Why is CarWatch a better security system than conventional car alarms?
CarWatch has all the standard features of a normal car alarm PLUS :
- passive arming engine immobiliser system which complies with NRMA guidelines
- instant notification of alarm signals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- your vehicle is located to within 30 metres by QRC
- rapid response system for emergencies
- fully supported by the insurance industry
- full co-operation and support of the Police Service
- tow alert to let us know when your car is being illegally towed
- remote engine immobiliser so we can stop the car on command
- sophisticated technology built to military standards.
What can set off an alarm?
When armed, the CarWatch system will sound an alarm and send a radio signal if:
- The doors, bonnet or boot are forced or opened
- The ignition is tampered with in any way or switched on
- The vehicle is towed, tilted or receives an impact
- Any attempt is made to steal or damage the vehicle
- If there is any movement in the cabin
- If battery voltage falls below 9.0 Volts
Is CarWatch compulsory for high value / risk vehicles?
No, although many insurance companies are making CarWatch compulsory for vehicles over $100,000 and certain makes of vehicles such as: Porsche, HSV, FPV Fords, Ferrari, turbo-charged vehicles, convertibles etc.
How is this different from satellite tracking systems (GPS)?
Satellite tracking systems require "line-of-site" to satellites. This can be quite difficult in built-up areas (eg, tall CBD buildings), or if the vehicle is moved to an undercover garage (typically to strip for parts). The QuikTrak system, however, is based on radio technology which does not have this limitation. Generally QuikTrak can track your vehicle in any area where you can receive a mobile phone signal - provided its in our coverage area.
Can QuikTrak be jammed or scanned?
QuikTrak uses a spread-spectrum digital radio signal that was developed by the military for their secure communications. QuikTrak is virtually immune to jamming or scanning attempts and can penetrate buildings.
How long does it take to install QuikTrak?
Good installs take time. If a security system is installed in an hour, it can probably be removed in about 5 minutes. The CarWatch system will take between 4-8 hours to complete using QuikTrak trained and accredited installers.
Is the monitoring service 24/7?
Yes. The QuikTrak Response Centre is manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with redundant communication and backup power systems to ensure that QuikTrak provides 99% operational availability to our customers.
Is there a minimum period I must commit to for monitoring?
Yes. The minimum monitoring period is 12 months. We offer an annual fee or a pay by the month package.
Can I order online?
Yes. Simply complete an online order form for your chosen product. Our sales team will contact you to arrange an install time and location.
Will you come to my home to install CarWatch?
Yes. We can arrange to install your QuikTrak service in your home or you can choose to bring your vehicle to one of our installation locations.
Will I get a discount on insurance?
You will need to check with your insurance company but QuikTrack is recognised by all significant insurance companies.
What happens when I sell my car?
You have the option of either transferring your QuikTrak unit to your new vehicle or selling the vehicle with the QuikTrak unit and transferring the ownership of the QuikTrak monitoring account.
Has the QuikTrak network ever been jammed?
No.
What happens to the system if I go outside the coverage area?
Theft statistics indicate that 95% of all car thefts occur within our coverage areas. However, outside our coverage area, although QuikTrak will not be able to track your vehicle, our system still acts as a premium car alarm with a state-of-the-art immobilisation system including engine immobiliser, audible and visual alerts The transponder installed in the vehicle continues to work as normal and if the vehicle enters one of the QuikTrak networks in Australia, it will be immediately detected by the QuikTrak Response Centre.
Can CarWatch integrate into an existing car security system?
CarWatch can be integrated into most "factory fitted" security systems. CarWatch will not be connected to after market car alarms as they are often unreliable and not manufactured or installed to our standards.
Can CarWatch be integrated into existing remotes?
CarWatch can be integrated into most "factory fitted" central door locking systems. When you press your key fob to lock your doors, you also activate the CarWatch system.
My car already has an immobiliser. Why do I need CarWatch?
Modern thieves today know which cars have standard immobilisers and how to get around them. The hidden placement of the CarWatch installation makes it virtually impossible to locate and disable. Even if they steal your keys and get away with the car, one phone call to the QuikTrak Response Centre will track down their whereabouts and retrieve the car.
Will the CarWatch system send my battery flat?
The CarWatch system does use some power from the vehicle battery, but is less than a mobile phone. Depending on the battery condition, the vehicle may be left between 7 and 14 days without issue. The actual average current draw is 21mA.
Can a vehicle be tracked without the owner's approval?
No. QuikTrak takes privacy issues very seriously. A vehicle only appears in the Response Centre when an alarm or personal service has been requested, eg. Roadside Service Request. Information will not be given out to anyone other than to your nominated service provider such as the NRMA, RACV or RACQ, or the Police if the vehicle is reported stolen.
Why do the Police like CarWatch?
- Police Pursuits - The biggest contribution CarWatch makes, next to vehicle recovery, is to remove the need for high speed police pursuits. Police can track a stolen vehicle for many kilometres without endangering themselves or other road users. With remote Engine Disable we have the power to kill the engine instantaneously or over a 60 second period bringing the vehicle to a stop. This is done under police direction.
- 'Chop Shops' - The CarWatch system facilitates recovery of a stolen vehicle within a short time frame. Apart from recovery, there is also the ability to track selected vehicles to "chop shops" where organised crime may be apprehended.
- Major Crime - Stolen vehicles are often used in major crimes and CarWatch assists police in apprehending these criminals.
What happens if the power to the car's battery is cut?
The CarWatch system automatically switches over to its auxiliary battery and sends out a specific alarm signal indicating main battery power failure.
Who developed the QuikTrak tracking technology?
QuikTrak technology started in Sydney University in Australia over seventeen years ago. More than $40 million has been spent on the QuikTrak technology to bring it to its current commercial application. |
