Electric vehicles have moved from being a niche choice to becoming a common sight on UK roads. Brands such as Tesla, Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Ford, Kia, BYD, and Jaecoo are producing increasingly capable electric models that offer impressive performance, advanced technology, and long driving ranges. As these vehicles become more desirable, they also become attractive targets for criminals.

Many EV owners assume that modern vehicle security systems provide enough protection. While manufacturers invest heavily in security technology, vehicle theft remains a concern across the UK. A professionally installed vehicle tracker adds another layer of protection and can play a significant role in helping recover a vehicle if it is stolen.

Why Are Electric Vehicles Being Targeted?

Electric vehicles often contain high-value components, advanced technology, and expensive batteries. Models from Tesla, Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Ford, Kia, BYD, and Jaecoo can represent a significant financial investment. As more manufacturers expand their electric vehicle ranges, the number of desirable models on UK roads continues to grow, making them increasingly attractive to organised criminals.

Criminals are constantly adapting their methods. Keyless entry theft, relay attacks, and electronic hacking techniques can allow thieves to gain access to vehicles without causing visible damage. Even vehicles fitted with sophisticated factory security systems can become targets when organised criminals use advanced equipment.

For many owners, the question is no longer whether their vehicle has security features. The question is whether they can quickly locate and recover it if the worst happens.

How Vehicle Trackers Work

A vehicle tracker uses GPS and mobile network technology to monitor a vehicle's location. If a vehicle is moved without permission or reported stolen, the tracking system can provide accurate location information to help recovery teams locate it quickly.

Many modern tracking systems offer far more than simple location monitoring. Depending on the tracker selected, owners may benefit from:

• Real-time vehicle location monitoring
• Movement alerts
• Tamper notifications
• Driver recognition technology
• Geofencing alerts
• Battery disconnect warnings
• Remote immobilisation capabilities
• 24-hour monitoring support

Advanced systems can alert monitoring centres immediately when suspicious activity occurs, allowing action to begin without delay. Here at Trackerfit, we supply and install a wide selection of car trackers designed to improve vehicle security and support stolen vehicle recovery.

Why EV Owners Need a Vehicle Tracker

Electric vehicle owners tend to rely on smartphone apps to monitor charging, vehicle location, and remote functions. While these features offer convenience, they are not dedicated stolen vehicle recovery systems.

A professionally installed tracker focuses specifically on vehicle protection and recovery. If a theft occurs, trained monitoring teams can assist in locating the vehicle and supporting recovery efforts. Many tracking systems also continue operating if the vehicle battery is disconnected thanks to built-in backup power systems.

For owners of premium electric vehicles, this added reassurance can be particularly valuable. Whether it is a Tesla Model Y, Porsche Taycan, BMW i5, Mercedes EQE, Audi Q6 e-tron, Volkswagen ID.7, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV9, BYD Seal, or a Jaecoo electric SUV, protecting the investment is an important consideration.

Insurance Requirements and Vehicle Trackers

Many insurers recognise the benefits of vehicle tracking technology. Certain high-value vehicles may require an insurance-approved tracker before cover is offered, while some insurers may provide favourable premiums when approved systems are installed. Thatcham-approved tracking devices are commonly recognised within the insurance industry due to their testing standards and security performance.

For owners purchasing premium electric vehicles, discussing tracker requirements with insurers before taking delivery can help avoid surprises.

Features Particularly Useful for Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicle owners often appreciate the additional information available through modern tracking platforms.

Journey history can help monitor vehicle usage. Geofencing can provide alerts when a vehicle leaves a designated area. Smartphone apps can allow owners to check their vehicle's location from almost anywhere.

For business fleets operating electric vehicles, tracking systems can provide valuable oversight of vehicle movements and usage patterns. As more organisations switch to electric fleets, visibility and security become increasingly important considerations.

Some tracking systems also include technology that offers protection in situations where standard GPS tracking alone may not be enough. Organised criminals sometimes hide stolen vehicles inside underground car parks, shipping containers, or buildings that block GPS signals. Others use signal jamming devices in an attempt to interfere with tracking systems.

Advanced Trackerfit products such as Tracker Retrieve, Tracker Monitor, Tracker Locate, and Tracker S5 Plus include Very High Frequency (VHF) technology. VHF can continue to assist recovery teams in locating stolen vehicles even when they are hidden underground or inside shipping containers where GPS signals may be limited. These products also feature anti-jamming technology, which can detect attempts to block tracking signals and alert the monitoring centre to suspicious activity. This combination provides an additional layer of security and can significantly improve the chances of recovering a stolen vehicle.

Choosing the Right Tracker for Your EV

Some of our trackers focus on location monitoring, while others include driver recognition, remote immobilisation, anti-jamming technology, VHF tracking, and dedicated stolen vehicle recovery support.

The ideal solution often depends on the value of the vehicle, insurance requirements, and how the vehicle is used. A premium electric vehicle may benefit from an advanced S5 tracking system with driver recognition technology, while other owners may prefer a cost-effective solution that still provides reliable monitoring and recovery support.

If your vehicle is regularly parked in built-up areas, transported by ferry, or stored in locations where GPS reception may be restricted, choosing a tracker with VHF capability can provide additional peace of mind and improve the likelihood of successful recovery.

Protect Your Electric Vehicle with Trackerfit

As electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, protecting them becomes increasingly important. Whether you drive a Tesla, Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Ford, Kia, BYD, Jaecoo, or another EV brand, a professionally installed vehicle tracker can provide an additional layer of security and improve the chances of recovery if theft occurs.

Trackerfit has been supplying and installing vehicle tracking systems for more than 25 years and offers a wide range of insurance-approved tracking solutions from leading manufacturers. Products including Tracker Retrieve, Tracker Monitor, Tracker Locate, and Tracker S5 Plus combine GPS tracking with VHF technology and anti-jamming protection to help locate stolen vehicles in challenging environments where conventional tracking systems may struggle.

With nationwide installation and expert advice available, the team can help you find the right tracking system for your electric vehicle and give you greater confidence every time you park it.

Call 0800 756 5100 or email enquiries@trackerfit.co.uk today for more information.

VW Transporter camper vans are popular across the UK because they suit daily driving, weekend trips, family holidays, and long-distance travel. The T5, T6, T6.1, T7, and VW California models all hold strong appeal, which also makes them attractive to thieves.

A camper van often carries more value than the base vehicle. Many owners add pop-top roofs, fitted beds, kitchens, leisure batteries, solar panels, awnings, upgraded wheels, and camping equipment. A tracker can help protect this investment by improving the chance of recovery if the vehicle is stolen.

Choosing the right tracker depends on the age, value, model, conversion, insurance terms, and where the vehicle is usually parked.

Why Trackers Matter for VW Camper Vans

VW camper vans are not always easy to replace. A converted transporter may have a personal layout, rare specification, or custom interior that took time and money to create. If it is stolen, the loss can affect holidays, work, family plans, and daily travel.

A tracker gives owners a way to locate the vehicle if it moves without permission. Depending on the system, it may also provide movement alerts, battery alerts, live location, driver recognition, and 24-hour monitoring.

Trackers work best when used with other security measures, such as steering wheel locks, wheel clamps, driveway posts, alarms, and careful parking. Physical security can slow a thief down, while a tracker can help recover the vehicle if it is taken.

What Should You Look for in a Camper Van Tracker?

The best tracker for a VW Transporter camper van should offer more than basic location data. A camper van may be parked at home, at campsites, in public car parks, near beaches, or outside hotels. This means owners need a system that supports quick action.

Useful features include:

• Live GPS tracking
• 24-hour monitoring
• Movement alerts
• Tow-away alerts
• Driver recognition tags
• Mobile app access with live mapping
• Battery back-up
• Low battery alerts
• Geofence alerts
• Police liaison through a monitoring centre
• Thatcham-approved S5+ systems with ‘No tag, no start’ immobilisation

Insurance requirements also matter. Some insurers may ask for a specific tracker category, especially for higher-value vans or professional conversions.

Thatcham Category S5+ Trackers

Thatcham Category S5+ trackers are the most advanced option for high-value VW camper vans. They combine monitored tracking with a ‘No tag, no start’ immobilisation system, such as the Smartrack S5+ iMOB. This prevents the vehicle from being driven without an approved driver tag, adding a vital layer of security.

These systems are linked to a 24/7 monitoring service. If the van is stolen, the monitoring centre contacts the owner and works directly with the police to recover the vehicle. Many S5+ trackers also offer a mobile app, allowing drivers to view the camper van’s live location on a map, set geofences, and receive instant alerts.

S5 Trackers for VW Transporter Camper Vans

An S5 tracker is often the best choice for high-value VW camper vans. It usually includes driver recognition and monitored theft response.

An S5 tracker is suitable for:

• VW Transporter T6.1 camper vans
• VW T7 and newer Transporter models
• VW California Beach, Coast, and Ocean models
• High-value T5 and T6 conversions
• Camper vans with pop-top roofs and fitted interiors
• Vehicles where the insurer asks for S5 or S5+ protection
• Vans parked in higher-risk areas

S5 trackers give owners reassurance by combining driver recognition, monitored alerts, and fast recovery support.

S7 Trackers for VW Transporter Camper Vans

An S7 tracker is a more cost-effective option for many VW camper van owners. It can help locate a stolen vehicle, although it normally has fewer features than an S5 tracker and may not include driver recognition.

An S7 tracker may be suitable for:

• VW Transporter T5 camper vans
• VW Transporter T6 camper vans
• Lower-value camper conversions
• Weekend-use camper vans
• Vehicles kept in secure storage
• Owners who want professional tracking without the higher S5 cost

For older T5 and T6 models, S7 offers a good balance between protection and price.

Trackers for VW Transporter T5 Camper Vans

The T5 remains a popular camper conversion base. For lower-value T5 vans, an S7 tracker may suffice. For high-value T5 conversions, an S5 or S5+ tracker is better, especially if the van has professional conversions, low mileage, 4Motion, DSG, or rare specifications. Owners should also consider where the van is parked.

Trackers for VW Transporter T6 Camper Vans

The T6 offers a modern feel while keeping the practical Transporter layout. An S7 tracker may suit standard or mid-value T6 campers. Premium conversions with fitted interiors, pop-top roofs, leisure systems, awnings, and roof racks may benefit from S5 or S5+ trackers. Insurance requirements should guide the choice.

Trackers for VW Transporter T6.1 Camper Vans

The T6.1 is a newer Transporter model with high resale value. S5 or S5+ trackers are often the best choice for these vans, providing driver recognition, live monitoring, and fast recovery in case of theft. Owners should keep detailed records of all upgrades for insurance purposes.

Trackers for VW T7 and Newer Transporter Models

Newer transporters are higher in value, particularly when converted to campers. S5 or S5+ trackers provide the strongest protection, combining immobilisation, live GPS tracking, 24/7 monitoring, and Police liaison for fast recovery.

Trackers for VW California Models

The VW California is a factory-built camper van with high market value. S5+ trackers are recommended for newer models to match the vehicle’s value, offering driver recognition, app-based live mapping, and monitored alerts. Older models may be protected with S5 or S7 depending on insurance requirements.

Extra Security Tips for VW Camper Van Owners

A tracker should form part of a wider security plan. Owners can reduce risk by combining visible and hidden protection:

• Use a steering wheel lock
• Fit a wheel clamp for long-term parking
• Park in well-lit areas
• Use a driveway post or bollard at home
• Keep keys away from doors and windows
• Store keyless keys in a signal-blocking pouch
• Remove expensive loose items when the van is not in use
• Keep the tracker subscription active
• Inform the insurer of all conversions and upgrades

These steps can make the van less appealing to thieves and support a faster recovery if stolen.

Which Tracker Is Best for a VW Transporter Camper Van?

For newer or high-value VW Transporter camper vans, an S5+ tracker is the strongest choice. It combines immobilisation, monitored alerts, driver recognition, and live app tracking.

For older or lower-value vans, an S7 tracker may provide adequate protection at a lower cost.

A VW camper van is a major investment, and for many owners it also carries personal value. A tracker helps protect that investment and increases the chance of recovery if the vehicle is stolen.

Trackerfit can help you choose the right tracker for your VW Transporter T5, T6, T6.1, T7, or VW California camper van. Contact the team today on 0800 756 5100 or email enquiries@trackerfit.co.uk for expert advice based on your vehicle, usage, and insurance needs.

When committing car theft in the UK, thieves rely less on forced entry and more on digital methods. Relay attacks, key cloning, and ECU manipulation allow vehicles to be taken in minutes without visible damage. This shift has made traditional alarms less effective. Many drivers now turn to layered security, where tracking and immobilisation work together.

This is where Ghost trackers and the Autowatch Ghost-II immobiliser system come in. Each plays a different role. Used together, they create a stronger defence that targets how modern theft actually happens.

Why Standard Security Is No Longer Enough

Most vehicles already include factory security. Central locking, immobilisers, and alarms offer a base level of protection. The issue is that organised theft groups know how to bypass them.

Common methods include:

• Relay attacks that copy the signal from your key
• Key cloning through diagnostic ports
• ECU swapping to override security systems

These techniques leave little evidence. In many cases, owners do not realise the vehicle is gone until it has already been moved or stripped.

This is why added protection needs to go beyond visible deterrents.

What Makes the Ghost 2 Immobiliser Different

The Autowatch Ghost-II immobiliser does not rely on a key fob or remote signal. Instead, it uses a secure PIN sequence entered through existing vehicle controls, such as buttons on the steering wheel or dashboard.

This changes how access works. Even if a thief has the key, the vehicle will not start without the correct sequence.

Key points include:

• PIN code entry using existing controls
• Silent operation with no visible signs of installation
• Protection against key cloning and ECU swapping
• Encrypted communication that cannot be detected through diagnostics

Because the system is hidden and does not broadcast signals, it is difficult to locate or bypass. This removes the usual entry point that thieves depend on.

The Role of Ghost Trackers in Recovery

While an immobiliser focuses on prevention, a tracker focuses on recovery. If a vehicle is taken, a tracker allows its location to be monitored in real time.

Ghost trackers are designed to stay hidden and maintain a consistent signal. This allows recovery teams to act quickly.

Key benefits include:

• Live tracking to monitor vehicle movement
• Increased chances of recovery after theft
• Discreet installation to avoid detection
• Support from monitoring teams where applicable

A tracker does not stop theft on its own. Its value comes from what happens after the vehicle has been taken. This is why it works best alongside an immobiliser.

Why Using Both Systems Makes Sense

Relying on a single system leaves gaps. An immobiliser stops most theft attempts, but no system is absolute. A tracker helps if the worst happens.

When combined:

• The immobiliser blocks unauthorised starting
• The tracker provides location data if the vehicle is moved
• Thieves face both prevention and recovery risk

This layered approach reduces the likelihood of theft and improves the chances of getting the vehicle back.

Installation and Ongoing Support with Trackerfit

Correct installation is key to how well these systems perform. Trackerfit provides a professional setup that ensures each system works as intended.

With Trackerfit, you get:

• No subscription costs
• Nationwide installation
• Over 25 years industry experience
• Accredited engineers following MESF codes of practice
• Around-the-clock support after installation

This means the system is fitted securely and backed by ongoing assistance if needed.

A Practical Step Against Modern Car Theft

Car theft methods continue to evolve, and security needs to keep pace. A system like the Autowatch Ghost-II immobiliser focuses on stopping access at the source. A tracker adds a second layer that supports recovery.

Used together, they address both sides of the problem. Prevention reduces risk, and tracking adds reassurance if a theft attempt succeeds.

If you are looking to protect your vehicle with a system that reflects how theft happens today, this combination offers a clear and effective solution.

The team at Trackerfit can help you choose the right setup for your vehicle and security requirements. To find out more about Ghost trackers and the Ghost 2 immobiliser, call 0800 756 5100.

Car theft in Britain is still a daily issue

You step outside to find your car has gone, with no noise, no broken glass, and no warning. This is how many vehicle thefts now take place across the UK.

Recent figures show around 54,830 vehicles were reported stolen in 2025, which works out at roughly 150 cars each day. Theft has changed, with many cases now involving relay devices, key cloning, or organised groups who already know where the vehicle will go.

Some models are targeted more than others, so if you drive one of them, it is worth understanding how they are taken and what steps can reduce the risk.

Ford Fiesta

Estimated thefts in 2025: 3,510                                                                                        

The Ford Fiesta remains one of the most stolen cars in the UK. Production ended in 2023, yet around 1.4 million are still on the road, which makes it an easy target due to its sheer volume.

Older versions, especially those built between 2008 and 2017, often lack the stronger security systems found in newer cars. Demand for used parts also contributes, as many stolen vehicles are broken down and sold in pieces, which makes them harder to trace.

The total number of thefts has dropped compared to the previous year, but the total remains high.

Why it is targeted:

• High number of vehicles on UK roads
• Strong demand for parts
• Older security systems on many models

How to reduce the risk:

• Install a GPS tracker with monitoring
• Use a Faraday pouch if the car has keyless entry
• Fit a visible steering wheel lock

Range Rover models

Range Rover Evoque thefts in 2025: 895
Range Rover Sport thefts in 2025: 700

The Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport remain key targets, although improved security has reduced theft numbers in recent years.

These vehicles are often stolen to order. In many cases, buyers are already arranged before the theft takes place. Vehicles may be exported or quickly moved through organised networks.

Relay attacks are common. Thieves capture the signal from a key inside the home, pass it to the car, and unlock it without force.

Why they are targeted:

• High resale value
• Demand in overseas markets
• Keyless entry systems vulnerable to relay attacks

How to reduce the risk:

• Fit a Thatcham-approved tracker
• Store keys in a signal-blocking pouch or box
• Install an OBD port lock
• Use a driveway post or physical barrier

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Thefts in 2025: 813

The Land Rover Discovery Sport continues to attract attention from organised theft groups. It sits just outside the top ten but still records high numbers each year.

Like other Land Rover models, it is valued for both resale and parts. Many thefts follow the same pattern seen with Range Rover vehicles, often using relay methods.

Why it is targeted:

• Strong demand for parts
• High resale value
• Exposure to keyless entry attacks

How to reduce the risk:

• Use a Thatcham-approved tracker
• Fit a steering wheel lock
• Protect the OBD port
• Keep keys in a Faraday pouch

Why Action Matters

Modern car theft is quick, and in some cases a vehicle can be taken in under a minute, leaving little time to react once it begins.

For higher-risk models, many insurers now expect a tracker to be fitted before they offer cover, so this is becoming standard rather than optional.

Final Thoughts

Car theft figures show that some vehicles are targeted more often, but no car is completely safe. Vehicle owners looking to improve security can review available tracking options online or speak directly with the team on 0800 756 5100 for advice based on their vehicle and how it is used.

Caravan ownership often reflects years of planning and careful saving. It’s the perfect choice for holidays, seasonal trips, and extended stays away from home. In many cases, it is one of the most valuable assets an owner holds outside their property. Unlike cars, caravans are often stored off-site, left unattended for long periods, and kept in locations with limited daily supervision. These conditions increase exposure to organised theft.

At Trackerfit, conversations with caravan owners often reveal a similar assumption. Many believe their caravan is secure because it is locked, hitched to a wheel clamp, or stored in what appears to be a safe compound. Real theft cases frequently show a different outcome. Caravans can be taken quickly, sometimes without drawing attention, and physical security measures provide no information once the unit is moved. This gap is where tracking technology becomes essential.

Why Caravans Are Targeted by Organised Theft Groups

Caravans have both high resale value and ease of transport. Once a thief gains access, towing the caravan away can take only minutes. Storage sites are often remote or visited infrequently, which means thefts can go unnoticed for hours or even days.

After removal, caravans are rarely taken straight to a final location. They are often moved between temporary holding areas, parked in industrial zones, or relocated across regions to reduce the chance of discovery. Without location data, recovery relies on chance sightings rather than informed action. By the time a theft is reported, the caravan may already be concealed or prepared for resale.

Wheel clamps, hitch locks, and alarms still serve a purpose as deterrents. Their value ends once the caravan is mobile. At that point, they offer no insight into where the caravan has gone or how it is being moved. This is why a tracker becomes a recovery tool rather than an optional extra.

