Used Car Security Handover Guide

Use these diagrams to plan your handover. Pick the route for the security fitted to your car, then follow the timeline. Tap any card or stage for the full steps.

Download the one-page A4 checklist (PDF)

What security is fitted to your car?

Ghost immobiliser fittedCollect the installer details and owner materials, and arrange a new private sequence.ScorpionTrack tracker fittedCheck the fitted unit, the previous owner's account and live monitoring separately.Unsure what is fittedAsk for a written list and any records, or have a qualified installer identify the equipment before collection.

Ghost and ScorpionTrack both fitted? Follow both routes.

Your handover in three stages

1. 1Before collectionAsk the seller what is fitted and get the installer records.
2. 2Check what your insurer needsAsk your insurer which equipment and proof they need, and by when.
3. 3On collection daySee an authorised demo and collect all the owner materials.

Before you agree collection

• Ask the dealer or seller to list every factory and aftermarket security system fitted, with the make, model and, for aftermarket systems, the installing company.
• Request the invoice or fitting certificate, owner cards or guides, and any fobs or tags supplied with each system.
• Agree in writing that an authorised person will demonstrate each system working before you drive away.
• Use the GOV.UK used vehicle checks for the car’s wider history and records.

GOV.UK used vehicle checks

If a Ghost immobiliser is fitted

Ask the dealer or seller for the Ghost model, the installer's name and the invoice or fitting certificate. Collect the emergency card, any paired fobs or tags and the owner guidance, and ask for an authorised demonstration.

Contact the original installer first to arrange the handover. They can help you set your own private sequence and review any old phone pairings or tags where your model supports it. If you cannot reach the installer, Autowatch, the maker of Ghost, may be able to help second owners. The process varies by model, so follow the guidance for your unit.

Autowatch help centre

If a ScorpionTrack tracker is fitted

Treat the fitted unit, the previous owner's account and active monitoring as three separate things. Ask whoever holds the current ScorpionTrack account to report the car as sold through their app or web portal using the provider's sold vehicle form. The account holder may be the previous keeper, even if you are buying from a dealer.

Use ScorpionTrack’s new owner form. Its first evidence option is the front and inside pages of the V5C in your name, including the VIN. Its second option is the green new keeper slip or DVLA online change of keeper confirmation, together with insurance in your name. Ask ScorpionTrack whether any plan carries over, what activation or subscription you need and when monitoring starts. Confirm activation in your own account.

ScorpionTrack new owner form · ScorpionTrack seller instructions

If you cannot identify the equipment

Check the service folder and ask the dealer or seller for any installer invoices or owner cards. If the records leave you unsure, have a qualified installer identify the equipment and inspect any unfamiliar wiring before you rely on the system.

If your insurer requires security

• Ask your insurer in writing which exact category or model they accept, what proof they need and the deadline for monitoring to be active. If they specify a category such as S5 or S7, note it exactly.
• A Ghost adds driver authorisation. A monitored tracker supports locating and recovering the car. Match the fitted equipment to the insurer’s written requirement.
• If your policy requires a tracker, confirm activation by your insurer’s written deadline. Check whether it needs to be active before your first journey.

On collection day

• Watch an authorised demonstration of each fitted system and check the car behaves as described.
• For a ScorpionTrack unit, verify that activation is complete and monitoring is active by the agreed deadline. Check before driving away if your policy requires monitoring from the first journey.
• Take every card, fob, tag, guide and invoice with you, and keep any codes private.

Unsure what your car has fitted

If you are buying in Yorkshire, OJB Autocare can discuss assessing or removing an existing Ghost. We can check a compatible refit as a separate job, and talk you through ScorpionTrack tracker options. Get in touch with the details you have. Send ownership evidence only to the official provider, and keep PINs, emergency codes and account logins private.

Contact OJB Autocare

Ghost removal and refitting enquiries