We supply and install Meta Trak systems across the UK, and customers often ask how they compare with the Autowatch Ghost. We do not supply or fit the Ghost, so every Ghost detail on this page is taken from Autowatch's own product pages and articles. It explains what a Ghost immobiliser is, how it works, what it costs and whether it tracks, set against the Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK.
In short
The Autowatch Ghost is a covert immobiliser: the car will not drive until you enter a personal sequence on its own buttons. It does not track. The Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK combines an automatic immobiliser with Thatcham S5 tracking, so it works to stop the theft and helps recover the vehicle if it is taken.
What is a Ghost immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser is an aftermarket immobiliser made by Autowatch, a UK vehicle security company based in Kent. Autowatch describes the Ghost as the original Ghost immobiliser platform. It connects to the vehicle's CAN bus, the network the car's electronic systems use to talk to each other, and it stops the vehicle being driven until the driver enters a personal sequence using buttons already in the car, such as the steering wheel, door or dashboard controls.
Autowatch highlights that the Ghost has no visible hardware once fitted and, in its standard setup, no key fob and no radio signal for a thief to intercept. It states that the Ghost stops key cloning and relay theft and protects against OBD attacks. Other features Autowatch lists include a service and valet mode, so you can hand the car to a garage without sharing your sequence, an emergency code, and support for remote heating and cooling through some manufacturers' own apps.
Ghost 2 and Ghost-III: which one is current?
Autowatch states that the Ghost-II is no longer in production and that the Ghost-III is now the only supported CAN based Ghost immobiliser. An installed Ghost-II does not need to be upgraded. The Ghost-II uses a single CAN network and, according to Autowatch, is compatible with over 1,000 vehicles. The Ghost-III adds dual CAN networks and support for the high speed CAN-FD networks used on many of the latest vehicles, and Autowatch suggests it for vehicles built from around 2024 that use them. Autowatch offers a compatibility checker for both.
What is the Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK?
The Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK is a Thatcham category S5 tracker and an automatic engine immobiliser in one system, and the standard tracker and immobiliser in the Meta Trak range. The tracking is monitored 24/7, and the system alerts you to theft events from unauthorised movement to battery disconnection.
Its immobiliser does not take instructions from the vehicle's own electronics, so it blocks the start attempt whatever the car has been told. That is why it defends against relay attacks, key cloning and CAN injection. The standard DEADLOCK can be fitted to petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles. If your vehicle is on Meta Trak's E-TEC compatibility list, the Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK E-TEC is the preferred system for it.
How each one immobilises the vehicle
Autowatch Ghost. After installation you switch the ignition on, enter your sequence on the car's existing buttons, wait for the confirmation and drive as normal. You can change the sequence at any time. Autowatch says that without the correct sequence the vehicle cannot be driven, even with the keys. On the Ghost-III, it blocks the vehicle through the CAN bus, the LIN bus or a traditional circuit cut, depending on the vehicle. Autowatch also offers disarming by key-fob or smartphone on compatible setups.
Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK. Immobilisation is automatic and there is nothing to enter. In its standard No Tag, No Start setting, when the ignition is off and your driver ID tag leaves the vehicle, the immobiliser arms. When the tag comes back into range, it disarms and the car starts as normal. You can also immobilise the engine remotely from the Meta Trak app. A remote immobilisation keeps the vehicle immobilised even if a thief has your keys and ID tags, which is useful when you are away from home.
Is a Ghost a tracker?
No. Autowatch describes the Ghost as a theft prevention system, not a tracker. On its own it does not show where the vehicle is or help with recovery. Autowatch suggests pairing the Ghost-III with a Thatcham S5 or S7 tracker, and offers a separate locator and communicator add-on.
The Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK includes Thatcham S5 tracking with 24/7 monitored professional theft support. A tracker aids recovery after a theft, and the immobiliser works to stop the theft happening, which is why we fit them together.
Insurance
Insurers that ask for a Thatcham S5 tracker mainly do so because of the value of the vehicle. The Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK is Thatcham category S5 accredited and accepted by UK insurers that require a Thatcham S5 tracker. After fitting, the system is tested, and the certificate of installation for your insurer is emailed by Meta Trak after activation.
Autowatch states that the Ghost-II is TASSA (Tracker and Aftermarket Signals Security Association) verified and that many insurers view TASSA verified devices positively, and it recommends contacting your insurer before and after installation. Because the Ghost is not a tracker, it does not meet an insurance condition that asks for a tracker on its own. Whichever system you choose, check your insurer's exact wording.
How much does a Ghost immobiliser cost?
Autowatch gives a standard recommended retail price of £499 including VAT for the Ghost-II, and says the total cost covers the unit and professional installation and varies by installer and vehicle. Autowatch does not publish a Ghost-III price on its product page, so ask an approved installer for a quote. Autowatch states there is no ongoing subscription or maintenance fee.
The Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK is from £469 supply and installation. You choose your first Meta Trak subscription term on the product page and pay for it at checkout: 1 year adds £189.95, making £658.95, and 3 years adds £499.95, making £968.95. After that term, renewals are paid directly to Meta Trak. The system is covered by Meta Trak's lifetime parts and labour warranty for the original owner with an active subscription.
Side by side
What it is
Autowatch Ghost: Covert CAN bus immobiliser made by Autowatch.
Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK: Thatcham S5 tracker and automatic engine immobiliser in one system, made by Meta Trak.
How you disarm it
Autowatch Ghost: A personal sequence entered with the car's own buttons. Autowatch also offers key-fob and smartphone options on compatible setups.
Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK: Automatic by default. The immobiliser disarms when your driver ID tag is in range, with nothing to enter.
Remote immobilisation
Autowatch Ghost: Autowatch lists a full lockdown, where the sequence is not accepted, through its separate CANBOT add-on.
Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK: Built in. Immobilise the engine from the Meta Trak app, even if a thief has the keys and ID tags.
Tracking and recovery
Autowatch Ghost: No. Autowatch describes it as a theft prevention system, not a tracker.
Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK: Yes. Thatcham S5 tracking with 24/7 monitored professional theft support.
Insurance
Autowatch Ghost: Autowatch states the Ghost-II is TASSA verified. Not a tracker, so it does not meet a tracker condition on its own.
Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK: Thatcham category S5 accredited and accepted by UK insurers that require a Thatcham S5 tracker.
Price
Autowatch Ghost: Autowatch RRP £499 including VAT for the Ghost-II. Installed prices vary by installer and vehicle. No subscription.
Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK: From £469 supply and installation, plus the first Meta Trak subscription term chosen at checkout.
Who each one suits
The Autowatch Ghost suits owners who want a standalone immobiliser with no subscription, who are happy to enter a sequence on the car's own buttons, and whose insurer has not asked for a tracker.
The Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK suits owners whose insurer asks for a Thatcham S5 tracker, and anyone who wants recovery as well as prevention, automatic immobilisation with nothing to enter, and the option to immobilise the car from their phone.
If you want an immobiliser only, with no tracking and no subscription, the system we fit is the Meta AUTOBLOK, a stand-alone No Tag, No Start immobiliser at £349 supply and installation. Our immobiliser guide explains the different types in more detail.
Our recommendation
For most drivers comparing the two, we recommend the Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK. It pairs an automatic immobiliser that blocks the start attempt with Thatcham S5 tracking that aids recovery, and it meets an insurer's request for a Thatcham S5 tracker. Supply and installation is UK wide in an estimated 2 - 5 days.
View the Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCKNot sure which system fits your vehicle and your insurer? Try the product advisor or call 0330 133 3990.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Ghost immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser is a covert aftermarket immobiliser made by Autowatch, a UK vehicle security company. It connects to the vehicle's CAN bus and stops the car being driven until the driver enters a personal sequence using buttons already in the car, such as the steering wheel or dashboard controls. Autowatch's current model is the Ghost-III. The Ghost-II is no longer in production, and Autowatch says an installed Ghost-II does not need to be upgraded.
How much does a Ghost immobiliser cost?
Autowatch gives a standard recommended retail price of £499 including VAT for the Ghost-II, and says the total cost covers the unit and professional installation and varies by installer and vehicle. Autowatch does not publish a Ghost-III price on its product page, so ask an approved installer for a quote. Autowatch states there is no ongoing subscription or maintenance fee.
Is a Ghost a tracker?
No. The Ghost is an immobiliser. Autowatch describes it as a theft prevention system, not a tracker, so it does not show where the vehicle is or help with recovery. Autowatch suggests pairing it with a Thatcham S5 or S7 tracker. The Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK combines an immobiliser and Thatcham S5 tracking in one system.
Will a Ghost satisfy an insurer that asks for a Thatcham S5 tracker?
Not on its own, because it is not a tracker. Autowatch states that the Ghost-II is TASSA verified and that many insurers view TASSA verified devices positively, so check with your insurer. The Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK is Thatcham category S5 accredited and accepted by UK insurers that require a Thatcham S5 tracker.
Does Specialist Trackers UK fit the Ghost?
No. We supply and install Meta Trak, Meta AUTOBLOK and ScorpionTrack systems, and we do not supply or fit the Ghost. Autowatch can put you in touch with one of its approved installers. We supply and install the Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK UK wide in an estimated 2 - 5 days.
Sources
Autowatch, Ghost Immobiliser for Advanced Vehicle Security, accessed 14 October 2026.
Autowatch, Autowatch Ghost 2 Immobiliser System, accessed 14 October 2026.
Autowatch, Autowatch Ghost III CAN-FD Immobiliser, accessed 14 October 2026.
Autowatch, What is a Ghost Immobiliser and How Does It Work?, accessed 14 October 2026.
Autowatch, Ghost II Immobiliser Vehicle Security Guide, accessed 14 October 2026.
Pricing accurate at time of publishing.