How Caravan Trackers Support Faster Recovery

Caravan trackers use GPS technology supported by GSM and GPRS communication. GPS identifies the caravan’s position, while mobile networks transmit that data so it can be viewed in near real time. This combination allows owners or monitoring centres to see movement as it happens.

If unauthorised towing or movement occurs, alerts can be triggered immediately. The time between theft and response has a direct effect on recovery outcomes. Early detection allows action while the caravan is still in transit, before it is hidden or moved further away. This greatly improves the chance of recovering the caravan intact.

Understanding different tracking technologies

Not all caravan trackers rely on the same methods. Some systems operate using GPS, while others use alternative technology such as VHF, or very high frequency radio signals.

VHF-based systems transmit radio signals rather than depending on satellite positioning. One advantage of this approach is resistance to signal blocking. Some systems also operate within a shared network, allowing signals to be detected by other equipped vehicles. This increases the chance of locating a caravan even when it is concealed.

In the UK, certain tracking technologies can be detected by police vehicles and aircraft fitted with compatible equipment. This supports active location during recovery operations and offers a different response route compared with owner-only monitoring. The most suitable option depends on how the caravan is stored and the level of response an owner prefers.

Protection during storage and long periods of inactivity

Caravans often remain unused for extended periods, especially during winter or when owners travel abroad. Regular site visits are not always practical, which makes remote oversight essential.

Tracking systems designed for low power use and long battery life allow monitoring to continue while the caravan is parked for weeks or months. Owners can confirm location remotely and receive alerts if unexpected movement occurs. This is particularly useful for caravans stored in compounds, rural settings, or shared facilities where access is limited.

Consistent monitoring provides reassurance during inactivity and reduces reliance on periodic visual checks.

Why professional installation matters

The performance of a caravan tracker depends heavily on how it is installed. Poor placement can lead to weak signals, unnecessary battery drain, or easy discovery by thieves. Discreet installation reduces the risk of tampering and supports long-term reliability.

Professional installation ensures the device is positioned correctly, connected safely, and tested before use. Nationwide fitting allows installation at home, at a storage site, or at a dealership, depending on owner preference. Proper testing confirms the system is working as intended from the moment protection begins.

Choosing the right caravan tracker for your needs

Caravan owners use their vehicles in different ways. Some tour frequently throughout the year, while others store their caravan for long periods between trips. Some travel within the UK only, while others tow abroad. These factors influence which tracking features are most useful.

Options include monitored subscription trackers, self-monitored systems, and subscription-free units with a single upfront cost. The right choice depends on storage location, usage patterns, and the level of response required if a theft occurs. Selecting a tracker based on real use helps avoid paying for features that offer limited value.

Peace of mind through visible protection

Caravan ownership should focus on travel and time away, not concern about theft. Caravan trackers provide protection through early alerts, clear location data, and improved recovery chances if the worst happens.

Owners looking to secure their caravan can review available tracking options online or speak directly with the team on 0800 756 5100 for advice based on their caravan and how it is used.

Vehicle theft in the United Kingdom is not just limited to busy city areas. Surburban areas, workplace car parks, and private driveways are all being targeted. Despite a slight reduction in reported figures in 2025, an estimated 54,000 vehicles were still stolen — equating to around 150 cars every single day. With criminals growing ever more sophisticated in their methods, passive security alone is no longer enough. A professionally installed car tracker has become one of the most important investments a UK driver can make.

The Modern Theft Landscape

Car theft has changed. Traditional methods such as forced entry and hot wiring are far less common. Instead, criminals now rely on electronic techniques.

Signal relay attacks allow thieves to capture and extend the signal from a key fob inside a home. This lets them unlock and start a vehicle without needing the physical key. Key cloning is another growing issue, where stolen data is used to programme new keys.

These methods mean a vehicle can be taken quickly and quietly, often without triggering an alarm. Many drivers do not realise anything has happened until the vehicle is already gone.

Targeting has also shifted. Thieves focus on vehicles with higher resale value or valuable parts. Hybrid and electric vehicles are often selected due to the demand for components. This change means that a wide range of vehicles are at risk, not only high end models.

What a Car Tracker Does

A car tracker is a discreet device fitted inside a vehicle. It uses GPS technology to monitor location and send updates to a secure monitoring centre.

If a vehicle is stolen, the tracker allows its position to be identified in real time. This supports recovery efforts and increases the chance of the vehicle being returned.

TrackerFit supplies and installs Thatcham approved systems, including S5, S5 Plus, and S7 devices. These systems suit a wide range of vehicles, from everyday cars to motorhomes and commercial fleets. Thatcham approval is recognised across the UK and is often required by insurers for higher risk vehicles.

The Insurance Connection

Insurance providers have adapted to the rise in vehicle theft. Many now require a Thatcham approved tracker for certain vehicles, especially those with higher values or known risk levels.

A certified system can also reduce insurance costs. Over time, this can help balance the initial cost of installation. For drivers of premium or commonly targeted vehicles, this is often a practical step.

Why Professional Installation Matters

Installation quality plays a key role in how effective a tracker is. If a device is poorly fitted or easy to locate, it can be removed before it becomes useful.

TrackerFit provides a mobile installation service across the UK. Engineers can fit the system at home, at work, or at a dealership before collection. Each installation is completed with care to ensure the device is both secure and correctly set up.

With over 27 years of experience and more than 35,000 customers, TrackerFit offers a reliable service backed by industry knowledge. We work with established brands such as Tracker, SmarTrack, Vodafone Automotive, and ScorpionTrack, allowing drivers to choose a system that fits their vehicle and budget.

Reliable Support When It Matters

A car tracker will not prevent a determined thief from attempting to take your vehicle. Real time tracking, quick communication with recovery teams, and improved chances of retrieval all help reduce the impact of theft. For many drivers, this added layer of protection brings reassurance that basic security measures cannot provide.

Vehicle security now requires a more active approach. A professionally installed, Thatcham approved tracker from TrackerFit is one of the most effective ways to protect your vehicle and reduce risk.

For more information on our range of car trackers, click here to take a look at what we offer. 

Sports cars attract attention for many reasons. Performance, design and value make them highly desirable vehicles. Unfortunately, those same qualities also make them a target for theft. As a result, many owners choose to install advanced vehicle tracking systems that help protect their investment and improve the chances of recovering a stolen car.

Modern tracking devices provide far more than simple location monitoring. They combine GPS technology, secure communication networks and 24 hour monitoring centres to track vehicles in real time and respond quickly if a theft occurs.

For high performance and luxury vehicles, choosing the right tracker can make a significant difference to both security and insurance cover.

Why Sports Cars Benefit from Vehicle Trackers

High value vehicles face a higher risk of theft compared with standard cars. This means insurance providers often require additional security measures before offering cover. In many cases, fitting an insurance approved tracker becomes part of the policy requirements.

A vehicle tracker allows security teams to monitor the car’s location and react immediately if suspicious activity occurs. If a vehicle is stolen, the tracking system helps recovery teams and police locate it quickly.

What Makes a Tracker Suitable for a Sports Car

Not all vehicle trackers offer the same level of security. For sports cars and other high value vehicles, it is important to choose a system that meets recognised industry standards.

The most trusted devices in the UK are Thatcham approved trackers. These products have been independently tested and certified by Thatcham Research, an organisation that evaluates vehicle security technology for the insurance industry.

A high quality sports car tracker will usually include the following features:

• GPS location tracking that shows the vehicle’s position in real time
• 24 hour monitoring from a secure control centre
• Movement alerts if the vehicle is moved without authorisation
• Battery disconnect warnings if someone attempts to disable the system
• Smartphone apps for remote monitoring

These functions help owners monitor their vehicles and respond quickly if something unusual happens.

S5 Trackers for High Value Performance Cars

For many sports cars, insurers recommend or require a Thatcham Category S5 tracker. These systems provide the highest level of security available from vehicle tracking technology.

S5 trackers include Automatic Driver Recognition. This feature identifies authorised drivers through a small tag or secure mobile system. If the vehicle moves without the recognised driver present, the monitoring centre receives an alert and contacts the owner immediately.

This approach helps prevent theft by key cloning or relay attacks. If someone tries to drive the car without the correct identification tag, the system raises an alarm and begins tracking the vehicle straight away.

Some advanced S5 trackers also include optional immobilisation features. These prevent the engine from starting if the recognised driver is not present.

S7 Trackers for Everyday Security

While S5 systems provide the highest level of protection, S7 trackers offer a more cost effective option for many drivers. These devices still provide reliable GPS tracking and 24 hour monitoring, but they do not include automatic driver recognition.

S7 trackers remain popular because they still meet insurance approved standards and provide strong protection against vehicle theft. They monitor the car’s location continuously and send alerts if the vehicle is moved or tampered with.

For owners who want dependable protection without the additional features of an S5 system, an S7 tracker can be a suitable solution.

Important Features to Look For

When choosing the best tracker for a sports car, there are several key features that improve security and usability.

24 Hour Monitoring: The system should connect to a professional monitoring centre that operates around the clock. This ensures theft alerts are handled quickly.

Driver Identification Technology: ADR or driver recognition systems confirm that the person driving the car is authorised.

Multiple Tracking Technologies: Some premium systems combine GPS with other technologies such as GSM or VHF signals to help locate the vehicle even if signal blocking is attempted.

Mobile App Integration: Modern trackers provide apps that allow owners to view the vehicle’s location, receive alerts and manage security settings.

Insurance Approval: Choosing a tracker that meets recognised security standards helps ensure compatibility with insurance policies.

Protecting High Performance Vehicles

Owning a sports car often involves more than performance and driving enjoyment. Security and protection are equally important considerations. Installing a high quality vehicle tracker helps safeguard the car, support insurance requirements and provide reassurance that the vehicle can be located if it is ever stolen.

Whether selecting a Category S5 system with advanced driver recognition or a Category S7 tracker for reliable monitoring, vehicle tracking technology plays an important role in modern automotive security.

For sports car owners looking to improve protection and keep peace of mind, choosing a professionally installed and insurance approved tracker remains one of the most effective security upgrades available. 

Vehicle theft across the UK continues to affect road users, fleet operators, and business owners alike. As a result, many insurance providers now require extra security measures before they agree to cover certain vehicles. In many cases, this includes the installation of an insurance approved vehicle tracker.

For drivers with high value cars, performance vehicles, electric models, or commercial vans, a tracking system may no longer be optional. It is often a condition written directly into the insurance policy.

What Is an Insurance Approved Vehicle Tracker?

An insurance approved vehicle tracker is a tracking device that meets strict performance and security standards set by Thatcham Research. This independent UK organisation tests vehicle security products to make sure they meet the requirements used by the motor insurance industry.

When a tracker is Thatcham approved, it confirms that:

• The device has been independently tested
• The installation process meets industry standards
• The system includes secure monitoring
• The tracker is suitable for theft recovery

Insurance companies recognise these systems as a reliable way to reduce vehicle theft risk. Some providers may even request a specific category of tracker before they offer cover for high value vehicles.

How Do Insurance Approved Trackers Work?

Insurance approved trackers use GPS technology to monitor the live position of a vehicle. Once installed, the device communicates through a mobile data network and sends location data to a secure monitoring centre.

If the vehicle is moved without permission or reported stolen, the system can:

• Provide real time location updates
• Alert the control centre
• Support police recovery efforts
• Notify the owner through a mobile app

Many professionally installed systems also include 24- hour monitoring and level 1 police response. This means recovery teams can act quickly if theft occurs.

Trackerfit systems, such as Thatcham Category S7 devices, include features like tow away alerts, battery disconnect alerts, and secure mobile access for location tracking across the UK and Europe.

Understanding S5 and S7 Tracker Categories

Insurance approved trackers in the UK are usually grouped into two main categories.

S7 trackers provide stolen vehicle location tracking. These systems monitor the vehicle’s position and alert the monitoring centre if suspicious movement is detected.

They are widely accepted by insurers and are commonly fitted to:

• Standard private vehicles
• Light commercial vans
• Motorhomes
• Electric cars

S5 Trackers

S5 trackers offer a higher-level protection. These devices include Automatic Driver Recognition, often known as ADR.

ADR works by using a secure driver tag or mobile app. If the vehicle starts or moves without the recognised driver present, the system sends an instant alert to the monitoring team.

This added protection helps reduce the risk of modern theft methods such as relay attacks or key cloning.

Will a Tracker Lower Your Insurance Premium?

Installing an insurance approved tracker may help reduce your annual insurance premium. Some providers offer discounts of up to 20% when a Thatcham approved tracking system is installed.

For drivers of prestige vehicles, insurers may also insist on a tracker before providing any cover at all. This is common for:

• Performance cars
• Electric vehicles
• Fleet vans
• High value lease vehicles

Without an approved tracker, your insurer may apply higher premiums or decline cover.

Professional Installation Matters

Insurance providers will usually require proof that the tracker has been fitted by an accredited engineer. This ensures that:

• The device is hidden securely
• The system cannot be easily tampered with
• Monitoring services remain active
• Certification remains valid

Self-installed or basic GPS trackers may still offer location tracking. However, they often do not meet insurance approval standards and may not support theft recovery in the same way.

Why More UK Drivers Are Installing Trackers

As theft methods become more advanced, security systems need to do more than sound an alarm. A tracking device gives owners a way to locate and recover a vehicle after it has been taken.

For businesses managing vans or company cars, trackers also provide:

• Location history
• Movement alerts
• Added security for valuable assets

For private drivers, the main benefit remains peace of mind and faster recovery in the event of theft.

Trackerfit supplies insurance approved tracking systems that meet Thatcham standards and are accepted by UK insurers. Professionally installed devices help drivers meet policy requirements while protecting vehicles against theft across the UK.

For more information about insurance approved vehicle trackers, click here and find the right system for your vehicle.

Motorbike theft remains a serious issue across the UK. Many bikes are taken without forced entry. A thief may lift the bike into a van or wheel it away in seconds. Physical locks still matter, yet they do not always stop a determined attempt. This is why many riders now choose to install a motorbike tracker as part of their overall security setup.

Trackerfit supplies and installs tracking systems that help owners know where their motorbike is at all times. A well fitted tracker allows you to locate your bike quickly if it is moved without your permission. This can improve recovery rates and reduce the stress that follows a theft.

Why Motorbike Trackers Are Worth Fitting

A tracker adds an extra layer of protection that works even when you are not with your bike. Once fitted, the system monitors the position of the motorbike using GPS technology, along with GSM and GPRS connectivity, and allows you to check the location at any time through a connected platform.

If the bike moves without your approval, the system immediately sends an alert. This may happen when the engine is off. Some thefts involve lifting the bike into another vehicle. Motion sensing helps you respond before the bike travels far from its original position.

Police recovery often depends on speed. The sooner a stolen motorbike is located, the better the chance of getting it back. A tracker supports this by providing accurate location data that can assist during recovery efforts.

What Does Thatcham Approval Mean

Trackerfit supplies insurance approved tracking systems that meet Thatcham Category S7, S5, and S5+ standards. Thatcham Research sets performance standards for vehicle security products in the UK. Devices that meet these standards must pass strict testing. This process checks reliability, signal strength, and resistance to tampering.

Insurance companies may request a Thatcham approved tracker for certain high value motorbikes. Fitting one can help you meet policy terms. It may also support premium reductions in some cases. Riders with performance or custom bikes often choose this level of system for added reassurance.

Key Features That Support Motorbike Security

Modern tracking systems include several functions that work together to protect your bike.

GPS tracking allows you to see the current location of your motorbike at any time. This is useful if the bike is stored away from home or left in a public place during work hours.

Motion sensing alerts notify you if the bike moves without the ignition. This helps detect unauthorised handling before the engine starts.

Geofencing allows you to create a virtual boundary. If the motorbike leaves this area, the system sends an alert. Owners often use this when the bike is parked overnight.

Driver identification devices are included with S5 and S5+ approved systems. The device must be present before the engine starts. If it is missing, the system can raise an alert that may indicate theft.

Remote immobilisation is available on S5+ systems. This allows the engine to be disabled once the motorbike is confirmed as stolen. It helps bring the situation under control without the need for pursuit.

Hardwired or Battery Powered Options

Motorbike trackers come in different formats. Some units connect directly to the bike’s power supply. These hardwired systems remain active whenever the motorbike has power.

Battery powered options provide an alternative. These units include internal batteries that last for extended periods. They also send alerts when the battery level is low. This helps ensure the system remains active and ready.

Trackerfit can advise which type suits your motorbike and usage. Riders who use their bike daily may prefer a hardwired system. Owners who store their motorbike for longer periods may find battery powered units useful.

Professional Installation Across the UK

Correct installation is vital. A tracker must sit in a discreet position that does not affect the bike’s operation. Trackerfit provides free nationwide installation through Thatcham approved engineers who are also TASSA and MESF approved.

An engineer installs the system at your home, place of work, or another suitable location. Once fitted, they explain how the system works and guide you through activation. This ensures you can respond quickly if an alert appears.

Choosing Trackerfit for Your Motorbike Tracker

Trackerfit supplies tracking systems from trusted manufacturers such as Tracker, ScorpionTrack, Smartrack, British Tracking Systems and MetaTrak. This allows riders to choose a device that suits their motorbike, usage, and budget.

We think a tracker should form part of every rider’s security plan. It supports fast action if your motorbike moves without consent. It also provides confidence when your bike is out of sight.

To find a suitable motorbike tracker, get in touch with the team today on 0800 756 5100. You can arrange installation at a time that fits your schedule and start protecting your motorbike with a professionally installed tracking system.

Caravans can cost tens of thousands of pounds and are usually left at storage sites, campsites and on driveways, making them a valuable target for thieves. However, by having a caravan tracker installed, this gives you a way to find your caravan quickly if it is stolen and offers extra reassurance when you are away from home.

What Does a Caravan Tracker Do?

A caravan tracker is a small device fitted to your caravan that sends its location to a monitoring centre and to your mobile phone. It uses satellite and network technology to show where the caravan is at any time. This means you can see its position on a map and share that information with the police in the event of a theft.

Insurance and Legal Advantages

Fitting a caravan tracker can reduce the cost of your insurance. Many UK insurers recognise tracker devices that are tested to specific standards, such as Thatcham Category 6 or S7, and offer a discount on premiums for caravans fitted with these devices. There is no guarantee that every insurer will reduce your cost, but it is worth checking with your provider.

Approved trackers meet recognised security standards, which can help if you ever do need to make a claim after a theft. The insurance company can see that you took reasonable steps to protect your asset.

How Caravan Trackers Work

Modern caravan trackers use a combination of GPS, GPRS, GSM and LBS technologies to relay location data. GPS provides accurate positioning using satellites, while GSM and GPRS use mobile networks to transmit that information. LBS, or Location Based Services, can estimate a position using nearby mobile phone masts if satellite coverage is limited.

Some systems also include additional recovery technology. Tracker UK products benefit from VHF, or Very High Frequency, technology alongside their unique MESH network. This network allows the signal to be relayed through other vehicles fitted with the same branded device, increasing the chances of locating a caravan even if it is stored indoors, placed in a container, or moved to an area with poor GPS or mobile coverage.

Choosing the Right Tracker

When choosing a tracer for your caravan, think about these factors:

·         Approval standard: Choose Thatcham-approved or S7-accredited devices if you want the best chance of insurance support and recovery assistance.

·         Monitoring: Some trackers offer 24-hour monitoring from a secure centre. This can be vital if the caravan is stolen overnight or while you are travelling.

·         Alerts: Motion and battery alerts help you spot unauthorised movement early.

·         App access: A mobile app allows you to check the caravan’s location quickly and easily.

Installation and Support

The team here at Trackerfit has installed vehicle and caravan trackers across the UK for more than 25 years. We supply and fit a range of caravan tracking systems from trusted brands, including Tracker, Vodafone Automotive, SmarTrack, Meta Trak, ScorpionTrack, British Tracking Systems, and Trackstar.

Trackerfit offers both battery-powered and hardwired devices. Some options can be transferred to a future caravan or other vehicle, saving money if you upgrade later. Many products include free app access and monitoring from secure control centres.

Summary

Vehicle theft has become a growing concern in the UK, with reports of organised criminals targeting caravans parked in visible areas. Devices that can be tracked quickly give owners the best chance of recovery. Police and caravan clubs often recommend fitting a tracker along with physical security measures such as hitch locks and alarms.

