YOUR CAR
CAN BE STOLEN
in under 60 seconds with no alarm triggered
Looking for Autowatch Ghost immobiliser installers? See how LockCar compares first
The Autowatch Ghost is a hidden CAN bus immobiliser that needs a PIN entered on your car’s buttons every time you drive, and is typically fitted from around £449 to £599. LockCar does the same core job a concealed, signal-free immobiliser but communicates over two CAN lines instead of one, includes a hands-free proximity tag as standard, and starts from £150 fitted. If you have been quoted for a Ghost, it is worth comparing before you book.
How the Autowatch Ghost works
The Autowatch Ghost (now sold as Ghost II / Ghost Pro) is an aftermarket CAN bus immobiliser. Instead of a key fob or a visible box, it sits hidden on the car’s data network and keeps the engine immobilised until a unique PIN sequence is entered using buttons the car already has — the steering wheel, door panels or centre console. Because it emits no radio signal, it can’t be picked up by the scanning tools thieves use to find conventional immobilisers.
It is a genuinely good product, which is why so many people search for Ghost installers. It is TASSA verified, it defeats relay attacks and key cloning because no key alone will start the car, and it needs a professional installer who understands your vehicle’s CAN bus to fit it correctly.
There are two practical trade-offs, though. First, you tap in a PIN every single time you drive unless you pay extra for an encrypted tag, often around £49 each. Second, fitted prices generally land between £449 and £599 depending on the vehicle. That is where LockCar comes in.
Hidden install, no radio signal to intercept, immobilisation at the data-network level, and protection that holds even if your keys are stolen or cloned. LockCar keeps all of this — then improves on the parts that cost you money or convenience.
Why two CAN lines beat one
A single-CAN immobiliser like the Ghost reads and blocks on one network. It is effective but every decision it makes travels over the same line. LockCar communicates with the vehicle over two independent channels: the main CAN bus and a separate ADC bus. The immobilisation decision is verified across both, not one.
Two channels, not one
LockCar reads and acts on the CAN bus and the ADC bus together. A block confirmed on two independent lines is far harder to isolate or spoof than a single-line block.
Harder to bypass
To defeat a single-CAN device a criminal only has to defeat one network. With LockCar they would have to defeat two communication paths that cross-check each other.
Sees more of the car
The second ADC line lets LockCar monitor and control circuits a single-CAN immobiliser cannot reach, giving broader coverage on modern vehicle architectures.
Put simply: the Ghost listens and blocks on one line. LockCar listens and blocks on two that verify each other the same hidden, signal-free idea, executed with more redundancy, at a lower price.
Autowatch Ghost vs LockCar
Both are hidden, signal-free CAN immobilisers fitted by a professional. Here is where they differ on the things that affect your wallet and your daily drive.
| Feature | LockCar UK Made | Autowatch Ghost II |
|---|---|---|
| Communication lines | ✓ Two: CAN bus + ADC bus | Single CAN bus |
| Daily disarm | ✓ Hands-free tag included | PIN on buttons every drive |
| Proximity tag | ✓ Included as standard | Optional paid add-on (~£49 each) |
| Typical fitted price | From £150 | ~£449 to £599 |
| Hidden, no radio signal | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Stops relay attack and key cloning | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Optional 4G GPS tracking + live camera | ✓ Available (One Plus) | ✗ Immobiliser only |
| Optional remote immobilisation | ✓ From LockCar app | ✗ Not available |
| Monthly subscription | None for core features | None |
| Mobile installation at your location | ✓ UK-wide | ✓ Via installers |
The Ghost is a strong, proven product we are not pretending otherwise. But for most drivers LockCar delivers the same hidden CAN immobilisation, adds a second communication line and a hands-free tag, and costs meaningfully less to fit. If you want a camera and GPS as well, only LockCar offers that in the same device.
LockCar options for Ghost shoppers
- Hidden CAN bus immobiliser, no radio signal — same concept as Ghost
- Dual-line communication: CAN bus plus ADC bus
- Hands-free proximity tag included, no PIN needed every drive
- AES-128 encrypted authentication
- 20A relay, 12/24V, independent of the start circuit
- Stops relay attack, key cloning and OBD start hacks
- No monthly subscription
- Everything the IC3ST does, plus a hidden dashcam
- 24/7 parking-mode recording, local SD storage
- No monthly subscription
- All immobiliser features plus 4G live camera stream
- Real-time GPS tracking and movement alerts
- Remote immobilisation from the LockCar app
Ghost vs LockCar, your questions answered
Is LockCar a Ghost immobiliser?
LockCar is not the Autowatch Ghost it is a separate UK-designed immobiliser that does the same core job (a hidden CAN bus immobiliser that stops the car starting), but with two communication lines into the vehicle instead of one, a hands-free proximity tag included as standard, and a lower fitted price. If you have been quoted for a Ghost, LockCar is a direct alternative worth comparing.
Why does a second CAN line matter?
A single-CAN immobiliser reads and blocks on one network. LockCar communicates over two independent lines the main CAN bus and a separate ADC bus so the immobilisation decision is verified on two channels rather than one. This makes the block harder to isolate, bypass, or spoof, and lets LockCar protect circuits a single-CAN device cannot see.
Do I have to enter a PIN every time, like with a Ghost?
No. With Ghost you enter a PIN sequence on the car’s buttons every drive unless you pay extra for a tag. LockCar includes an encrypted proximity tag as standard — the car disarms automatically as you approach with the tag in your pocket, and you drive away normally. A code is available as backup if you ever leave the tag behind.
How much cheaper is LockCar than a Ghost installation?
Autowatch Ghost installations in the UK typically run from around £449 to £599 fitted. LockCar’s standalone immobiliser starts from £150 fitted, with the camera-and-tracking models priced below a comparable Ghost-plus-tracker package. You get a hands-free tag included rather than as a paid add-on.
Is LockCar accepted by insurers like the Ghost is?
LockCar provides an installation certificate documenting the professional fit and the security features installed, which you can supply to your insurer. If your policy specifically requires a TASSA or Thatcham referenced device, tell us before booking and we will confirm exactly what documentation we can provide for your vehicle and insurer.
Compare before you book a Ghost
UK-wide mobile installation at your home or workplace. Same-day available in most areas.
A hidden dual-CAN immobiliser, hands-free tag included, from £150 fitted.
