Tracker with a Cat 2 immobiliser, and Cobra vs Meta compared

The short answer: a Thatcham Category 2 immobiliser is a certified, immobiliser-only product that arms itself and isolates more than one circuit. Paired with a tracker, it gives dual layer protection that suits older or wired vehicles, and owners whose insurer names Cat 2. It is a different kind of product from a CAN immobiliser such as the Ghost, and the two are often confused.

What Category 2 requires

Thatcham does not publish its detailed test criteria on its public pages, so we rely on reputable summaries. The RAC says a Cat 2 device must isolate at least two circuits or systems, or one control unit the car needs to run, and must be passively set. Motoring Research adds that the driver must not have to take any action to set it. Aviva states Cat 2 products must resist attack for at least five minutes.

Cobra vs Meta immobilisers

Owners often ask us to compare these two names. They are quite different products, so here is what each maker or seller states.

Cobra became part of Vodafone Automotive, and installers still sell the 8510 as a Vodafone Cobra Cat 2 immobiliser. We could not find a current Vodafone Automotive product page for it, so confirm the certificate with your installer. Meta's BLE42 is a convenient Bluetooth unit, but if your insurer insists on Cat 2, we found no evidence it holds that category.

Other Cat 2 options

ScorpionTrack sells the Sterling Touch 2, which it describes as a Thatcham Category 2 immobiliser using coded touch keys without radio transponders, so it cannot be read by scanning devices. As with every product here, the Thatcham claim is the seller's; Thatcham's own certification database is the place to verify it.

Pairing a Cat 2 immobiliser with a tracker

• With S7: the Cat 2 unit handles drive-away theft, the S7 handles location and tow-away alerts. A sound budget pairing.
• With S5: two separate tags or keys to carry, but two independent checks for a thief to beat.
• Keep the touch key apart from the car key. If both live on one ring, a burglar gets both layers at once.

Cat 2 or a CAN immobiliser such as the Ghost?

A Cat 2 touch-key unit is wired and works on vehicles without a compatible data network, which is why it suits older cars and many vans. A CAN immobiliser hides in the car's network and uses the buttons you already have, with no extra key. If the insurer names Cat 2, buy Cat 2. If not, compare both. Our Ghost generations guide explains the CAN route.

Common questions