A caravan tracker gives you a way to secure your investment and act quickly if the unexpected happens. It also offers reassurance whenever the caravan is left unattended.

For more information on our caravan trackers, please get in touch with the team today on 0800 756 5100. 

For many owners, a motorhome represents a significant financial commitment built up over years of saving and planning. It supports holidays, extended travel, and time away, while often being one of the most valuable assets they own outside their property. Unlike cars, motorhomes are commonly stored away from home, left unused for long periods, and parked in locations with limited day-to-day oversight. These conditions increase exposure to organised vehicle theft.

At Trackerfit, we speak to motorhome owners who believe their vehicle is protected because it is locked, alarmed, or stored in what appears to be a secure compound. Theft cases often show a different reality. Vehicles can be taken quickly and quietly, with alarms bypassed and locks defeated before anyone nearby notices. Once a motorhome leaves its storage location, physical security measures no longer provide any information about where it has gone. This is the gap that tracking technology is designed to address.

Why motorhomes attract organised theft

Motorhomes combine high resale value with ease of movement, which makes them attractive to organised theft groups. Once access is gained, standard immobilisers and alarms can often be bypassed within minutes using relay equipment or cloned keys. Because many motorhomes are stored off-site, thefts may not be discovered until hours or days later.

After a theft, vehicles are rarely driven straight to a final destination. They are often moved between temporary locations, concealed in industrial units, or transported across regions to avoid detection. This rapid movement makes recovery difficult. Without location data, owners and insurers rely on chance discovery rather than informed action.

Physical deterrents such as steering locks and alarms still have value, but they only offer protection while the vehicle remains stationary. Once it is moved, those measures provide no information about location or direction of travel. This is where a tracker becomes a core recovery tool rather than an added extra.

How a motorhome tracker improves recovery chances

A motorhome tracker uses GPS technology alongside GSM and GPRS communication to report the vehicle’s location. GPS determines position, while GSM and GPRS transmit that data over mobile networks so the location can be viewed in near real time.

If unauthorised movement occurs, alerts can be triggered immediately, either directly to the owner or through a monitoring centre, depending on the system in place. The timing of detection and response after a theft has a direct impact on recovery outcomes. Vehicles are most likely to be recovered when movement is identified early, before they are concealed, transported further, or dismantled.

A tracker reduces the delay between the moment a theft occurs and the point at which action can be taken. Location data becomes available as soon as the vehicle starts moving, rather than relying on the owner discovering the theft later. This allows recovery teams or authorities to act while the motorhome is still in transit, which significantly improves the likelihood of locating it intact.

Many modern trackers also include motion sensing, tamper alerts, and geofence settings. These features help identify unusual activity such as movement during restricted hours or interference with the device itself. Owners gain continuous oversight of their vehicle without relying on periodic checks.

Understanding alternative tracking technology

Some tracking systems use different methods to locate vehicles. For example, the brand Tracker uses VHF, or very high frequency, technology. VHF works by transmitting radio signals rather than relying on satellite positioning.

One key advantage of VHF is that the signal cannot be blocked in the same way as GPS. It also uses a unique MESH system, which allows signals to bounce between other vehicles fitted with the same technology. This increases detection capability even when a stolen vehicle is concealed.

In addition, UK police vehicles and helicopters are equipped with VHF detection equipment, which allows them to actively locate vehicles fitted with this type of system during recovery operations. This approach differs from GPS-based systems and may suit owners who want police-led tracking support.

Ongoing protection during storage and inactivity

Motorhomes are often unused for extended periods, particularly during winter or when owners travel abroad. During these times, visiting the vehicle regularly may not be practical, which makes tracker performance during inactivity essential.

Trackerfit supplies systems designed for long battery life and low power consumption. This allows tracking to continue even when a motorhome is parked for weeks or months. Owners can confirm the vehicle’s location remotely and receive alerts if movement occurs unexpectedly.

This level of oversight is especially useful for vehicles stored in compounds, farms, or shared facilities where access is limited and regular checks are unrealistic.

Why professional installation makes a difference

Installation quality has a direct impact on tracker performance. Poorly fitted units can suffer signal loss, battery drain, or be located quickly by thieves. Discreet placement reduces the risk of tampering and supports long-term reliability.

Trackerfit provides nationwide installation carried out by trained engineers who are fully insured and TASSA approved. Fitting can take place at home, at a storage site, or at a dealership, depending on owner preference. Each installation is tested to confirm correct operation before completion.

For many owners, installation can be arranged quickly, which allows protection to be put in place without long delays.

Choosing a tracker that fits how you use your motorhome

Motorhome usage varies widely. Some owners travel year-round, others store their vehicle for long periods, and some regularly take motorhomes overseas. These patterns influence which tracker features are most relevant.

Trackerfit offers a range of systems to suit different requirements. Options include monitored subscription trackers, discreet self-monitored units, and subscription-free systems for owners who prefer a single upfront cost. Advice is provided based on storage location, frequency of use, and the level of response required if a theft occurs.

This approach helps owners choose protection that reflects how their motorhome is actually used, rather than paying for features that offer little practical benefit.

Protecting your investment with confidence

Motorhome ownership should remain focused on travel and enjoyment, rather than concern about theft. A tracker provides practical protection through visibility, early warning, and a clearer recovery route if a vehicle is taken.

If you are considering securing your motorhome, you can browse the Trackerfit range online or speak directly with the team on 0800 756 5100 for advice based on your vehicle and usage.

Range Rover and Land Rover vehicles remain a frequent target for organised theft. Keyless entry systems, relay attacks and rapid transport routes allow vehicles to be taken quietly and moved far from the theft location within minutes. For owners, recovery depends on speed and accuracy once a vehicle has been taken. This is why choosing the right tracker matters, especially for vehicles that insurers and police already classify as high risk.

The best tracking systems combine constant monitoring, early movement detection and direct police liaison so that recovery can begin while the vehicle is still traceable.

Why Range Rover and Land Rover Models Need Specialist Tracking

Luxury SUVs attract attention because of their value, export demand and parts market. Once stolen, they are often transferred between locations, hidden in signal-blocking units or prepared for shipping very quickly, and with a delay of even an hour, this can greatly reduce the chance of recovery.

A tracker designed for Range Rover and Land Rover vehicles focuses on that narrow window after theft. Motion sensors detect unauthorised movement, even if the vehicle is taken without visible damage. Monitoring teams can act before the owner becomes aware that anything is wrong.

What Makes a Tracker Suitable for These Vehicles

The most effective Range Rover vehicle trackers share several core features. Continuous monitoring is essential. A system that relies on the driver checking an app or reporting a theft after discovery leaves too much time for criminals to work.

Insurance and police approval also matter. Systems that meet recognised standards are trusted by insurers and accepted by police forces, which speeds up coordination during recovery. Many insurers now expect a monitored tracker to be fitted as a condition of cover for these vehicles.

Professional installation is equally important. Modern Land Rover electronics are complex, and poor fitting can lead to faults, battery drain or missed alerts. A discreet, tested installation ensures the tracker works as intended without interfering with the vehicle.

Understanding Insurance-Approved Tracker Categories

Insurance-approved vehicle trackers fall into three main categories, each offering a different level of protection. Thatcham Category S7 trackers are considered the entry-level option. Systems such as Trackstar S7 provide 24/7 monitoring by the manufacturer, tow-away alerts, battery backup, battery disconnection alerts and European coverage. Drivers can also access an app to view vehicle location and journey history, while the monitoring centre manages theft response.

Thatcham Category S5 trackers sit at a higher level and include all S7 features alongside driver recognition. These systems use driver tags, usually supplied in pairs, to confirm authorised use. If a vehicle is started or moved without a recognised tag, an alert is triggered. This makes S5 trackers particularly effective against relay attacks and key cloning, where the thief never touches the original key.

The highest level is Thatcham S5 Plus. These trackers include all S5 features and add engine immobilisation. Systems such as Trackstar S5 iPro use a no-tag, no-start setup, which prevents the vehicle from being driven even if a thief has successfully cloned the key. For high-risk vehicles such as Range Rover and Land Rover models, S5 Plus trackers offer the strongest deterrent and the greatest chance of stopping a theft before the vehicle leaves the area.

The Value of 24/7 Monitoring

A monitored tracker connects the vehicle to a staffed control centre that operates at all times. When movement occurs without authorisation, trained operators assess the alert and confirm whether it indicates theft. This removes reliance on the owner noting a problem, which often happens hours later.

Once theft is verified, location data and movement history are shared directly with police units. This structured approach reduces false alarms and improves the chances of a safe recovery. In some cases, vehicles are located and secured in minutes rather than hours.

Driver Recognition and Early Alerts

Many high-end trackers use driver recognition, often through a small tag or fob. When the vehicle moves without the authorised tag present, the system raises an alert. This feature is particularly important for keyless vehicles, where thieves can start the engine without the real key.

Even if access is gained, the absence of the driver tag signals unauthorised use. Monitoring teams can then respond while the vehicle is still close to the original location, before it disappears into storage or transport networks.

Trackstar Approved Systems for Jaguar Land Rover Vehicles

Trackstar is recognised as the only stolen vehicle tracking product approved across the Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Rover ranges. These systems meet strict insurance and police requirements and are trusted throughout the UK automotive industry.

Trackstar trackers offer continuous monitoring, Europe-wide coverage and battery backup protection. If the vehicle battery is disconnected, tracking continues and location updates are sent frequently. This makes concealment more difficult and improves recovery outcomes.

Owners can also access app-based features such as vehicle location, geofencing and journey records, while the monitoring centre remains responsible for theft response and police liaison.

Insurance Approval and Cost Considerations

Many owners assume trackers must be purchased through the main dealer, often at a higher cost. Insurance-approved trackers can be fitted independently without affecting cover. Approved systems often meet the same standards as dealer-supplied options, while offering more flexible installation and subscription choices.

Prices for approved trackers typically start from a few hundred pounds, including installation. Subscriptions are required for monitoring, but these costs are often offset by insurance acceptance and, in some cases, reduced premiums.

Professional Installation and Transferability

The best trackers are fitted covertly by trained engineers who understand vehicle electronics. Installation can usually take place at home, at work or even at a dealership. This reduces inconvenience and ensures the system is tested before handover.

Many systems are transferable – when the vehicle is sold or replaced, the tracker can be removed and reinstalled in a new car. This adds long-term value, especially for owners who change vehicles regularly.

Choosing the Right Tracker for Your Vehicle

The best car trackers for Range Rover and Land Rover vehicles combine constant monitoring, early detection and professional recovery support. Basic location tracking does not provide the same level of protection against organised theft.

Trackerfit supplies and installs insurance-approved, 24/7 monitored tracking systems designed for high-risk vehicles. These systems are endorsed by police authorities and accepted by insurers, providing meaningful protection rather than passive tracking.

For owners who want to improve recovery chances and meet insurance expectations, a professionally installed, monitored tracker remains one of the most effective safeguards available for Range Rover and Land Rover vehicles.

View Trackerfit’s range of Range Rover vehicle trackers and speak to our team about a 24/7 monitored system that supports rapid stolen vehicle recovery.

Vehicle theft has changed over recent years. Criminal groups now rely on technology rather than force, using relay attacks, key cloning devices and organised transport routes to remove vehicles quickly and quietly. Once a car is taken, timing becomes the deciding factor in whether it is recovered or lost. Many stolen vehicles are moved within minutes, transferred between locations, or placed into containers and secure units to block signals. Some are taken to chop sites or prepared for export within a very short window.

A 24/7 monitored vehicle tracker addresses this narrow recovery window directly. Continuous monitoring allows movement to be detected as it happens, rather than after the owner notices the theft. Response teams can confirm unauthorised activity, share accurate location data with police, and support coordinated recovery while the vehicle remains traceable. This level of oversight during the first hours after theft significantly improves the chance of locating the vehicle before it disappears from the network.

How Stolen Vehicle Recovery Actually Works

When a vehicle is stolen, speed matters more than any other factor. A tracker that only reports location on request leaves gaps in response time. By contrast, a monitored tracker connects the vehicle to a staffed control centre that operates continuously. As soon as the system detects suspicious movement or unauthorised use, trained operators assess the alert and begin verification.

This process removes the delay that often occurs when drivers discover a theft hours later. In many cases, the vehicle is already moving before the owner is aware anything has happened. A monitored system bridges that gap by acting immediately, even when the theft occurs overnight or while the vehicle owner is unavailable.

Why 24/7 Monitoring Changes the Outcome

Unmonitored tracking relies on the owner noticing an issue, opening an app and reporting the problem. That delay allows stolen vehicles to be hidden, stripped, or moved across borders. A monitored tracker removes that dependency. The monitoring centre works independently of the driver’s actions and can confirm theft patterns based on movement data, driver authentication failures, and tamper alerts.

Once theft is confirmed, recovery procedures begin straight away. Monitoring teams liaise directly with police units, sharing verified location data and movement history. This structured approach improves recovery rates and reduces the risk of vehicle damage during retrieval.

The Role of Driver Recognition in Early Detection

Modern trackers, particularly Thatcham S5-approved systems, use driver recognition technology. A small ID tag or fob confirms that the authorised driver is present. If the vehicle starts or moves without that tag, the system flags an alert.

This feature is especially important for keyless vehicles, which are often targeted using relay devices that mimic a real key. Even if a thief gains access and starts the engine, the absence of the driver tag signals unauthorised use. The monitoring centre can then act before the vehicle travels so far.

Recovery Support That Goes Beyond Location Data

Location tracking alone does not recover vehicles. What makes a difference is how that data is used. Monitoring centres interpret movement patterns, detect signal loss attempts, and track changes in behaviour that indicate concealment or transport. If a vehicle enters a shipping area, storage compound, or rural location, operators adjust their response accordingly.

Police forces value this level of support because it reduces false reports and provides reliable intelligence. Clear data improves coordination and increases the chance of a safe recovery without confrontation or damage.

Insurance Expectations and Real-World Risk

Insurers now recognise that vehicle theft risk depends on response capability, not just deterrence. Many policies for high-value cars, performance vehicles and commercial vans specify a monitored tracker as a condition of cover. A system that operates around the clock demonstrates that the owner has taken practical steps to protect the vehicle and support recovery if theft occurs.

In some cases, insurers require proof that monitoring is active and maintained. A professionally installed, subscription-based tracker meets this requirement and avoids disputes if a claim arises.

Why Professional Installation Matters

The effectiveness of a tracker depends on how it is installed. Poor fitting can lead to signal loss, battery drain or missed alerts. Professional installation ensures the unit is discreet, securely connected and tested before handover. It also protects vehicle warranties and insurance approval.

Trackerfit includes installation within the price of its monitored tracking systems. Each unit is fitted by a trained engineer who understands modern vehicle electronics. This approach reduces risk and ensures the system performs as intended from day one.

Real Protection, Day and Night

Vehicle theft does not follow business hours. Many thefts occur late at night or early in the morning, when response times are often weakest. A 24/7 monitored tracker closes that gap. It ensures that no matter when a theft attempt happens, trained professionals are already watching.

For drivers, this provides reassurance that protection does not depend on chance or timing. For insurers and police, it delivers reliable recovery support backed by live data and structured response.

Choosing a Tracker That Makes a Difference

Not all trackers offer the same level of support. Systems with continuous monitoring, driver recognition and police liaison services provide far more than basic location tracking. They change the outcome of theft by acting early and coordinating recovery professionally.

Trackerfit supplies and installs monitored tracking systems that meet recognised insurance standards and operate around the clock. For vehicle owners who want meaningful protection rather than passive tracking, a 24/7 monitored tracker remains one of the most effective defences against organised vehicle theft.

View Trackerfit’s range of 24/7 monitored vehicle trackers and speak to our team about an insurance-approved system that supports fast recovery, day or night.

Insurance providers continue to tighten requirements for vehicle security, particularly for high-value, performance, and keyless entry models. One of the most effective ways to meet these expectations is by fitting an insurance-approved vehicle tracker. These systems do more than support recovery after theft; they also help reduce insurance risk, which can lead to lower premiums and fewer policy restrictions.

As vehicle theft methods continue to develop, insurers increasingly expect clear evidence that drivers and fleet operators have taken practical steps to protect their vehicles. An approved tracking system offers clear proof of this protection and shows that a vehicle meets recognised security standards.

Why insurers require approved tracking systems

Many insurers now specify that a vehicle must have a Thatcham-approved or TASSA-certified tracker fitted as a condition of cover. This is common for vehicles with keyless entry, modified cars, prestige models, and commercial vehicles carrying tools or goods.

Insurance-approved trackers meet strict performance and installation criteria. They are tested for reliability, signal strength, tamper resistance, and recovery capability. When a vehicle is stolen, these systems provide verified location data that can be shared directly with police recovery teams. This significantly improves the chance of recovery and reduces the overall cost of claims.

Because of this reduced risk, insurers often reward drivers with lower premiums, reduced excesses, or continued cover that may otherwise be withdrawn.

What makes a tracker insurance approved?

An insurance-approved tracker is not defined by brand alone. Approval depends on the system type, certification level, and how it is installed. Most insurers refer to Thatcham Security Categories or require systems installed by TASSA-accredited engineers.

Approved systems are usually hidden within the vehicle, use secure communication networks, and include monitoring through a recognised control centre. If the vehicle moves without authorisation, the system raises an alert and begins tracking immediately. Many also include backup batteries, which keep the tracker active if the main power supply is cut.

Professional installation is essential because incorrect fitting can invalidate approval and create problems with insurance cover if a theft occurs.

How Trackerfit helps meet insurance requirements

Trackerfit has supplied and installed vehicle tracking and recovery systems since 1998. With more than 25 years of experience, we understand how insurers assess risk and what they expect from approved security solutions.

We work with leading manufacturers, including Tracker, Smartrack, Metatrak, Trackstar, ScorpionTrack, and Vodafone. This allows us to match each vehicle with a system that meets insurer requirements without recommending unnecessary features.

All installations are carried out by Thatcham- and TASSA-approved engineers. This ensures every system is fitted to the correct standard and recognised by insurers across the UK.

We also help customers confirm which category or specification their insurer requires before installation. This avoids delays, rejected policies, or the cost of refitting a system that does not meet the correct approval level.

Benefits for private vehicle owners

For private drivers, an insurance-approved tracker offers added reassurance while also helping to reduce insurance costs. Many customers see lower premiums after installation, particularly on vehicles that insurers view as high risk.

Approved trackers offer features such as live location data, movement alerts, unauthorised ignition warnings, and direct links to police recovery teams. Some systems also include remote immobilisation, European coverage, and internal battery backup.

We explain these features clearly so drivers can choose a system that suits their vehicle, driving habits, and insurance conditions. Our focus is on practical protection rather than unnecessary complexity.

Benefits for fleets and commercial vehicles

Fleet operators face additional pressure from insurers due to higher theft rates and claim values. Vans, pickups, and service vehicles are often targeted for their contents as well as the vehicle itself.

Insurance-approved fleet tracking systems help reduce this risk. They provide real-time location data, route history, geofence alerts, and usage monitoring. These tools help managers detect unusual activity quickly and respond before losses escalate.

Because our installations follow approved standards, fleets can maintain consistent protection across different vehicle types. This is particularly valuable for businesses operating mixed fleets or vehicles across multiple sites.

Protecting vehicles while managing insurance costs

Insurance-approved trackers play a key role in protecting vehicles and controlling insurance costs. As theft methods continue to develop, insurers are unlikely to relax security requirements. Having the correct tracker in place helps drivers and businesses stay compliant while improving recovery chances if the worst happens.

Trackerfit supports customers from the first enquiry through installation and ongoing use. Our experience, approved installer status, and wide product range allow us to provide reliable advice and proven systems that meet insurer expectations.

If you need guidance on insurance-approved trackers or want to arrange a professional installation, contact the Trackerfit team on 0800 756 5100 or email enquiries@trackerfit.co.uk.

Criminals are now using specialist devices that allow them to unlock and start keyless cars without needing access to the key inside a property. These gadgets work by copying or extending the key fob’s signal, which then tricks the vehicle into thinking the key is close by. Reports from the BBC show that some of these devices are sold online for more than £20,000, and the technology has become more common among organised groups. As a result, drivers and fleet managers face a higher risk of targeted theft, especially for high-value or keyless models.

