. Sold Secure is now administered by the Master Locksmiths Association and works from purpose built laboratories in Daventry. Their mission is to "to test and provide professional and accurate advice regarding effective security products to Commercial Customers, the Insurance Industry, the Home Office, the Police and the Public.
T
Telematics
The integration of computers and telecommunications, particularly in systems combining wireless communication and mobile GPS tracking.
Telemetry
Gathering data at a distance and relaying it to the observer. Often used in environments where it would be dangerous or difficult to collect the data directly, or where the subject of study is mobile, such as a vehicle. Is also used to collect information on the location and activities of animals (biotelemetry).
Tilt Sensor
See lift sensor.
Total Closure/Central Locking
Enable the whole car (doors, boot, sunroof) to be locked with just one operation of a key or remote control.
Touch Key
A key which operates the alarm/immobiliser, by direct contact with keypad.
Transponder
This is a uniquely coded identification microchip, which can be used in an immobiliser key to help prevent a vehicle from being stolen.
Transponder bypass module
Required on most vehicles from 1997 (and some earlier) for remote starters to function. Allows the alarm to turn the factory fitted immobiliser off when the remote control is used to start the engine (Remote engine starter).
Turbo timer
Some alarms with remote engine start also have a turbo timer feture which allows you to leave the car and arm the alarm whilst leaving the engine running for 3 minutes to allow your turbo to cool down gradually.
U
Ultrasonic detectors
A device that detects movement inside a vehicle.
V
V5
The V5/log book or vehicle registration document, is issued by the DVLA or DVLNI. It provides the name and address of a vehicle's current and previous registered keepers as well as the total number of previous keepers. It also lists the vehicle's details including colour, make, model, engine number and VIN. Since the DVLA's campaign encouraging buyers to examine logbooks carefully before handing over any money, vehicle documents are rapidly becoming a target for thieves. This is due to the fact that they will find it harder to sell the vehicle without the V5. Every vehicle should now have a V5C - the new style DVLA/DVLNI Vehicle Registration Document.
Valet mode
When in valet mode an alarm will only operate your central locking, all other alarm features are disabled. Ideal for valet parking services and when taking your car in for servicing.
VIN
(V)ehicle (I)dentification (N)umber this is typically a 17 digit ID, comprising of letters and numbers, stamped on to the vehicle's chassis by the manufacturer. Most VIN's can be found under the bonnet, but may also be found under the carpet by the driver's seat and often etched onto the windows.
Volumetric Sensor
This sets off an alarm if a thief enters the vehicle.
VRM
(V)ehicle (R)egistration (M)ark, or number plate.
W
Warn away
Sounds a series of short chirps from the siren to alert people that the alarm is armed. Used with dual zone microwave sensors to detect if someone is too close to the car or dual stage shock sensors to detect light knocks or bangs.
Window closure
An add on for cars without Total Closure which allows the windows to be closed automatically when the alarm is armed.
Window glazing
A special film is placed over the car window to make it harder to break. Also, good for safety as its less likely to shatter during an accident.
Write-off
A car is deemed to be a "write-off" if it has been declared a total loss by an insurer, usually after an accident or if it has been stolen or subsequently damaged. Many written off vehicles are allowed back onto the road following repair and an independent inspection to discern road worthiness. However almost 50% of write-offs should not go back on the road again.
Write-offs are categorised by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) as follows:
Another category of write-off indicates that a vehicle has been reported as stolen by an insurance company.
Z
Zone bypass
Prevents repeated false alarms from a defective or poorly adjusted sensor. The alarm disables a sensor if too many alarm activations occurr in a short time during one armed period. The zone is restored to normal operation when the alarm is next armed.
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