A change in the law is expected, which will place strict control over who can own or use these devices. While this is a positive step, many experts believe criminal groups already have widespread access to them and often share the tools between networks. This means the threat remains high, even with new legal measures in place.

How Signal Copying Tools Work

A keyless entry system sends out a short-range signal between the car and the key fob. When criminals use a relay or signal-copying tool, they extend or duplicate this signal. The car responds as if the real key is present, which allows thieves to unlock it and start the engine within seconds. Vehicles parked close to house walls in driveways are at higher risk because the key signal is often within reach of these devices.

Why Trackerfit provides an important layer of protection

Locking pouches and careful key storage can help reduce everyday risk, but they cannot stop a determined thief with advanced technology. If a vehicle is taken, the best chance of getting it back comes from a professionally installed tracking system that provides real-time data and proven recovery support.

Here at Trackerfit, we have supplied and installed stolen vehicle recovery and fleet tracking systems since 1998. With more than 25 years of experience, we understand how these thefts happen and what customers need to reduce exposure. Every recommendation we make is based on the vehicle model, driving patterns and any insurance requirements.

We supply systems from respected manufacturers such as Tracker, Smartrack, Metatrak, Trackstar, ScorpionTrack and Vodafone. All installations are carried out by Thatcham- and TASSA-approved engineers, which is important because insurers often ask for certified systems on high-risk vehicles or keyless entry models.

How we support private drivers

Drivers of keyless cars face a heightened risk, so we focus on systems that give fast and practical information, which includes live tracking, movement alerts and direct links to police recovery services. We guide customers through the options by explaining how each system performs in real theft situations, what the features mean and which choices match their budget and vehicle type.

Some systems include remote immobilisation, European coverage, internal battery backup or alerts that trigger if someone tries to move the vehicle without the key. We help customers understand which functions are essential so they can make a confident decision.

How we support fleets

Fleets face additional challenges because vans, pickups and service vehicles are often targeted for the tools or equipment inside them. A stolen vehicle can delay work, increase costs and disrupt daily operations. Our fleet tracking systems support managers with real-time location information, route history, timed alerts and authorised-user control. These tools make it easier to spot unusual activity and respond quickly if a vehicle moves without permission.

Because our installations follow strict approval standards, we can support mixed fleets and provide consistent results across different vehicle types. We also advise businesses that run varied mileage patterns or operate from several locations.

Staying prepared for new and evolving risks

Signal copying devices give criminals a quick and quiet method of stealing keyless vehicles. Although new laws aim to restrict these tools, many are already in circulation, meaning the risk will not disappear. A strong vehicle recovery system is one of the most practical ways for drivers and fleets to protect themselves.

We support customers from the first enquiry through to installation and ongoing use. Our experience, product range and approved installer status give drivers and fleet operators a reliable defence at a time when criminal methods continue to advance.

Keyless car theft is increasing as criminals use devices that copy or extend key signals, which lets them unlock and start vehicles within seconds. For advice or to arrange a professional installation, contact the Trackerfit team on 0800 756 5100 or email enquiries@trackerfit.co.uk.

Vehicle theft continues to be a concern for drivers in the UK, especially for owners of high-value cars, vans and performance models. Insurers are increasingly asking for approved tracking systems, and one of the highest recognised standards is the Thatcham S5 category. These trackers give a strong level of protection and provide rapid recovery support if a vehicle is taken. This guide explains what Thatcham S5 means, the features included and why drivers choose them.

What is a Thatcham S5 Tracker?

Thatcham Research sets recognisable security standards for vehicles and tracking products. An S5 car tracker meets the highest level of certification for consumer vehicle tracking systems. It is widely accepted by insurers for high-risk vehicles, and many policies request this category as a condition of cover.

Trackerfit supplies a full range of Thatcham S5 systems from trusted brands, and the fitting cost is already included in the price. Customers do not face surprise installation fees, and each unit is fitted by a trained engineer who understands modern vehicle systems.

The key difference between S5 and older categories is driver authentication. S5 trackers include a small driver ID tag or fob that confirms the vehicle is being driven by an authorised person. If the engine starts without the tag present, an alert is raised with the monitoring centre.

This extra step provides early detection of theft, including key cloning and relay attacks that attempt to mimic genuine keys.

Core Features of Thatcham S5 Trackers

An approved S5 tracker offers a range of features that help locate, secure and recover stolen vehicles. These include:

Automatic Driver Recognition: The system checks for the presence of a driver ID tag. If it does not detect a recognised driver, a notification is triggered. The system works even if the thief uses advanced key cloning methods.

24/7 Monitoring and Theft Alerts: All Thatcham S5 trackers link to a secure control centre. The team monitors alerts at all times, so action begins without delay if the vehicle shows signs of unauthorised movement.

GPS and GSM Tracking: S5 systems use advanced positioning to send accurate location data. This provides precise tracking across the UK and abroad, which is useful if a stolen vehicle moves through ports or across borders.

Police Support and Recovery Assistance: When a theft is confirmed, recovery teams work with the police to locate and secure the vehicle. This increases the likelihood of a safe return and reduces damage risk.

Tamper Detection: If someone tries to remove or interfere with the tracker, the system raises an alert. Thieves are less likely to succeed, as the removal attempt immediately prompts investigation.

Mobile App Access: Most S5 units work with a simple app. Drivers can view their vehicle location, set alerts for movement and monitor status. This gives reassurance when parked in unfamiliar locations.

Why Insurers Recommend Thatcham S5

Insurance companies see S5 trackers as a strong theft-prevention tool. Vehicles fitted with them are harder to steal and easier to recover quickly. Many insurers specify S5 trackers for high-risk models, including:

·         Prestige brand vehicles

·         Sports and performance cars

·         Luxury 4x4s

·         Vans carrying tools or equipment

An S5 tracker helps support lower risk and shows insurers the owner has taken steps to protect their vehicle properly.

Why Choose Trackerfit for Thatcham S5 Systems?

Trackerfit supplies and fits genuine Thatcham-approved S5 trackers from leading brands such as Vodafone Automotive, Meta Track, ScorpionTrack, SmartTrack, and Tracker. Customers benefit from:

·         Installation included within the price

·         TASSA-approved fitters

·         Nationwide fitting service at home or work

·         Support with activation and setup

·         Guidance on annual monitoring subscriptions

Trained engineers install each system discreetly and check that it runs correctly before handover. Customers also receive a full demonstration, so they know how to use every feature from the start.

Choosing the Right S5 Tracker for Your Vehicle

Different models suit different drivers. For example:

·         Drivers with keyless-entry vehicles benefit from strong relay-attack prevention

·         Business owners with fleets may choose systems with live tracking dashboards

·         High-value car owners often select improved recovery response services

Trackerfit can explain the options and recommend suitable models based on the vehicle and insurance requirements.

Protect Your Vehicle with a Thatcham S5 Tracker

Vehicle theft is becoming more organised, which makes prevention key. A Thatcham S5 tracker offers advanced protection and fast recovery support. With professional fitting included in the price and nationwide coverage, Trackerfit provides a simple and reliable service for anyone who wants clear protection and insurance-approved security.

Fitting a stolen vehicle tracker is one of the most effective ways to protect a car, but the quality of installation is just as important as the device itself. Even the most advanced tracker will not perform properly if it has been fitted incorrectly or placed in an easily accessible location. Choosing a professional tracker installer ensures the system works as intended, provides accurate location data and remains discreet enough to prevent tampering.

With Trackerfit, the price of professional installation is already included in the cost of the tracker. There are no hidden fitting charges, which means customers know exactly what they are paying for from the outset. Trackerfit is also accredited by TASSA (Tracking and Aftermarket Security Systems Association), which is the recognised industry standard for vehicle tracker installation.

The Importance of Correct Installation

A vehicle tracker relies on several key components, including GPS antennas, power connections and communication modules, all of which must be positioned and wired correctly to function as they should. Poor installation can lead to weak signal reception, inaccurate tracking data or intermittent connection loss, which can reduce the effectiveness of the entire system.

Professional installers have the technical knowledge needed to integrate the tracker safely with a vehicle’s electrical system, and they know how to position and conceal components to avoid interference from metal panels or other electronics. This level of care ensures the tracker maintains a strong and stable connection with the monitoring centre and recovery teams, even in challenging environments. The TASSA accreditation ensures that installations adhere to the highest standards.

Protecting Warranty and Insurance Compliance

A certified engineer must fit many insurance-approved tracking systems to meet policy requirements. This is particularly important with Thatcham-approved trackers, where installation standards form a core part of the certification. Attempting a self-install can void the device’s warranty and may lead to an insurance claim being rejected if the tracker fails to perform during a theft.

By choosing an approved installer such as Trackerfit, customers remain fully compliant with insurance requirements and receive documented proof of professional fitting. This can be passed on to insurers as evidence that the system meets all the required standards for coverage, giving drivers peace of mind that their investment is fully protected.

The Value of Discreet Installation

When installing a tracker, it is essential that the device remains hidden and secure. Experienced thieves can quickly locate and remove a visible or poorly concealed device, undermining the entire security system.

Engineers who specialise in tracker installation understand how to place the unit in secure and hard-to-reach locations. Larger vehicles, such as vans and 4x4s, can present additional challenges, and different mounting positions may be needed to maintain strong signal strength without compromising concealment. Trackerfit engineers assess each vehicle individually to select the most effective location for security, accessibility and performance.

Integration with Modern Vehicle Systems

Modern vehicles are fitted with complex electronics, infotainment systems and advanced driver assistance features. Installing a tracker safely requires a clear understanding of how these systems interact to avoid conflicts or battery drain. Professional installers use manufacturer data and diagnostic tools to ensure the device is connected correctly and does not interfere with existing functions.

Trackerfit’s engineers are trained to work on all major makes and models. Their experience allows them to fit devices confidently without affecting other onboard systems, ensuring both safety and full compatibility with the vehicle.

Post-Installation Testing and Verification

Once installation is complete, the tracker undergoes thorough testing to confirm it is working correctly. Installers check that the unit is connecting with the monitoring centre, transmitting accurate location data and triggering alerts as expected.

Customers are also given a clear demonstration of how the system works, including setting up mobile apps, receiving alerts and monitoring their vehicle effectively. This practical handover ensures the owner understands the system and can make full use of its features from day one.

Ongoing Support and Maintenance

Even after the installation is complete, ongoing support plays an important part in keeping the system reliable. Trackerfit provides aftercare services that include device health checks, battery inspections and subscription renewals to ensure long-term performance.

If any issues arise, customers can access technical support directly without the need for third-party intervention. This helps maintain system reliability and ensures continued protection.

Why Choose Trackerfit for Expert Installation?

Trackerfit is one of the UK’s leading suppliers and installers of Thatcham-approved vehicle tracking systems. Our engineers are fully trained and experienced in fitting devices from trusted brands, including Tracker, Vodafone Automotive, SmarTrack, Meta Trak, ScorpionTrack, British Tracking Systems, and Trackstar.

Every fitting is carried out with care and precision, ensuring the tracker is securely mounted, discreetly positioned and fully operational before the installation is signed off. Because Trackerfit provides nationwide coverage, customers can choose a fitting location that suits them best, whether that is at home, at work or at a dealership.

Customers choosing Trackerfit receive a full service that includes expert fitting, reliable technology and continued support. The cost of installation is already built into the price, so there are no unexpected fitting fees. The added assurance of TASSA accreditation confirms that every installation meets strict security and quality standards.

Secure Your Vehicle Today

A high-quality tracker can offer excellent protection, but only when it is installed correctly. Choosing a trusted, TASSA-accredited installer ensures the system performs as it should, remains discreet and provides real-time security when it is needed most.

To find out more or book a professional installation, contact the Trackerfit team on 0800 756 5100 or visit the website. With expert installation and ongoing support included, your vehicle is protected from the moment the engine starts.

Having your vehicle stolen is a distressing experience. The process of reporting the theft, waiting for updates, and dealing with insurance claims can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive.

Having a stolen vehicle tracker fitted to your car can change that outcome, as our systems use GPS and advanced communication technology to share real-time or near-real-time location data with you, the police, and recovery services. This instant access to accurate information significantly reduces recovery time, often allowing vehicles to be located and retrieved before any major damage occurs.

Instant Location Data

Trackers use GPS, GSM, VHF, or a combination of these technologies to pinpoint a car’s exact location. Once unauthorised movement is detected, such as the ignition being started without the key, motion sensors activating, or a power disconnection alert, the tracker transmits the vehicle’s position directly to a 24-hour monitoring centre. From there, trained staff contact the vehicle owner and share the live data with the police, enabling them to act quickly.

With immediate location updates, law enforcement can move fast to intercept the vehicle before it’s hidden, stripped for parts, or transported elsewhere in the country. Even a short delay can make recovery harder, as stolen vehicles are often moved to storage sites or shipping ports within hours.

Alerts and Monitoring

Modern trackers send alerts if the battery is low, if the device is tampered with, or if the vehicle leaves a predefined area. This allows owners to spot suspicious activity straight away. For example, if the vehicle moves at midnight when it should be stationary, both the owner and the monitoring centre can respond immediately. Trackerfit offers 24-hour monitoring across many of its tracking systems.

Integration with Insurance and Regulatory Standards

Many insurers require or favour vehicles fitted with approved trackers. Our devices often meet standards such as Thatcham, CAT 5, CAT 6, and CAT 7, depending on the model. Because these trackers meet rigorous technical criteria, they are widely accepted by insurance providers, helping speed up cooperation and claim processing if a car is stolen. Insurance companies are also more likely to offer reduced premiums or lower excess for vehicles fitted with approved systems.

Free Nationwide Installation

Trackerfit provides free nationwide installation by Thatcham-approved engineers. A professionally fitted tracker is discreet, secure, and less vulnerable to tampering, ensuring it performs properly when needed most.

Multiple Technology Layers

Some advanced trackers combine several communication technologies: GPS for precise outdoor tracking, VHF for hard-to-reach areas, and GSM for data transmission. This layered approach improves reliability. If the GPS signal is blocked, for example in an underground car park, the other systems continue to track the vehicle. The team at Trackerfit offers models with combined GPS and VHF or GPS/GPRS/GSM technologies for stronger performance in different environments.

Driver Recognition and Remote Controls

To prevent false alerts or misuse, certain trackers include driver recognition systems (DRS). These identify authorised drivers using coded tags or smartphone pairing. If the vehicle starts without a recognised driver, the system immediately raises an alert. Trackerfit supplies devices with DRS capability, adding another level of protection and ensuring faster response times during genuine theft attempts.

Battery Backup and Alerts

A common tactic used by thieves is to cut the vehicle’s power or attempt to remove the tracker. High-quality systems are built to counter this with internal battery backups, tamper sensors, and disconnection alerts. If the main power supply is cut, the tracker switches automatically to its internal battery and sends an instant warning to both the monitoring centre and the vehicle owner.

Trackerfit devices include both battery backup and low-battery alerts, ensuring that tracking continues even if the vehicle’s power is interrupted. These features keep you informed and help recovery teams act quickly, even if thieves attempt to disable the system.

Secure Your Vehicle with Trackerfit Today

Contact Trackerfit today to choose the right stolen vehicle tracker for your car and arrange free nationwide installation. Call 0800 756 5100 or visit the website to protect your vehicle and ensure the fastest possible recovery if it is ever stolen.

Car theft remains a serious problem across the UK. Figures show that 95,681 cars were reported stolen last year, which works out at more than 260 vehicles every single day. With numbers this high, relying on standard security measures such as alarms or immobilisers is no longer enough. A stolen vehicle tracker provides protection, helping to recover your car quickly if the worst happens.

Why a Stolen Vehicle Tracker Matters

Traditional security features deter some criminals, but more experienced thieves find a way to bypass them in minutes. Key cloning, relay attacks and advanced lock-picking tools make many factory-fitted systems vulnerable. A stolen vehicle tracker addresses this risk by using real-time monitoring and advanced location technology to pinpoint a vehicle’s position as soon as it is taken. This rapid detection allows recovery teams and the police to act fast, often retrieving the vehicle before significant damage occurs.

Insurance companies recognise the value of this technology. Many providers offer reduced premiums for cars fitted with approved trackers because they increase the chance of recovery and reduce potential payouts. For owners of high-value vehicles, a tracker can even be a requirement for full cover.

How Trackerfit Stolen Vehicle Trackers Work

Trackerfit supplies and installs a wide range of high-performance tracking devices from trusted brands such as Tracker, Vodafone Automotive, SmarTrack, Meta Trak, ScorpionTrack, British Tracking Systems, and Trackstar. Each system is designed to provide round-the-clock protection using the latest GPS, GSM, and VHF technologies.

When a vehicle is moved without authorisation or the ignition is tampered with, the tracker sends an instant alert to the monitoring centre. Trained staff can then contact the vehicle owner and liaise directly with the police, sharing real-time location data. Many vehicles fitted with these systems are recovered within an hour of theft, limiting damage and increasing the chance of a safe return.

Thatcham Approval

All stolen vehicle trackers supplied by Trackerfit are Thatcham approved. Thatcham Research is the UK’s leading authority on automotive security standards, and its certification is recognised by insurance companies and law enforcement agencies. Choosing a Thatcham-approved device ensures the tracker meets strict requirements, and its certification is recognised by insurance companies and law enforcement agencies. Choosing a Thatcham-approved device ensures the tracker meets strict performance and reliability criteria, giving customers confidence that their vehicle is protected by equipment tested to the highest safety standards.

Benefits Beyond Theft Recovery

While the main purpose of a stolen vehicle tracker is theft recovery, many systems offer useful additional features. Some devices provide journey history reports, driver behaviour data and geofencing alerts if the vehicle leaves a set area. Fleet operators can use these functions to manage multiple vehicles more efficiently, while private owners may find them helpful for monitoring teenage drivers or keeping track of shared cars.

Remote immobilisation is available with certain models, allowing the monitoring centre to disable the engine once the vehicle is stationary and safe to secure. This feature can prevent further movement and make recovery even faster.

Professional Installation and Support

Trackerfit is a trusted supplier and installer of stolen vehicle trackers across the UK. Their experienced engineers ensure each device is fitted discreetly and securely, with minimal impact on the vehicle’s appearance or performance. After installation, customers receive full guidance on using the system and accessing support if needed. Trackerfit also provides nationwide maintenance and aftercare, ensuring the tracker remains fully operational over time.

Protect Your Vehicle Today

With car theft continuing to rise, waiting until a theft occurs is a risk no driver can afford to take. A stolen vehicle tracker is a proactive investment that safeguards both the vehicle and its owner’s peace of mind. Trackerfit offers a wide selection of Thatcham-approved devices to suit different budgets and vehicle types, from everyday cars to luxury models and commercial fleets.

Choosing a Trackerfit stolen vehicle tracker means gaining access to advanced technology, professional installation and rapid recovery support. Whether you drive a family hatchback or a high-performance sports car, fitting a tracker could make all the difference between permanent loss and a swift, safe return.

Get Started with Trackerfit Today

Contact the Trackerfit team today to discuss the best stolen vehicle tracker for your car. Call our team on 0800 756 5100 or visit our website today to book a professional installation and secure fast, reliable protection for your vehicle.

Choosing the Best Motorcycle Tracker

Motorbike theft is a significant concern for riders across the UK, with startling statistics highlighting the urgency for effective security measures. With an average of 60 bikes stolen daily and 80% of these thefts occurring at the owner’s home, the motorbike theft rate is still substantially high. Reports reveal that criminals make off with £3 million worth of motorbikes from UK streets each month! The risk of motorcycles being stolen is over twice that of cars, highlighting the critical need for a security solution. Without proper security, the chances of recovering a stolen motorcycle are notably slim, prompting riders to consider the best measures to protect their bikes.

A motorcycle tracker not only serves as a deterrent to potential thieves but also significantly increases the likelihood of recovering a stolen bike.

Top Motorcycle Tracking Devices for 2024

1.ScorpionTrack DRIVER S5-VTS

An Insurance Approved, Thatcham Category S5 Accredited Vehicle Tracker, the ScorpionTrack DRIVER S5-VTS features GPS, GLONASS & Galileo accurate to within 10 metres, 24/7 monitoring, flexible subscription options and a free Android or iOS app.  With plenty of other features, as well as being manufactured and monitored in Great Britain, the S5-VTS stands out as a great choice for your motorbike.

2. SmarTrack S5 with D-iD™

This device takes security to the next level with its D-iD™ technology – a brand new driver identification system that uses your own mobile device instead of traditional driver tags, yu can simultaneously connect up to 5 mobile phones!

It's Thatcham Category S5 security certified and immobilisation is an optional installation.

3. British Tracking Systems Motorcycle Tracker

A Thatcham Approved Cat 6 / S7 tracker, the British Tracking Systems Motorcycle Tracker uses Glonass and GPS Satellites to track your bike and monitors unauthorised movement. Fitted by a British Tracking Systems approved engineer, we can install this tracker nationwide at your home, workplace, or anywhere else suitable. Monitor your bike’s whereabouts at home via your PC or on the go using your mobile phone.

4. SmarTrack Protector Pro Global

A global tracking solution approved by Thatcham, this device offers worldwide coverage, ensuring that your bike is traceable no matter where it ends up. Key features include IP67-rated waterproof design, low battery alerts, and compatibility with all types of motorcycles. The SmarTrack Protector Pro Global comes compete with a three year warranty, plus no quibble parts and labour warranty (extendable to 12 years).

5. SmarTrack Reco S7

Monitor your motorcycle’s location with the free Android/iOS app that can be connected to this tracker as well as take advantage of the dedicated external repatriation team for assisting vehicle recovery. The SmarTrack Reco S7 features multi tracking technologies for locating your bike in the event of theft when GPS is comprised. Get alerted when the battery disconnects or is low and benefit from a 3 year manufacturer warranty which is extendable up to 12 years.

FAQs

Can a motorcycle tracker prevent theft?

Whilst no device can guarantee prevention, trackers act as a deterrent and are instrumental in recovering stolen bikes.

Are there subscription fees involved?

Yes, most tracking devices come with subscription plans for their tracking services, which vary in price. Subscription plans can be either monthly, yearly, or in some cases, for the duration of vehicle ownership.

How do I install a motorbike tracker?

Installation methods vary. There’s no need to worry about installing the device yourself if you purchase through Trackerfit though (unless it’s one of our self-install, portable options)! We offer free nationwide installation - one of our Thatcham approved engineers will install your motorbike tracker at a time and place of your convenience. That could be at home, work, or a local garage.

Can I track my motorcycle in real-time?

Yes, the majority of modern trackers provide real-time tracking capabilities through various devices, including smartphones and computers.

Are motorbike trackers worth it?

Yes. The stats surrounding motorbike thefts prove this – if your bike does get stolen, it will be extremely difficult, often impossible, to recover your bike. Thieves will want to strip your bike and get it as far away as fast as possible. This will also impact your future insurance premiums; if you end up recovering your bike, the cost of repairs will be a lot less than the cost of an unrecovered theft, so you’ll be saving yourself some money in the long run.  

 What is the Best Car Tracker for Insurance?

Fitting an insurance approved tracker in your vehicle is a great way to reduce the cost of your insurance policy!

Insurance providers often reward people that are proactive in the security of their vehicle and having a tracker installed shows just that. Insurance approved vehicle tracking systems are the most effective way of securing your car.

In fact, due to the rise in vehicle theft, many insurance providers won’t insure your vehicle for theft at all, unless a categorised tracking device has been installed. This is simply because they really do work as a method of security! Thatcham approved trackers are designed to deter thieves and ensure quick and effective vehicle recovery if your vehicle is stolen.

It’s always best to discuss their requirements with your provider to see if there is a particular Thatcham category tracker that they favour. However, generally, Thatcham category S5 and S7 tracking systems are guaranteed to be accepted by most insurance providers.

We’re going to run through a couple of our recommendations, their main features and how they lower your insurance.

The Meta S5 Deadlock

The Meta S5 Deadlock is considered to be one of the best vehicle tracking devices on the market. It has an S5 Thatcham accreditation and additional immobilisation security, so as far as trackers go, the Meta S5 Deadlock has everything you could ever want! Including:

Automatic immobilisation - The immobilisation is controlled by the owner using ID tags, meaning that nobody else can drive the vehicle without their permission.
Deadlock immobilisation - controlled by the mobile app or web & can be integrated with your car's alarm, this feature stops your car from moving when you turn it on.
European wide coverage, live tracking, journey history & is waterproof.

This tracker offers the ultimate protection for your vehicle in multiple ways, so it’s not hard to see why it’s favoured by insurance providers. Plus it’s reasonably priced!

Trackerfit offers nationwide installation of the Meta S5 Deadlock, fitted by a Meta track approved engineer.

Meta Track S5 VTS

The Meta Track S5 is a sophisticated tracker that’s great value for money and suitable for all vehicle types. It comes with two driver recognition tags, live tracking, 24/7 control room monitoring, instant alerts to your phone and an optional add on for remote immobilisation - just to name a few!

In other words, it comes with all the features that your insurance provider will be looking for. Although it doesn’t include as many safety features as the Meta S5 Deadlock, this tracker will still make a significant impact on the security of your car and that’s what insurance providers are looking for.

SmarTrack Reco S7

If you’re looking for an insurance approved tracker that has a lower price tag, the SmarTrack Reco S7 is a good option. It holds an S7 Thatcham approval which is the second-highest level of accreditation.
Along with UK & European tracking 24/7, this tracker comes with multi-tracking technologies for locating in the event of theft when GPS is compromised.

Having the tracker installed will make your car safer, which is all insurance providers are really looking for to reduce your premium price.

Here at Trackerfit, all of the trackers we stock are Thatcham approved! Insurance providers are particularly impressed by category S5 & S7 trackers. Visit our website to find the vehicle tracker that meets all of your requirements.

If you’ve already begun your search for a vehicle tracker, you’ve probably come across the term ‘Thatcham Cat S5’ and wondered what on earth it means! Well we’re here to explain it to you… 

Back in 2019, Thatcham updated their classification for car trackers, changing Cat 5 to Cat S5 & Cat S5 Plus. The classification of Cat S5 Plus can sometimes be referred to as S5 immobiliser. This means that the tracker comes with remote immobilisation as an extra level of security. This allows your car to be immobilised remotely from the secure monitoring station. Cat S5 is the highest rating a car tracker can have, so if you're looking for complete security, it's a good option for you.

If you're considering purchasing aCat S5 trackerfor your vehicle, here are six key facts you should know:

1. S5 is the highest recognised standard of vehicle tracker

The car insurance industry relies on Thatcham Research to set the standards for vehicle tracking technology. Cat S5 is currently the highest recognised specification for car trackers. Devices with this rating use cutting-edge technology to keep your vehicle safe and secure. Categories 6 and 7, in contrast, only need to meet lower specification standards.

Cat S5 trackers, such as theMeta Trak S5 VTS  are recommended for high value, high performance cars. As the best group of car trackers on the market, they provide owners with valuable reassurance and peace of mind. Plus, they're approved by the insurance industry, so they can help keep your premiums down. 

2. Cat S5 trackers do not rely on your car's ignition

An important factor for Cat S5 trackers is that they can't be disarmed by using the key or fob to start the car's ignition. Instead, Cat S5 trackers such as theScorpionTrack DRIVER S5-VTS use sophisticated automatic driver recognition. This technology detects a signal from a special ADR card within a separate key fob or mobile app. Essentially, this is like having two different keys for your car - and both are needed to operate it.

3. Cat S5 Plus trackers have remote engine immobilisation

Remote immobilisation is the ultimate way to stop car thieves in their tracks! An encoded radio signal will be broadcast to the tracker telling it to immobilise the engine. Once this signal has been received, the thief will no longer be able to restart the engine. It won't kill the engine whilst it's running, but as soon as the vehicle is switched off, it will be rendered inoperable!

4. Cat s5 Plus trackers have level 1 police response

Level 1 is the highest standard of police response available in the UK. It means that when the police are notified of an activation, they will base their response on an assumption that an offence is taking place.

5. Thatcham Research is a global leader in vehicle security

Thatcham , who devises and oversees the approved standards for vehicle trackers, are at the forefront of advanced vehicle technology. The organisation occupies a unique role as Britain's only not-for-profit vehicle research centre. They are world renowned and a member of both Euro NCAP and the international Research Council for Automobile Repairs. So it's safe to say you can trust their categorisation.

6. Cat S5 tackers are only as good as their installation

Even the most advanced Cat S5 tracker systems such as the SmarTrack 5+ with D-iD™ (Including Remote Immobilisation), will  fail to protect your vehicle if it's not installed properly! The Cat S5 specification requires Thatcham approved installers to install the trackers to the highest quality standards. That's why it's essential to get qualified and authorised installation from experts such as TrackerFit.

That's our six point guide to Cat S5 trackers. If you've got any questions about car trackers or our range of products at TrackerFit, please don't hesitate to contact us!  Call us today on 0800 096 3092.

What will help you keep your car secure?

With the rise in car theft, it’s no surprise that people want the best car security possible. With the amount of car security devices, it is easy to become overwhelmed. Car security devices can vary from a car security camera and car security lock (including a steering lock and wheel clamps) to advanced GPS trackers. When choosing any car security, your purpose will determine the type required.

Below are some examples of the different car security devices and their pros and cons:

Steering wheel lock

What is a steering wheel lock?

A car security lock (also known as a steering lock) is a physical lock that is placed over your wheel. As a result of its position, the wheel has restricted movement that is only restored once it is removed.

Pros of a steering wheel lock:

• Due to its visibility, it is an active deterrent for thieves.
• Without being physically removed, steering is limited.

Cons of a steering wheel lock:

• Thieves can cut through the steering wheel’s outer rim, allowing the device to be removed.
• If the lock isn’t properly sized for your type of vehicle, it will not fit correctly.
• Marks will be left on the wheel if the steering lock is not intended for your car model.

Tracking systems

What is a car tracking system?

Tracking systems are undoubtedly a smart car security system. They provide essential tracking for vehicles. In-built GPS technology can be accessed in real-time to grant authorised individuals access to track their vehicle, no matter the owner’s location. By utilising satellite networks, trackers can support the recovery of a stolen vehicle. Trackers can gain pinpoint location accuracy, each tracker from TrackerFit has European coverage and global coverage is available in set models.

Pros of car tracking systems:

• GPS Tracking: This approved tracking system allows you to track your vehicle in real-time. If unauthorised access is gained, an alert is sent to a control room and the police are then notified and supported in the recovery of your vehicle. Included with certain models, a recovery team is also sent to retrieve your vehicle.
• No Internet required: As a stand-alone device, GPS tracking does not require the Internet to receive satellite signals, enabling you to monitor your vehicle wherever and whenever.
• Battery Disconnect Alerts: Thatcham trackers can detect if the vehicle’s battery is disconnected, indicating potential theft or tampering. If the battery drops to a low level or is disconnected, your vehicle tracking system will send an instant alert.
• Tamper Alerts: By use of either a driver ID tag or a driver identification system through your smartphone, unauthorised attempts to control the vehicle made by an individual without the ID or identification system can be detected, motioning an alarm. The tracker can create a link between the tracking device and the tracking system’s server, ensuring that only authorised individuals can access the device and its functions.
• Remote Immobilisation: Trackers are built to work alongside a vehicle’s systems, such as the engine control unit (ECU) or immobiliser. Such integration enables the tracker to send signals to these systems, allowing for remote control over the vehicle’s operation.
• Geo-fencing: This function enables you to set virtual boundaries for your vehicle- enabling you to monitor and receive alerts if your vehicle enters or exits specified areas.
• Approved by the majority of insurance providers, Thatcham-approved trackers can allow owners to meet insurance requirements and potentially reduce premiums or maintain coverage.
• Remote monitoring: For easy access, the smartphone app can be stored on your home screen. It is user-friendly allowing you to quickly learn and navigate its features. With push notifications to your smartphone, you stay up-to-date. Apps are regularly updated to improve performance, add new features and address any issues.

Cons of car tracking systems:

• Drain on the car battery: The battery life of a tracker can often be depleted due to the functions it provides. However, if you are knowledgeable of the battery life of your tracker this can easily be planned for.
• Infringement on privacy and autonomy: GPS devices can be used to monitor people’s whereabouts and can be used to assist in criminal activities.
• Sensitivity to sunlight: To get the best out of your GPS tracker, keep it away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Engineers at TrackerFit can advise on the best position for your Tracker.
• Handle with care: Trackers are extremely sensitive and should be handled with caution- ensure not to shake your device.
• Keep clean: For optimal performance, ensure that your tracker is free of dust and is kept away from liquids.
• If travelling, awareness of your surroundings and nearby hazards is imperative. By relying entirely on GPS technology you could potentially overlook information key to your journey and safety.
• Poor Installation: For optimum performance, it is key to use professionals who specialise in tracking systems, such as TrackerFit.

Follow the below links for further information:
S7 Tracker: High-Quality Thatcham S7 Trackers for Enhanced Security
S5 Tracker: Reliable Thatcham S5 Trackers for Advanced Vehicle Security

Remote Immobilisation

What is remote immobilisation?

An immobiliser is a device preventing a vehicle from starting unless the correct key or key fob is used. There are many different types of immobilisers, some requiring a manual pin code, others using a touch key to disable a car from starting. Using this function can help increase the chance of recovery and minimise damage. Immobilisers are often integrated into tracking systems. It is critical that all laws and regulations are followed and that fitting is completed by a reputable tracking company such as TrackerFit, to guarantee that the remote immobilisation feature can only be used after authorised access has been granted.

Pros of immobilisers:

• Potential lower insurance premiums, due to the immobiliser being an active deterrent for thieves.
• Makes it difficult for a thief to hotwire a car.
• Automatic operation, meaning that it doesn’t need to be turned on and off after each use.
• Many cars already have an immobiliser fitted- to find out, look at your vehicle’s specifications.
• User-friendly - making it easy to arm and disarm your vehicle.

Cons of immobilisers:

• With the help of technology, it can take a criminal around 30 minutes to disarm an immobiliser.
• If your key fob battery has run out, the immobiliser may be unable to recognise your key.
• Car battery may impact the immobiliser’s performance.

Alarm Systems

A car alarm system is comprised of a computer, sensors and a receiver, working by responding to your keycode. When the alarm is turned on and a sensor gains a response, the alarm is triggered.

Pros of alarm systems:

• Acts as a strong deterrent to thieves, protecting your possessions
• Cost effective- car alarms range in value, meaning you can choose the type accessible to you.
• Gives a warning of unauthorised access to your vehicle

Cons of alarm systems:

• Even the loud sound emitted may not be enough to deter a criminal.
• Criminals are still able to drive your car away, the alarm only attracts attention to the fact that someone is accessing your car.
• If an alarm hasn’t been correctly installed, it can draw excess power from your car battery.

Keyless Entry Security

Keyless entry allows you to access your vehicle without the use of a key. Access to a car is gained through encrypted radio signals from a transmitter reaching the car. Their ease of use is often outweighed by their susceptibility to hacking. However, keyless entry security aims to protect you against the vulnerabilities of a keyless entry system. By using methods such as blocking pouches (Faraday Bag), and turning off keyless fob’s wireless signal which can be infiltrated, alongside other protective measures such as a car steering wheel lock and car alarm.

Pros of keyless entry security:

• Blocking pouches have accessible price points.
• With a range of sizes, blocking pouches can be easily transported.

Cons of keyless entry security:

• A pouches’ ability to work effectively will be compromised if damaged or worn.
• Certain pouches are more effective than others- research into your Faraday bag is essential (make use of reviews).

Biometric Systems

Biometric systems collect unique personal characteristics (fingerprints, facial recognition, or voice recognition) from every person to confirm identification for vehicle access.

Pros of biometric systems:

• Connected to a specific individual, unlike a password.
• No need to store or log a password, which could be forgotten.
• Data discretion offers a higher level of protection.

Cons of biometric systems:

• Biometric systems can still be hacked.
• Biometric data can be shared or sold without consent.

Dash cameras with security features

Modern dash cameras enable you to monitor the road and even the inside of your car as you drive. Whilst parked, you can even record the surroundings of your vehicle.

Pros of dash cameras:

• For certain models, ‘parking mode’ allows you to record the surroundings and inside your vehicle while parked.
• G-Sensors within dash cameras can recognise movement or impact and alert the dash camera to start the recording. This can be given to insurance companies and used if an accident occurs as evidence.
• Can be used to document road trips, whether for social media or own use.
• Dash cameras are compatible with smartphones, with many offering a free app for you to track your vehicle.

Cons of dash cameras:

• Dash cameras can be a potential distraction to drivers, with their displays showing the footage recorded.
• Higher specification dash cameras are in demand, making them attractive for thieves to take.

When choosing a security system for your vehicle, professional installation is key and can impact the overall performance of your device. For over 25 years, TrackerFit has ensured clean installations on all our trackers. We offer a variety of specifications and models to suit your desired needs. For help, technical assistance and sales, contact us on 0800 7565100.

Installing a car tracker can help to protect your Mercedes against theft. With real time location tracking and 24 hour monitoring, a car tracker provides the best chance of recovering a stolen vehicle. Car trackers are so effective, some insurers will only cover your car if a tracker is installed.

Why do I need a Mercedes car tracker?

Car theft is becoming more and more common as thieves target vehicles to resell or use for parts. It was recently revealed that just 1.6% of car thefts ever lead to a criminal charge in London, with similarly low statistics nationwide. That means car owners are unlikely to see their vehicle returned or the thief brought to justice. 

Installing a Thatcham approved car tracker puts the odds back in the car owner’s favour. GPS tracking, 24 hour monitoring and anti-jamming technology massively increase the likelihood of recovering your car, in collaboration with police. 

How do Mercedes trackers work?

A Thatcham approved tracker uses GPS, VHF or other tracking technology to monitor your vehicle’s location. This is monitored 24 hours a day at a remote security centre. Once a theft is detected or reported, they will contact police and provide them with updates on the vehicle’s location, increasing the chance of interception and recovery.

A Thatcham approved Cat 5 car tracker provides even greater protection for your Mercedes. A Cat 5 car tracker also comes with a driver identification device, like a card, key fob or even your phone. This device must be present when the engine is started or the system will immediately alert to a theft. This leads to even faster intervention and greater chance of recovery.

What are the benefits of a Mercedes tracker?

Installing a Mercedes car tracker has many wide-ranging benefits. It can even lead to lower car insurance premiums, as insurers recognise it increases the chance of vehicle recovery and means they are less likely to have to pay out. It also gives car owners complete peace of mind, as they know their vehicle is safe and secure.

Do Mercedes cars have trackers?

Some Mercedes cars already come with a tracker already fitted, which can be activated on the Mercedes Me app. However, this does not protect your vehicle against theft. You are solely responsible for tracking your vehicle, whereas a Thatcham approved tracker is monitored 24 hours a day by security operatives. That means it could be hours or even days (if you are on holiday, for example) before you realise your vehicle has been stolen. This gives thieves the opportunity they need to get away.

What are the best Mercedes trackers?

At TrackerFit, we sell Mercedes’ approved brand of car tracker: Tracker. 

Tracker are the UK’s leading vehicle security specialists, with an impressive range of car trackers. They have decades of experience reuniting owners with their cars and assisting police in catching thieves. They use their patented VHF tracking technology, which enables them to find your car anywhere - even underground or in shipping containers.

Check out our range of Mercedes trackers below. 

Tracker Vantage

TRACKER Vantage comes with integrated GPS technology, offering a range of benefits with European coverage, for example, if a vehicle is moved without the ignition turned on, an alert is generated, notifying owners of possible theft. If a battery is disconnected, this could indicate attempted theft and an alert will be generated automatically.

Tracker Monitor

Tracker's Very High Frequency (VHF) stolen vehicle recovery systems work like an electronic homing device. A covert transmitter is hidden discretely in one of several dozen places around your vehicle. There is no visible aerial or other identifying feature so the thief can't see it and won't know it's there. Tracker have their own, purpose-built, radio network dedicated to getting your vehicle back fast!

Tracker Locate

Tracker Locate is the most advanced unit on the market and is approved by Mercedes, lexus and Toyota. The unit is hidden in your vehicle by one of our approved engineers and activated in the event of a theft allowing your vehicle to be tracked. With Tracker Locate you are protected from even the most professional criminals to ensure fast recovery, often within 24 hours of activation.

Tracker S5 Plus

TRACKER S5 PLUS is a premium stolen vehicle recovery system that tracks your vehicle with pinpoint accuracy. Using a combination of our unique VHF technology together with GSM and GPS and creating alerts when a theft occurs even if your keys have been used, Tracker S5 Plus enables early detection of theft, fast tracking and the technology to overcome even the most professional and determined thieves.

How do I fit a Mercedes tracker?

When you buy a Mercedes trackers from TrackerFit, we’ll install it for free! One of our Thatcham approved engineers will install it at a time and place of your choosing. That could be at home, work or the local garage. They’ll place it in a discrete location and make sure it’s all set up properly for you.

Why choose TrackerFit?

Come to TrackerFit for your Mercedes car tracker and benefit from our exceptional customer service. If you’re struggling to find the right Mercedes tracker for you, just call our friendly sales team on 0800 756 5100. Once you’ve found the right Mercedes tracker, we’ll install it for free at a time and place of your choosing. 

Still not sure? Check out our excellent rating on TrustPilot!

When it comes to luxurious performance vehicles, BMW has established itself as a brand synonymous with excellence. With its impeccable blend of style, power, and cutting-edge technology, owning a BMW is a true privilege. 

However,BMW's reputation for luxury and performance unfortunately makes it a prime target for thieves in the UK. Safeguarding your investment from potential theft or unauthorized use is of paramount importance! This is where car trackers come into play.

In this blog post, we will delve into the realm of BMW car trackers and explore the finest options available on the market. By investing in a reliable tracker, you can ensure the safety and security of your prized possession, providing you with peace of mind.

What is a BMW tracker and why do I need one?

A BMW tracker combines the latest navigational technology with various security features, giving it the power to track and protect your car if it’s stolen.

Unsurprisingly, both the BMW 3 Series and the BMW 5 Series were listed among the top 10 most stolen cars in the UK in 2023. As the owner of an elite car like a BMW, it becomes crucial to take every possible measure to protect it. A vehicle tracker not only acts as a powerful deterrent against theft but also enables you to gather valuable performance data.

In fact, some insurance companies may require the installation of a tracker before they provide coverage for your BMW. And even if it is not mandatory, fitting a tracker will significantly enhance your peace of mind by ensuring you always have the ability to locate your vehicle.

Which BMW Tracker Should You Buy ?

There are a lot of Trackers for BMW’s, making it difficult to choose which one will be best for you. Before choosing a tracking device, consider your budget as well as what you hope to gain from having a BMW tracker. 

Here at TrackerFit, we offer a range of BMW car trackers tailored to suit your specific needs. Rest assured, our selection comprises the very best in the market. By choosing one of our trackers, you can rest easy knowing that your BMW is equipped with cutting-edge technology designed to keep it safe and secure.

The best types of car trackers are those that are classes as Thatcham S5 and Thatcham S7.

S7 Trackers for BMW’s

TrackerFit offers nationwide installation services for S7 Trackers specifically designed for BMW vehicles. While most insurers require S5 trackers for BMW models, their requirements can be somewhat vague, allowing you the freedom to choose the tracker category you prefer. That makes S7 trackers great for insurance purposes!

Many drivers opt for an S7 tracker due to its affordability. However, it's important not to underestimate the effectiveness of an S7 tracker for BMW in terms of security. It offers a wide range of features similar to the S5 tracker, with the only notable difference being the absence of the ADR system as a standard feature.

With features like global coverage, tamper alerts, and a 24/7 control room, the S7 tracker is a game-changer when it comes to swiftly apprehending car thieves within minutes of a vehicle being stolen. If your insurance provider has not explicitly mandated an S5 tracker, they will likely be satisfied with the installation of an S7 tracker.

Trackstar S7 TM470

This Thatcham Approved Tracker is our top choice for S7 tracking devices! First class features on this BMW-compatible vehicle tracker include using motion sensing technology to detect whether your BMW is being moved illegally, which is monitored 24/7 by the Trackstar National Control Centre. The device will then liaise with the police automatically if a theft is taking place and continue tracking the car’s location with the latest GPS technology. The Trackstar S7 TM470 has been endorsed by police authorities and approved by BMW itself, making it a credible and reliable way to protect your BMW against theft.

Browse more S7 Trackers

S5 Trackers for BMW’s

Certain insurance companies have strict requirements regarding the type of device to be installed on your car, according to your policy. As a result, the enhanced security provided by S5 trackers is becoming the standard protocol for many BMW models.

The S5 tracker encompasses all the features of the S7 tracker, but with the valuable addition of the comprehensive ADR (Automatic Driver Recognition) System. With the ADR system, you receive an ADR fob that remains with you whenever you use your vehicle, serving as an identifier that you are the authorized driver.

In the unfortunate event of a thief attempting a relay attack, stealing, or cloning your keys, an instant alert is triggered in the control room. They will promptly contact you to confirm whether a theft is taking place. If theft is confirmed, the control room takes immediate control of the tracking process and guides the responding police unit to recover your vehicle swiftly and efficiently!

Trackstar S5

Approved by BMW as part of the trusted Trackstar range and created in accordance with the nation's most trusted motoring regulator, Thatcham, safety is at the heart of the Trackstar S5.

The Trackstar S5 uses an Advance Driver Recognition system which comes with 2 driver ID tags. If someone attempts to drive your car without one of these tags, the S5 will immediately alert that there is a potential theft.

The Trackstar Security Operations Centre monitors this globally 24-hours a day, and will attempt to call you to verify whether it is a theft and continue to track the car's location. You’re also able to monitor this yourself via an app. This allows immediate action to be taken and ensures the best chance of recovering your car, as it is equipped with the best GPS technology to direct police.

Browse more S5 Trackers.

At TrackerFit, we understand the significance of security and peace of mind. That's why we offer a wide range of tracking solutions that cater to all budgets. Whether you're seeking basic functionality or advanced features, we have the perfect car tracker for you. Moreover, our nationwide installation service, carried out exclusively by Thatcham approved installers, is included in the price, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Will a car tracker reduce your car insurance? The answer is yes, almost certainly! Installing a car tracker is a great way to save money on your car insurance. Thatcham approved car trackers are designed to improve vehicle security, which provides insurers with the reassurance they need to reduce your car insurance.

The cost of your car insurance is determined by how likely it is that your provider will need to pay out for it. This takes a number of factors into consideration, like driving history, car model and likelihood of theft. If your car is stolen, it leaves insurers with the hefty bill of replacing it. Installing a car tracker is one of the best ways to protect your vehicle against theft, so it makes sense that having one would reduce your insurance premium. 

How much does a tracker reduce your insurance?

Asking how much does a tracker reduce your insurance is a bit like asking how long is a piece of string. It’ll depend on a number of factors, such as the type of car tracker you buy and the features that it has. In general, the better the car tracker, the bigger the savings. Some insurers may even refuse to insure your car unless you install a car tracker. 

So, how exactly does a car tracker reduce your insurance price so much?

Car trackers make your car more secure

When calculating your insurance premium, one of the things providers consider is how secure your car is. That includes how likely it is to be stolen, and how easy it would be to recover your car if it was stolen. After all, they have to pay to replace it. A tracking device has multiple ways of keeping your car safe, including theft recovery and use of advanced technology.

Car theft recovery

The most obvious way car trackers improve your car’s security is theft recovery. All Thatcham approved car trackers monitor your vehicle’s location 24/7. There’s a team of remote operatives who look out for suspicious movements, so they can spot theft immediately. As soon as your car is stolen, they’ll contact police and provide updates on the car’s location, which gives you the best chance of recovering it.

Thatcham approved S5 trackers offer even more protection. In addition to 24 hour monitoring, all S5 trackers come with a driver identification device. This could be a small card or key fob, which must be present when the engine is started or the system will immediately alert to a theft. This adds an extra layer of protection and means there’s no way a theft can slip through the net.

Here at Trackerfit, many of our systems also include additional features like remote immobilisation, motion sensing alerts and much more! Plus, most have European or even worldwide coverage, so your car is still protected overseas. 

Having a car tracker increases the chances of recovering your vehicle in the event of a theft. That means your insurer won’t have to buy a new vehicle, which brings the cost of insurance down.

Car trackers use advanced technology

Car trackers use the latest technology to provide the best protection for your car. Most car trackers use GPS or GSM technology. Put simply, GPS trackers use a process called trilateration where they send signals to 3 satellites orbiting Earth. The system then uses the distance from these three satellites to pinpoint its exact location. GPS is one of the most accurate tracking signals.

Some trackers use a VHF signal on its own or in addition to GPS. VHF stands for very high frequency signal. The great thing about VHF is that it can’t be blocked or scrambled, so you can find your car even if it is in an underground car park or shipping container. 

Most car trackers also have motion-sensing technology, which protects your car against thieves who attempt to tow or roll your car. The motion sensors will alert to movement and send a signal to the control centre as soon as your car is taken. The tracker will continue to provide updates on its location to help you find it.

Car trackers improve safety

Car trackers can also improve your driving ability. Some car trackers provide you with data about your driving, including speed, handling, gear changes and more. This data can help you to become a more safe, courteous driver, reducing the chances of a collision.

This also has the added benefit of helping you cut down on running costs. You can plan routes and adjust your driving to the road, saving time, fuel and money.

Car trackers are proactive

Having a tracker fitted also suggests a proactive approach to your car’s safety which insurers will consider a positive. It shows that you’re likely to put steps in place to reduce the potential risks to your vehicle where possible. 

The best insurance approved car trackers

If you want a car tracker to reduce your insurance, here are some of our top picks.

MetaTrak S5 VTS

• 24 hour monitoring

• 2 x driver identification tags

• Optional immobilisation

SmarTrack S5 with D-iD

• 24 hour monitoring

• Free tracking app

• Driver identification system that uses your mobile as ID

Trackstar S5 Advance

• 24 hour monitoring

• 2 x driver identification tags

• Automatic immobilisation if engine is started without driver ID

Even though a tracker is an extra cost upfront, it will save you money on your car insurance for years to come, making it a worthwhile investment. For more information on which car tracker is right for you, call us on 0800 096 3092.

Cars can seem like one expense after another - MOTs, car wash, fuelling up and the dreaded car insurance renewal. Whilst most of the money we spend on our cars is out of our control, there are ways you can get cheaper car insurance. From improving car security to limiting your mileage, if you want to know how to get cheaper car insurance check out our tips below.

1. Shop Around

The worst thing you can do is let your car insurance renew automatically! Insurers typically take the opportunity to hike up the prices whilst you’re not paying attention. Taking a few minutes to compare car insurance on a comparison site could potentially save you hundreds of pounds.

2. What Coverage Do You Need?

Consider what coverage you really need from your car insurance. There are three main types of car insurance in the UK: third party; third party, fire and theft; and comprehensive. Getting a lower coverage policy could save you some money.

Every driver must have at least third party insurance. This covers you if you cause damage to someone else’s car or injure another driver, but won’t cover you for damage to your own car or own person. This is the lowest level of protection, so it’s normally a bit cheaper than other policies. However, you have to weigh up the potential costs if you get into a collision which destroys your car.

Third party, fire and theft basically does what it says on the tin: it includes everything from a third party policy, and it covers you against fire and theft. Again, because this isn’t comprehensive cover, it could save you some money.

Comprehensive insurance gives you the highest level of insurance. It covers damage to yourself, your car and damage to other vehicles and people. This type of insurance is often more expensive, but could be worthwhile if you’re on the road a lot. Especially when you weigh it up against the cost of a new car or repairs.

3. Pay Annually

Another hack to get cheaper car insurance is to pay annually, rather than in monthly installments. When you pay car insurance monthly, you’ll have to pay added interest. This is normally between 15 and 35%. So if you get quoted £600 for car insurance, if you pay monthly with 35% APR, you would end up paying £795. Paying annually instead would save you £195 in this scenario.

BONUS TIP: If you can’t pay in one lump sum, keeping a good credit score can help lower the interest you pay on monthly payments.

4. Increase Your Excess

Your excess is the amount you pay out in the event of any damage to your or another driver’s car. If you have an excess of £300 and cause £1000 worth of damage, you’ll pay the first £300 and the insurance company will pay the remaining £700. If you have an excess of £300 and cause £250 worth of damage, you would have to pay everything yourself.

Car insurers like when you set a bigger excess, because it means there’s less for them to pay! Increasing your excess could mean a lower total cost for your car insurance. Just bear in mind that if you have a collision or damage your car, you’ll have to pay out that amount, so make sure you can afford it.

5. Install a Car Tracker

A Thatcham approved car tracker is a great way to get lower car insurance. Thatcham is an insurance industry body, committed to making cars safer and more secure. A Thatcham approved car tracker is one of the best ways to do this.

A Thatcham approved car tracker is tracked 24 hours a day by a remote security operator. That means it will alert to theft whether it 3AM or 3PM, so you can be secure in the knowledge thieves won’t get away. It will continue to track the stolen vehicle’s location as operators liaise with police to provide updates. 

The very best car tracker is a Cat 5. A Cat 5 car tracker has all the above features, but also comes with a driver identification device, like a card or a fob. This must be present in the car when the engine is started, or the system will automatically alert to a theft. This provides protection against keyless car theft, which is growing in popularity.

A Thatcham approved tracker provides the best chance of recovering a stolen vehicle, saving insurers the need to pay out for a new car. That’s why they often offer lower insurance to drivers with a car tracker installed. Just check with your insurance first to find out whether this will lower costs.

6. Make Your Car More Secure

There are more security products that you can add to your car to lower your insurance. One of the cheapest security features you can buy is a steering wheel lock. This essentially locks your steering wheel in place, making it harder for thieves to steal as they can’t drive off.

Another security device that can lower insurance is an immobiliser. An immobiliser can be remotely activated and cut off the engine if stolen. This again makes it harder for thieves to steal your car. Immobilisers are expensive, so you must consider whether it will save enough on your insurance to justify the cost. If you own a very expensive car, it may well be worth it.

You should also check with your insurer whether installing these security devices will lower your car insurance costs.

7. Pick a Safe Car

One of the major factors that will affect your car insurance is the type of car you have. It’s common knowledge that you’ll pay less for car insurance for a 1L Kia Picanto than you will for a 3L BMW X5. This is because the insurance industry different makes of car into insurance groups.

There are 50 insurance groups, with 1-10 being the cheapest to insure and 40-50 being the most expensive. These insurance groups are based on car price when new, performance, cost of replacement parts and any safety features they may have. A BMW X5 is therefore considered more risky for an insurance company to cover, because it would cost more to repair or replace. That’s why it’ll cost more to insure. 

If money is tight, you probably won’t buy an expensive, group 50 car. But it could be worth bearing insurance group in mind when you’re shopping for a new car.

8. Avoid Modifications

Much like insurers consider what type of car you’ve got, they’ll consider what modifications you’ve made to the car. Modifications can make your car faster (and potentially more dangerous) and more attractive to thieves. Insurers will therefore ask if any modifications have been made before giving you a quote. Make sure you’re honest or your insurance could be void.

If you’re trying to keep your car insurance low, you should avoid modifications. That can include anything from the alloys to major engine modifications.

9. Maintain a Good Driving Record

Insurers will look over your driving history when quoting for your insurance. They’ll consider factors like previous claims and points on your license. Having no points or previous collisions will reassure insurers that you’re a safe driver and are unlikely to need them to pay out. That means they’ll probably consider you low-risk and offer you a lower car insurance quote.

10. Use Your Car For Commuting Only

Only using your car to drive to work is another way you can get cheaper car insurance. That’s because the less you use your car, the less likely you are to have a collision. So if you have a partner or a family member who can do most the driving at weekend, list your car as for commuting only. Lowering your annual mileage should also lower your insurance cost.

11. Get a Black Box

Quotes for young drivers can be extortionate; sometimes even more expensive than the car itself! That’s because young, inexperienced drivers are considered more risky to insure. Getting a black box installed in your car can be a great way to bring costs down. 

A black box will record how you drive and report back to the insurers. That includes how far you drive, when you drive and how fast you go. If you’re found to be a safe driver, your insurance premiums will go down; but if you’re found to be an irresponsible driver, insurance premiums will go up.

12. Add Careful Drivers to the Policy

If you want to get lower car insurance, you should consider adding a careful driver to your policy as a second driver. If they’re an experienced driver with years of no claims, they could actually bring your car insurance down.

In the same vein, you should remove any reckless drivers from your policy. If your other half has a history of speeding tickets and a fair few collisions, then they could be driving your car insurance up. Do they really need to be on your policy? If not, get rid of them.

Just make sure when you’re adding second drivers to your car insurance that you’re listing the main driver honestly. Otherwise, your insurance could be null in the event of an incident. 

So now you know how to get cheaper car insurance. If you decide to install a car tracker to lower your insurance, get in touch with us at TrackerFit. We’ll deliver and install your car tracker for free, anywhere in the UK! And if you’re not sure what car tracker you need, give us a call on 0800 756 5100 and we’ll help you find the right tracker for you.

Shopping for a car tracker can be overwhelming. There’s so much industry jargon it can be hard to know what you’re actually buying. We’re here to break the whole process down, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Do you need a car tracker?

The first question to ask yourself is whether you need a car tracker. To put it simply, a car tracker protects your vehicle against theft by tracking its location. A car tracker will instantly alert to a theft and increase your chances of recovering a stolen vehicle. With rising numbers of car thefts across the UK, many car owners are turning to car trackers to protect their vehicles. 

What’s your budget for a car tracker?

If you decide that you need a car tracker, you next need to consider budget. Car trackers typically range from £100 to £500+ for the very best security systems. Whilst that may seem like a lot, the cost of buying a car tracker is often offset by savings on your car insurance. And, of course, a stolen car could cost you thousands and thousands of pounds.

Five things to check before buying a car tracker

Once you’ve decided whether you need a car tracker and how much you want to spend, these are the five things you should check before buying a car tracker.

1) Is it Thatcham approved?

The first and most important thing to check is whether a car tracker is Thatcham approved. Thatcham are an insurance industry research body who set standards and guidelines for vehicle safety and security.

They test and approve new vehicle safety and security products for quality and effectiveness. That includes car trackers. In fact, many insurers will only insure luxury cars on the condition that a Thatcham approved car tracker is installed.

It is therefore very important to make sure a car tracker is Thatcham approved. Otherwise, they may not provide the level of protection you require. For example, they may only work within a certain distance of the tracker, which isn’t very useful if a thief is 100 miles down the road. A Thatcham approved car tracker, on the other hand, would still be able to find them.

2) What category is it?

There are two categories of Thatcham approved car trackers: Cat 5 and Cat 7. Whilst both categories protect your vehicle against theft, Cat 5 car trackers offer more protection than Cat 7.

Cat 7 car trackers must have a tracking system, whether it’s GPS, GSS or VHF. A Cat 7 car tracker must also be monitored by a 24 hour security centre. That means even if thieves steal your car at 3AM, operatives will still alert to a theft and begin tracking the vehicle. Finally, a Cat 7 car tracker must also have a movement detection, so thieves can’t roll or tow your car.

Cat 5 car trackers will have the same features as listed above, plus a driver identification device. The driver identification device is basically a key fob which must be present when the vehicle is started or the system will automatically alert to a theft. Operatives will contact the police and provide updates on the vehicles location, providing the best chance of recovering your car. This adds an extra layer of protection for car owners. 

3) What features does it have?

We’ve covered the must-have features for every category of car tracker above. However, you may find yourself needing other specific features depending on what you use the car tracker for.

If you want to use the car tracker for fleet management, you may not need a Thatcham approved car tracker (although we’d still recommend it to protect vehicles against theft). Instead, it would be more important to receive live location updates, so you know exactly where each vehicle is and can allocate resources accordingly. Therefore you may prioritise getting a car tracker with a live tracking app.

Alternatively, people more concerned with theft-prevention may want a car tracker which also includes an immobiliser. An immobiliser can be activated remotely, cutting off the engine and stopping thieves in their tracks.

So before you buy a car tracker, consider what you want to use it for and which feature you require to do this.

4) Is it transferable to other vehicles?

If you’re constantly changing or upgrading vehicles, you should check whether your car trackers can be transferred onto other vehicles. Afterall, you don’t want to spend potentially hundreds of pounds for it to be stuck on the wrong car.

The same applies if you lease or finance your vehicle. Check how long is left on your contract before you purchase a car tracker. If there’s a year or less left, make sure you get a transferable car tracker.

5) Does it have European coverage?

Does your work often require overseas travel? Or do you just live a jet set lifestyle? If either of these apply to you, you may want to check whether your car tracker works abroad. Many car trackers do offer European coverage as standard, but it’s important to make sure before you buy.

Some car trackers also offer coverage on other continents such as the Americas or Africa, so if you’re a frequent traveller it’s worth looking for these to be included too.

Where to Buy a Car Tracker

Once you’ve established exactly what you need from a car tracker, you’re ready to start shopping around. Here at Trackerfit, we’ve sold thousands of car trackers to happy customers up and down the country.

You can shop online or give us a call on 0800 7565100. Just tell one of our friendly sales advisors what you want and they’ll help you find the perfect car tracker! Whether you want the utmost security or a handy app to track your vehicles, we’ll find the right tracker for you.

And our service doesn’t end there! We’ll install your car tracker for free, wherever you are in the UK! We have a great team of Thatcham approved engineers who will install your car tracker at a time and place that suits you. Whether that’s at home, work or even the golf course! 

Installing an anti-theft device reduces the chances your car will be stolen and may also earn you a discount on your car insurance premiums. These theft deterrents range from steering wheel locks to alarms and tracking devices and can stop even the most determined thieves.

1. Steering wheel locks 

It may be old school, but securing your car with a wheel lock is still as effective as ever. Wheel locks make an excellent visual deterrent which will prevent your car from being broken into as well as it being stolen. Most thieves will move on to the next car if they spot a steering wheel lock, so it’s a worthy investment. 

2. Brake lock

Similar to a wheel lock, brake locks are a physical deterrent. They attach to the brake or clutch pedal and work by locking them to the steering wheel at a fixed length, stopping the pedals from being used. Once locked in place, brake locks can only be removed with their key, ensuring any thief is not able to drive your car away. 

Again, seeing this kind of device often prevents your car from being broken into in the first place too. 

3. Tyre clamps

Instead of using a lock on your steering wheel or brake, you could use a clamped wheel or boot. These locks attach to your wheel to prevent it from turning, which makes the car undrivable but also acts as a visual deterrent too. 

4. GPS tracking device 

A GPS tracker is the best anti-theft device for your car. Not only do they deter thieves, but they give you a much better chance of getting it back if it is taken. GPS tracking systems continually track the location of your vehicle, so you can quickly and easily see where your car is at any given time. If your car is taken, you can share this information with the police, assisting them in recovering your car before it’s damaged.

More advanced models can even come with added security features, such as alerting you if your car is moved or allowing you to immobilise your car from a distance. 

Compare the best car trackers to prevent theft by reading our recent blog post: The best anti-theft car trackers.

5. Alarms

A car alarm is another of the best anti-theft devices on the market! They’re great for alerting anyone in the vicinity that someone is trying to mess with your car. Often triggered by a window being broken or vibrations by someone trying to get into your car, the alarm will emit a loud noise that immediately stops any thief in their tracks, often causing them to run away to avoid being caught in the act.

6. Dashcam

Just like we trust security cameras to prevent theft in shops, cameras can also be used

to prevent car theft. Installing a dashcam in your car will allow you to record what happens out on the road, but can also monitor your car while it’s parked up. If you choose to purchase a good model, the dashcam will include sensors that start recording if they detect any unusual activity.

Again, this type of car safety feature can act as a visual deterrent, preventing thieves from even trying to steal your car. However, if they do, you’ll have footage of the whole act which you can share with the police or your insurance company.

7. Key pouches

Keyless car theft is a very real threat. Thieves use a device that mimics the wireless signals transmitted by a car owner’s key fob. This means they can steal a parked car in minutes by being in close range of the key. 

An easy way to prevent this crime is by keeping your keyless keys away from doors and windows and shutting any car keys in a special pouch, often called a Faraday pouch. They use magnetic material layers to block radio signals that thieves can intercept, preventing keyless car theft.

It’s easy to blame a GPS car tracker for your flat battery. But very often it’s another appliance or feature draining your battery. Most car trackers come with their own separate batteries, and even those attached to your car battery use such a small amount of power they can’t drain your battery.

Can car trackers drain your battery?

Car trackers are often the scapegoat for a flat car battery. However, it is unlikely to be the cause. Most car trackers have their own separate batteries, so don’t even need connecting to your car battery. Even those car trackers which do need to connect to your car battery use such a minimal amount of power, they couldn’t cause a flat battery alone.

What does drain your car battery?

Any electronic appliance in your car uses the car battery as a power source. That includes car radio, air conditioning and headlights. We’ve probably all been guilty of leaving our headlights on overnight and coming out to a flat battery the following morning.

Different appliances use different amounts of car battery power. So for instance, your car clock is unlikely to drain the car battery but a larger appliance like air conditioning can.

Even when your engine is off, certain appliances like the clock, car alarm and GPS car tracker will still use power from the car battery. The car battery gets its charge from the engine running, so if your car is sat still for a month all these electrical appliances combined could drain your car battery.

How to stop a car battery going flat

• Run the engine and drive - don’t leave your car sat unused for months. The engine recharges the battery, so it needs to be running and driving around or you’ll probably have a flat battery when you come to use it in a few months time. A 10-15 minute drive should be enough to charge it.

• Avoid short journeys - if your car battery is already low, a short journey will drain what’s remaining of the battery without giving enough time for it to recharge.

• Unplug unnecessary items - while your car is at rest, you should unplug any unnecessary items like dash cams.

• Use a trickle charger - these deliver a slow charge to your car’s battery over an extended period of time.

• Use appliances with a separate battery - get a dashcam, satnav or car tracker with their own battery, so they don’t have to use the car battery.

Best car trackers with separate battery

If you are still concerned that a car tracker could drain your car battery, check out some of the trackers available with their own separate battery.

Tracker Retrieve (Battery Powered)

Metatrak Pulsar (Battery Powered)

Are you looking for a car tracker to protect your vehicle against theft? Here at TrackerFit, we have hundreds of Thatcham approved car trackers to choose from. And, when you buy a car tracker from us, we’ll fit it for free at a time and place that suits you. If you need any help, give us a call on 0800 756 5100.

The Ghost 2 Immobiliser System represents the next step forward in car security. Easy installation, undetectable by thieves, and impossible to start without your unique pin or app authorisation - it’s the ultimate protection against car theft.

What is the Ghost 2 Immobiliser System?

The Ghost 2 Immobiliser System is, you guessed it, an immobiliser. It protects your vehicle from theft by preventing the engine from starting without your unique PIN or the presence of your smartphone with the Autowatch app downloaded. This means that even thieves who steal your keys or use wireless key technology to break into your car will not be able to drive off with it. The Ghost 2 Immobiliser System is also installed into your vehicle’s CAN Data Network, so thieves will not be able to detect it or disarm it through simple wire cutting. You really can feel safe in the knowledge that your vehicle is not going anywhere without your say-so. 

For a more detailed rundown of all the Ghost 2 Immobilser’s features, keep reading below.

What are the advantages of the Ghost 2 Immobiliser System?

• Security and convenience - when you get your Ghost 2 Immobiliser, you will create a unique PIN up to 20 digits long using the buttons on your dashboard and steering wheel which must be entered before the engine will start, just like a PIN on your bank card. Alternatively, you can download the Autowatch app on your smartphone, which will allow the engine to start when your phone is present using Bluetooth. You are able to pair two phones with the immobiliser.

• Engine blocking - without either using your PIN or the presence of your smartphone, thieves will not be able to start your engine. This means that even if thieves steal your keys or use relay theft techniques, without towing your car’s going nowhere!

• Undetectable - the Ghost 2 Immobiliser cannot be detected by sophisticated scanning tools which some thieves use. It also does not use radio frequency, so this can’t be detected either.

• CAN Data Network - the immobiliser uses your vehicle’s CAN Data Network to feed and receive information from your car. This means that there’s no wire cutting upon installation and the system is silent.

• Service and valet mode - this mode allows your car to start temporarily whilst it’s in the garage for some work without a PIN, so you don’t have to give other people your PIN.

• PIN change - you get in your car and your mind goes blank, you can’t remember your PIN - we’ve all been there. Luckily, there’s a reset code for each immobiliser, so you don’t need to panic about not being able to drive your car.

Ghost 2 Immobiliser System Installation

TrackerFit are proud to both sell and install Ghost 2 Immobiliser systems. Our installation service is second-to-none, as we work around you. One of our Thatcham-approved installers will install it at a time and a place that’s convenient to you, whether that’s home, work or at the dealership. Take a look at the Ghost 2 Immobiliser below: 

Shop the Ghost 2 Immobiliser here.

Whether you’ve got a brand new Range Rover Velar, or a classic Bentley which only comes out for a Sunday afternoon spin, a luxury car deserves the best protection. Here at Trackerfit, we stock and install a great range of luxury car trackers.

Protect Your Luxury Car Against Theft

Recent data released by the Home Office reports that there were 101,198 car thefts in 2021. This undoubtedly includes a high proportion of luxury car models, as Range Rover, BMW and Mercedes all feature in the top 10 most stolen cars in the UK.

Thieves have developed increasingly sophisticated car theft techniques to target luxury cars. The age of the smash and grab has gone. Now thieves use technology to hijack the signal from wireless car keys and enter the vehicle with ease. Without a Thatcham approved car tracker, car owners have very little chance of ever seeing their vehicle again.

A Thatcham approved car tracker provides the best chance of recovering stolen vehicles. Thatcham approved Category 5 car trackers have the following security features:

• GPS tracking system - this allows the vehicle’s location to be monitored in real time, with pinpoint accuracy.

• Driver identification device - car owners will be provided with a driver identification device (like a fob or card) which must be present when the car is started or the system will alert to a theft. This provides an extra layer of protection for your vehicle. 

• Monitored 24/7 by a remote security centre - operators will monitor your vehicle’s location and alert to a theft. That means even if you’re asleep whilst thieves strike, the remote security team can take immediate action to recover the vehicle.

• Vehicle motion sensors - even if thieves attempt to roll or tow the vehicle, the tracker will still alert to a theft.

Luxury Car Trackers for Insurance

Most insurance providers will require the installation of a Thatcham approved car tracker in a luxury car, particularly for high end cars like Bugatti or Ferrari. This shows the faith that the insurance industry have in luxury car trackers to recover stolen vehicles.

Car trackers may also have the welcome effect of lowering your car insurance premium. This is because insurance companies recognise that car trackers provide the best chance of recovering your car, meaning they won’t have to pay out for a new one. Check with your insurance company whether installing a luxury car tracker will lower your insurance premium.

The Best Luxury Car Trackers

MetaTrak S5 Deadlock

The MetaTrak S5 Deadlock provides the very best protection for your vehicle. It comes with automatic immobilisation, so as soon as your engine turns off the immobiliser arms and cannot start until you click the driver ID device. It also allows remote immobilisation via an app, so that the engine cannot be restarted even if the driver identification device is present. It also comes with GPS tracking and 24/7 monitoring at a remote security centre.

Shop it here. 

SmarTrack S5 with D-iD

The SmarTrack S5 with D-iD uses GPS and GSM tracking, and has a smartphone app where you can locate the vehicle yourself. It also uses your smartphone as your driver identification device, for your convenience. It’s monitored 24-hours a day by a remote security centre, which will immediately detect a theft. There's also an option to include immobilisation, which can be activated on police authority if your vehicle is stolen.

Shop it here. 

ScorpionTrack Driver S5-VTS

This Thatcham approved car tracker comes with a driver identification device, which must be present when the engine is started or the system will alert to a theft. It also includes the option to use your smartphone as the driver identification device, for greater convenience. It uses a combination of GPS, GLONASS and galileo tracking for ultimate accuracy and is monitored 24/7.

Shop it here.

Free Nationwide Installation Service

We like to go above and beyond for our customers here at TrackerFit. That’s why we offer a free, nationwide installation service. We’ll install your car tracker at a time and place of your convenience, so you don’t have to. Just let us know when and where and we’ll arrange for one of our expert engineers to come and install it.

Here at Trackerfit, we pride ourselves on providing only the best customer service - that’s why we’re rated excellent on Trust Pilot. If you have any questions or are struggling to find a car tracker that’s right for your vehicle, just give us a call on 0800 756 5100.

Audi make some truly incredible cars, from the classic Audi A4 to the innovative e-tron range; they’re the kind of cars that you’re proud to park on your driveway. Unfortunately, this also makes them attractive to thieves, who know they’ve got a sure market for stolen Audi’s and car parts. That’s why it’s important to install a car tracker and protect your vehicle against theft.

Why you need a car tracker for your Audi

Thieves are becoming increasingly sophisticated, as techniques like keyless car theft enable them to steal cars without so much as setting off an alarm. Thatcham approved car trackers provide the best chance of recovering a stolen vehicle. That’s why many insurers now require car owners to install a car tracker on premium vehicles like Audi’s. 

Thatcham approved S7 car trackers are monitored 24/7 by a remote security centre. Operators monitoring the tracker will alert to any unusual movement of the car and inform police. They can then provide updates on the vehicle’s location to police, helping them to intercept and recover the vehicle.

Thatcham approved S5 car trackers provide even more protection, as they come with an automatic driver recognition device. An ADR device must be present when you start the vehicle, or the remote security centre will immediately alert to a theft and contact police. That means there’s an even faster response and more chance of recovering the vehicle.

Do Audi’s have trackers? 

Whilst many modern Audi’s do come with a GPS tracker installed, this provides relatively little protection against theft. The Audi Track system is great for improving driver performance, but you are solely responsible for monitoring your vehicle’s location. That means that if thieves steal your car at 3AM, it could be hours before you realise it is missing and attempt to track it. This gives thieves the chance to remove the tracking system, block the signal or chop your car for parts. That’s why it’s much better to choose a Thatcham approved tracker, which will alert to theft immediately and provide the best chance of recovery.

The best Audi trackers

All of our car tracker brands are compatible with an Audi, including the brands recommended by Audi, Vodafone and MetaTrak. Take a look below:

MetaTrak S7 ATS

The MetaTrak S7 ATS is a Thatcham and Audi approved tracker. It has 24/7 monitoring, geofencing alerts and an app where you can review up to 30 days of journey history. There’s also the option to add remote immobilisation. This means if your car is stolen, the MetaTrak team can activate the immobiliser which prevents the engine from being restarted.

 Shop it here.

Vodafone Protect and Connect S5 VTS

Another Thatcham approved tracker, the Vodafone Protect and Connect S5 VTS uses pinpoint GPS tracking to provide the best chance of recovery. It also comes with an automatic driver recongnition card, which means that Vodafone is instantly notified of a theft, even if thieves steal your keys. And it’s perfect for jet setters, with full European coverage.

 Shop it here.

Vodafone Protect + Connect 5

If you want the ultimate protection for your Audi, then it has to be the Vodafone Protect + Connect 5. It has the highest insurance accreditation available thanks to its enhanced security features. That includes 24/7 monitoring, motion sensing, tow-away alerts, automatic driver recognition, remote immobilisation and more.

 Shop it here.

Protect your Audi against theft with a Thatcham approved Tracker. If you’re struggling to find your perfect Audi tracker, just give our friendly sales team a call on 0330 999 3092. And when you purchase an Audi tracker from TrackerFit, we will also install it for free anywhere in the UK.

Here at TrackerFit, we have car trackers to accommodate every budget. A cheap car tracker doesn’t have to compromise on security and our free nationwide installation service makes it even more affordable.

Car trackers protect your vehicle against theft by providing real time updates on its location. That means that in the event of theft, you’ll be able to locate and recover your vehicle. Thatcham approved car trackers are also monitored 24 hours a day by a remote security centre. That means if your car is stolen, the security centre will alert to it and inform police, giving you the best chance of recovering your vehicle. That's why we always recommend a Thatcham approved car tracker where possible.

Whilst you can’t put a price on peace of mind, with the rise in cost of living and fuel prices, we all want to save money wherever we can. Here at TrackerFit, we have a great range of cheap car trackers which still provide all the protection you need. That includes some great non-subscription trackers, which you can install and monitor yourself.

Take a look at our best cheap car trackers below.

Scorpion Track & Trace

This nifty, self-fit car tracker is only £149.99 and includes a 1 year subscription to the service. It uses GPS technology to track your vehicle’s location, which you can monitor on a PC, laptop or mobile app. The Scorpion security team will also monitor the vehicle’s location 24 hours a day. Following the first year, you can continue to subscribe to the service at a rate of £110 for 3 years. Plus, it’s easily transferable between cars if you get a new car.

 Shop it here. 

SmarTrack Protector Pro Global

This Thatcham approved car tracker could also lower your car insurance premium (check before you buy). It uses GLONASS and GPS technology to provide real-time updates on the vehicle’s location and is monitored 24 hours a day by the Stolen Vehicle Recovery team. For added peace of mind, you can also monitor the vehicle’s location via a free app. There is a £195 initial cost and an annual subscription rate of £149, with lower costs if you subscribe for multiple years at once.

Shop it here. 

If you’re struggling to find a cheap car tracker for your car, you can always call our friendly sales team on 0800 756 5100. We're always happy to help, and we'll take your budget and needs into account before finding your perfect car tracker!

VHF refers to very high frequency signals, which are used in a range of communication systems, television, radio and car trackers. Unlike GPS or GSM signals, VHF can’t be jammed or blocked, which makes it an attractive choice for car tracking systems.

What is VHF?

You probably already use VHF without even knowing it: anytime you turn on the radio, in fact. However, whilst most of us are familiar with GPS thanks to Sat-Navs, VHF remains a mystery to many people.

VHF signals carry across long distances and still transmit through materials like concrete, metal and brick. This makes it more dependable than GPS or GSM, which can be blocked by man made structures like shipping containers or underground car parks, or jammed by other technology. It’s often used in military and maritime communication because of this.

VHF is a shorter wavelength than other signals, making it possible to transmit and receive signals on antennas short enough for hand-held devices like walkie talkies. This also means that they can be used in small security devices, including car trackers.

How do VHF car trackers work? 

A VHF car tracker works differently to your typical GPS car tracker. Whilst a GPS tracker monitors the vehicle’s location constantly, a VHF tracker is only triggered when the car is reported stolen. This can be seen as both a positive and a negative. On the plus side, this protects your privacy as your location can’t be tracked unless your vehicle is stolen. On the down side, you must report the car as stolen before tracking can commence. If you are on holiday or asleep when the car is stolen, the delay in reporting could give thieves enough time to chop the car for parts and abandon it. 

That’s why a lot of car trackers combine VHF and GPS technology. The GPS technology means that the tracking company can immediately alert to a theft and liaise with the police, providing real time updates on the vehicle’s location. The VHF signal will also be triggered, so that the vehicle can still be tracked even if thieves use a GPS jammer or hide the vehicle in an underground car park or shipping container.

What are the advantages of VHF car trackers?

• Discrete placement - there is no visible antenna and it does not have to be hardwired into the car, meaning it can be hidden anywhere on the vehicle.

• Resistant to jamming or blocking - VHF can’t be jammed or blocked by shipping containers or underground car parks.

• Police compatible - all UK police forces use VHF, so they can easily track a stolen vehicle. 

• Combined with GPS/GSM - most VHF car trackers still have GPS/GSM technology so you get the best of both worlds: 24 hour monitoring and defence against jamming.

• 24 hour response - as soon as the vehicle is reported as stolen, the tracking company will get to work tracking your vehicle, providing the best chance of recovery.

For more information on VHF car tracking, or to buy a VHF car tracker call us on 0800 7565100 - our lines are open 7 days a week and our friendly team is always happy to help.

Volkswagen are an iconic car brand, from the classic VW camper van to the new, electric ID 5 range. This means that they are also likely to be targeted by thieves, who will resell the vehicle or chop it for parts. Protect your VW against theft with a Thatcham approved car tracker.

Why do I need a VW tracker?

 Volkswagen have their own We Connect app, so why do I need a car tracker, I hear you ask. Whilst the We Connect app offers a convenient way to find your car in a busy car park, it doesn’t do much to protect your car against theft.

The We Connect app has a ‘Parking Position’ feature that allows you to see where your car is parked, but wouldn’t be much help if it was stolen. You, the car owner, are solely responsible for tracking the car. That means if a thief stole your car whilst you were asleep, you wouldn’t know until you checked the app. Thatcham approved car trackers, on the other hand, are monitored 24 hours a day by a security centre. That means that no matter what time your car is stolen, they will see it and alert the police immediately.

How does a VW tracker protect your car?

As we’ve briefly discussed above, a Thatcham approved car tracker has a whole host of features to protect your VW. Take a look at the features of a category S7 car tracker below: 

• GPS system - to monitor the vehicle’s location in real time.

• Monitored 24/7 by a security centre - even if you’re asleep when thieves strike, operatives at the security centre will alert to a theft.

• Vehicle motion detection - thieves may attempt to tow or roll a car, but motion sensing means the system will still alert to a theft.

Thatcham approved category S5 car trackers provide even more protection for your VW, as they come with a driver identification device. This protects your car against the growing threat of keyless car thefts, which highjacks wireless car key signals to open your car. The driver identification device overcomes this, because if the engine is started without the ID device, the system will alert to a theft.

What are the best VW trackers?

 Here are some of our best, Thatcham approved VW trackers:

 Vodafone Protect and Connect S7

Approved by both Thatcham and VW themselves, this car tracker has a great range of security features to protect your car. It’s monitored 24/7 by Vodafone’s Secure Control Centre who can monitor your vehicle’s location in real time and liaise with police. It has UK and European cover, and you can also track your vehicle on your PC or smartphone.

 Shop it here. 

MetaTrak S5 VTS

The MetaTrak S5 VTS car tracker is another Thatcham approved and VW recommended car tracker. It has 24 hour monitoring, so theft will be detected immediately. It also comes with 2 Automatic Driver Recognition tags, to prevent keyless car theft or the swiping of your keys.

Shop it here.

Vodafone Protect and Connect S5 VTS

The Vodafone Protect and Connect S5 VTS is another Thatcham approved car tracker which VW recommends. It uses GPS tracking to locate the car, which is accurate to within 10 metres. It also has Automatic Driver Recognition cards, so if a thief uses keyless car theft or steals your keys, the system will still alert to a theft.

Shop it here. 

When you purchase a VW tracker at TrackerFit, we’ll install it at a time and place of your convenience, anywhere in the UK! If you need any help finding your perfect car tracker, just give us a call on 0800 756 5100 and we’ll find one that suits your needs.

Insurers have issued a stark warning to drivers after a number of cases where car owners hadn’t activated their car trackers. Without activating your car tracker, your insurance may be void leaving you susceptible to massive losses.

Activate your car tracker to avoid null insurance

One driver lost £65,000 when his Range Rover Velar was stolen. Although he had bought and installed a car tracker, it was never activated. Without activation, the car tracker cannot provide the vehicle’s location to the car owner, tracking company or police. This drastically reduces the chance of recovering a stolen vehicle. Unfortunately for this car owner, this meant his insurance company refused to pay out.

 Why do I have to activate my car tracker?

Many insurers will only insure your vehicle on the prerequisite that a working car tracker has been installed, especially if you own an expensive car. This is because car trackers provide the best chance of recovering a stolen vehicle, updating police on the car’s location so that they can intercept and return it.  Without activation, the car tracker cannot track the location, making it useless. That means if you have a car tracker installed but not activated, your insurance could be null, even if it’s an accident.

 How do I activate my car tracker?

Here at TrackerFit, we’ll take care of the installation of your car tracker at a time and place of your convenience. After we’ve installed your car tracker, you just need to call the tracker brand (like Tracker, Scorpion or Vodafone) to activate your tracking device. It’s as easy as that!

Most car trackers include a subscription fee to pay for the service, although there are a few car trackers that don't need a subscription. That means car owners also need to check when their subscription expires and renew it, so that their insurance isn’t void.

Activating your car tracker is quick and easy, and could save you thousands of pounds! Take a look through the hundreds of car trackers we have here at TrackerFit and protect your car today!

In 2021, almost 48,500 cars were stolen. Whilst this is still high, it is significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels, with over 58,000 cars stolen in 2019 alone! So why the decrease? It’s simple, better anti-theft technology. That includes home security cameras, car immobilisers and, of course, car trackers. Find out more about our best anti-theft car trackers below.

Keyless Car Thefts

Whilst car thefts as a whole have declined, thieves continue to develop more sophisticated techniques to target premium cars. The Ford Fiesta retains its (unwanted) crown as the UK’s most stolen car, but luxury models like Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Land Rover Discovery are all in the top 10 most stolen cars. Keyless car theft has played a big role in this.

Keyless car theft is when thieves use a relay device to hijack the signal from a wireless car key and unlock the car. This means that thieves can steal the car quickly and quietly, without needing any keys. So how do you protect your car against keyless car theft? 

Category S5 car trackers are the best anti-theft car trackers and are particularly effective against keyless car theft. This is because category S5 car trackers include a driver identification device, which must be present when the car is started or the 24-hour security centre will detect a theft. Operatives will then alert police and provide vehicle details, giving you the best chance of recovering your vehicle. That means even if thieves steal your keys or attempt keyless car theft, the car tracker will still alert to a theft.

Category S5 Car Trackers

Here are some of our best Category S5 car trackers:

Meta Trak S5 VTS

The Meta Trak S5 VTS comes with 2 ADR tags (driver identification devices) which is perfect for drivers who share their car with a partner or are prone to misplacing things. Meta Trak’s 24-hour control centre will monitor the vehicle’s location and look out for thefts. You can also monitor the vehicle’s location via an app and access journey historys and other useful data. There’s also an option to add on an immobiliser for £125. 

Shop it here

Vodafone Protect & Connect S5 VTS

This Thatcham approved category S5 car tracker comes with a discrete, pocket-sized ADR card. If the vehicle is started without the presence of this ADR card, Vodafone’s 24-hour control centre will immediately alert to a theft and contact the police.

Shop it here

Tracker S5 Plus

This car tracker uses a combination of VHF, GSM and GPS signals to provide the best chance of recovering your vehicle. GSM and GPS provide the location of the vehicle on computer-based maps, but can be jammed or lost. If GSM and GPS signal is lost, police will use Tracker’s unique VHF (very high frequency) to locate the vehicle. VHF can even be tracked in underground car parks and shipping containers.

Shop it here

Preventative Immobilisation Option

Whilst car trackers give you the best chance of recovering your vehicle if stolen, a lot of car owners want to prevent theft. Car trackers with a built-in immobiliser do just this.

Car trackers with a built-in immobiliser provide an extra layer of protection, as they prevent the engine from starting without authorisation via an app or other device. Immobilisation can be automatic or remote. Automatic immobilisation comes on as soon as you turn off the engine. That means that even if thieves steal your keys, they won’t be able to start your car. Remote immobilisation, on the other hand, can be activated remotely if your car is stolen - quite literally stopping thieves in their tracks.

This combination of a car tracker and immobiliser provides the ultimate protection for your car. The immobiliser should prevent theft, whilst the tracker provides the best chance of recovery if it is stolen.

Category S5 Car Trackers With Immobilisers

Here are our best car trackers with immobilisers:

SmarTrack 5+ with D-iD (Including remote immobilisation)

SmarTrack’s innovative technology uses your smartphone with the D-iD app installed as your driver identification device. Many drivers find this more convenient than using cards or key fobs, which can easily be lost. If anyone tries to start your car without your smartphone in the vehicle, the secure control centre will alert to a theft and will activate the remote immobilisation.

Shop it here

Meta Trak S5 Deadlock

The Meta Trak S5 Deadlock is one of our best anti-theft car trackers. It comes with an app where you can track the vehicle’s location, access journey data and arm and disarm the immobiliser. This puts you in complete control - and it’s monitored by a 24-hour security centre, so you don’t have to worry about missing anything. It also comes with a driver identification tag, so thefts can be detected immediately, giving you the option of remote immobilisation. 

Shop it here

ScorpionTrack DRIVER S5-VTS

This Thatcham approved category S5 car tracker uses a combination of GPS, GSM, GLONASS and Galileo signals to provide reliable trackability. It comes with 2 driver identification tags, which must be present when the engine is started or the system will alert to theft. There is also the option to include an immobiliser. You can choose between automatic and remote immobilisation, which will be activated by the Scorpion team in the event of a theft.

Shop it here

Whilst browsing for a car tracker, you’ve probably came across the words ‘Thatcham approved’ quite a lot. You’ve also probably seen ‘category S5’, ‘category S7’ and even out-dated ‘category 6’ car trackers, but may have no idea what it all means!

Not to worry! Here at Trackerfit we like to make buying a car tracker as easy as possible, so we’ve broken down all the different categories of car tracker below. 

New Categories

Thatcham Research are an industry-accredited body, responsible for testing, categorising and approving all new car trackers. In 2019, Thatcham changed how they categorised car trackers.

Previously, there were category 5, category 6 and category 7 car trackers. Now, they have been simplified into two categories: category S5 and category S7 car trackers. Category 5 trackers have became category S5, category 7 have became category S7, and category 6 have been split between the two. You can see this more clearly in the illustration below.

So, if you purchase a new car tracker, it will be either a category S5 or category S7 car tracker. But don’t worry if you have an old category 5, 6 or 7 car tracker, as these still remain valid.

We’ll break down exactly what these new categories mean below, but first we’ll tell you a little more about Thatcham Research and what they do. 

Who Are Thatcham?

Thatcham Research are an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to establishing and maintaining strict safety and security standards for road vehicles in the UK. They were founded by British motor insurers in 1969 with the principal aim of reducing car insurance costs. 

Thatcham were to acheive this by testing, categorising and approving the safety and security features submitted by manufacturers. Insurers would then know to lower insurance prices when vehicles had these features, which reduced the likelihood of crashes or thefts.

So Thatcham don’t actually make any products, they simply test them to make sure they’re up to standards. That’s why it’s important to buy a Thatcham approved car tracker, as these are the best products and also insurance approved.

Thatcham Car Tracker Categories 

Category S5 Car Trackers

From the 1st of January 2019, the new Thatcham categories came into effect. The new Category S5 is the gold standard and is only awarded to the very highest specification tracking devices, which provide the greatest level of security and recoverability.

Category S5 car trackers must have the following security features:

• GPS system - to monitor vehicle location in real time and provide the best chance of recovering the vehicle if stolen.

• Monitored 24/7 by a remote security centre - even if you’re asleep when thieves strike, operatives at the security centre will alert to a theft.

• Vehicle motion detection - thieves may attempt to tow or roll a car, but motion sensing means the system will still alert to a theft.

• Driver identification device - if the engine is started without the presence of this ID device, the system will alert to a theft.

Some category S5 car trackers also include an immobiliser. An immobiliser stops the car engine from restarting. There are several ways an immobiliser might work with a category S5 car tracker:

1. Automatic immobiliser - the immobiliser will automatically activate whenever you lock your car. It will only allow the car engine to start when you click a button on your driver ID tag.

2. Remote immobiliser - if your car is identified as stolen, operatives monitoring the vehicle’s location can remotely activate the immobiliser, quite literally stopping thieves in their tracks.

Category S7 Car Trackers

Thatcham category S7 trackers also provide an excellent level of tracking ability. Whilst these car trackers don't quite meet the full criteria for category s5, they still provide a selection of security features.

Category S7 car trackers are our most popular car trackers, as they’re typically more affordable. This means they’re particularly popular with owners of mid-range cars like Nissan, Mitsubishi and VW. Lots of high-end car owners still opt for category S7 car trackers too, and there are even car trackers specifically designed for cars like BMWs.

Category S7 car trackers must have the following security features:

• Location system - category S7 car trackers don’t have to use GPS (although most still do), as long as Thatcham can locate the vehicle within 15 minutes on a pursuit test.

• Monitored 24/7 by a remote security centre - even if you’re asleep when thieves strike, operatives at the security centre will alert to a theft.

• Vehicle motion detection - thieves may attempt to tow or roll a car, but motion sensing means the system will still alert to a theft.

What’s the difference between Category S5 car trackers and Category S7 car trackers?

The main difference between a Category S5 and Category S7 car tracker is that Category S5 trackers must also have a driver identification device. This provides additional security as movement can quickly be identified as a theft.

What’s the price difference between Category S5 car trackers and Category S7 car trackers?

Category S5 trackers are typically more expensive due to the higher level of security they afford. The Category S5 car trackers we sell here at Trackerfit range from £399 to £699. Although this may seem expensive, you have to weigh the cost of a car tracker against the cost of a stolen car. You should also consider the potential to save money on car insurance for years to come. 

Category S7 car trackers are more affordable, ranging between £189 and £449. The difference in price can be accounted for by varying security features, so you should consider which features are essential before buying. 

You can browse our full range of car trackers here. 

How can Trackerfit help me find my perfect car tracker?

We sell hundreds of car trackers from leading manufacturers, including SmarTrack, Tracker and Vodafone Automotive. We ensure that all of our car trackers meet the highest standards of quality, manufacture and reliability

We know it can be a little overwhelming to browse hundreds of car trackers and attempt to understand the difference between them. Not to worry though, because our expert team are on hand to talk! Our advisers will ask why you want a car tracker, what features you’d like and then they’ll find the best car tracker for you. So call us for free on 0800 756 5100.

Here at Trackerfit,we pride ourselves on providing superior service to other sellers. That’s why we’ll install any Thatcham approved car tracker purchased from our website for free at a time and place of your convenience.

Car trackers provide car owners with an unrivaled level of security, but can come with a hefty price tag. The costs of purchasing a car tracker have to be weighed up against the costs of a stolen car, as well as the potential to lower car insurance rates. Below, we’ll break down how much a car tracker costs and why, and provide a list of car trackers to suit every budget.

So How Much Does A Car Tracker Cost?

Asking how much a car tracker costs is like asking how long is a piece of string? Car trackers can vary in cost according to the security features and service it provides. You can probably find a cheap car tracker online for around £50, but there’s normally a reason that it is so cheap. You will be solely responsible for tracking the location, which means that you may not realise that your car has been stolen until hours later. You will also have to install it yourself, which can be hard if you don’t know much about cars. 

Here at TrackerFit, our car trackers start from £149. There’s a reason for this: they are all top quality. The majority of our car trackers are Thatcham approved, which means they must have at least the following security features:

• GPS Tracking - the location of the car is able to be tracked.

• Motion Sensing - the tracker will alert to a theft even if the engine is not started.

• 24 Hour Monitoring - a remote control room is manned 24 hours a day to alert to a theft.

• Health Check Programme - to ensure it’s working properly.

Many of our car trackers also have additional features, such as Automatic Driver Recognition tags. ADR tags must be present when the vehicle is started or the system will immediately alert to a theft and operatives will contact the police. Another additional security feature is an immobiliser. An immobiliser can be activated remotely by an operative when the vehicle is stolen and will prevent the car engine from starting. Of course, the more security features a car tracker has, generally the more it will cost.

How Much Does A Car Tracker Subscription Cost

In addition to the one off payment for your car tracker, you will also likely have to subscribe to the service. Afterall, the secure operating centres are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and need paying for. Like the cost of a car tracker, subscription fees can vary too. Some subscriptions might cost just over £100 annually, whilst others may cost around £150. There are also different options to pay for it, including monthly debit, annual payments or up to 4 years all at once (which typically offers the best value for money). You can choose the most suitable option for you at the time.

How Much Does Fitting A Car Tracker Cost

When you purchase a car tracker from TrackerFit, we will install the majority of our car trackers for free. One of our expert installers will meet you at a time and place of your convenience to install your tracker. This could be at your work, home or one of our garages - whatever’s easiest for you! It’s all just part of the service here at TrackerFit.

Car Trackers For Every Budget

We understand that everyone has different budgets and requirements for their car tracker, so we’ve assembled a list of some of the best car trackers to suit every budget below.

Low Budget Car Trackers

Scorpion Track and Trace - £149 

This is a self-fit car tracker with a year’s subscription included in the price. It provides the vehicle’s location on demand via laptop or mobile app, so you are solely responsible for monitoring its location. It has not been approved by Thatcham, so it is unlikely to lower insurance costs.

Shop it here

ScorpionTrack DRIVER S7-ALS - £189

This Thatcham approved car tracker provides your location on demand and is monitored 24 hours a day by Scorpion’s secure control centre. It uses GPS, GLONASS and Galileo signals to track its location. It also includes a privacy mode option if you don’t want to record your location. TrackerFit will install it for free when purchased from our website.

Shop it here

Mid-Budget Car Trackers

SmarTrack Trident - £239

This car tracker uses GPS and GSM technology to track your vehicle’s location and is monitored by the SmarTrack Secure Control Centre 24 hours a day. It is Thatcham approved and also comes with a 3 year warranty for peace of mind. When you purchase this car tracker from TrackerFit, we will also install it for free.

Shop it here

Meta Track S5 VTS - £285

This Thatcham approved car tracker comes with 2 Automatic Driver Recognition tags which must be present when the car is started or the system will alert to a theft. It has also been approved by a range of car brands including Audi, VW, SEAT and Skoda. We will install this car tracker for free when purchased from us.

Shop it here

High End Budget Car Trackers

SmarTrack S5 with D-iD - £399

This Thatcham approved category S5 car tracker includes a comprehensive range of security features. It uses your own mobile phone as driver identification, rather than somewhat impractical driver tags which may be lost. That means if the car is started and your mobile phone is not present, the system will alert to a theft. There is also the option to add an immobiliser, which will prevent the engine from restarting when a theft is recorded, stopping thieves in their tracks.

Shop it here

MetaTrak S5 DEADLOCK - £435

This is another Thatcham approved category S5 car tracker, which includes both automatic or remote deadlock immobilisation. The automatic immobilisation will arm every time you turn off your engine and prevent the engine from restarting unless you press your ID tag. The deadlock immobilisation option can be activated via your mobile app and means that even if you press the ID tag, the engine cannot start until you turn it off in the app. It also comes with location tracking and is monitored by MetaTrak 24 hours a day, in the unlikely case that thieves still manage to steal your car.

Shop it here

As you can see, the answer to how much does a car tracker cost really depends on the security features and level of service you want. Here at TrackerFit, we provide car trackers at various levels of cost to suit different budgets. Take a look at our full range of car trackers below.

Shop here

Whether you own a prestigious new E-Class, a luxury CLA or a vintage beauty, a Mercedes-Benz is a hefty investment which requires protection against theft. Whilst most modern Mercedes-Benz have pre-installed GPS tracking, this doesn’t afford the same level of security as a Thatcham approved car tracker.

When looking to protect your Mercedes-Benz, a car tracker should always be at the top of the list. The GPS tracking system pre-installed by Mercedes-Benz comes in handy when you’ve forgotten where you parked, but affords very little protection against theft. You are solely responsible for monitoring the vehicle’s location via an app, which will alert you when the car is moved outside certain areas. As we all know, it’s very easy to miss alerts and alarms on our phone, especially if we’re asleep. That could give thieves the opportunity to take the car out of range or disable the tracking before you realise it’s been stolen.

Thatcham approved trackers afford more protection, as they are monitored by remote security centres all day everyday. That means that operatives will immediately alert to a theft and contact police, which gives you the best chance of recovering your Mercedes-Benz if it is stolen. 

We have a wide range of car trackers available at TrackerFit, which we will install for free at a time and place of your convenience. Here are some of our top picks for a Mercedes-Benz:

 Tracker S5 Plus

Tracker is Mercedes-Benz’s preferred brand of vehicle tracker and the Tracker S5 Plus is one of their best car trackers. The Tracker S5 Plus comes with two driver identification tags, one of which must be present when the engine is started or the system will alert to theft. This protects your vehicle from sophisticated theft techniques like keyless car theft. It then uses a combination of GPS, GSM and VHF to locate and retrieve your car.

GPS and GSM will provide the vehicle’s location on computer based maps. If thieves somehow manage to block these signals, the VHF signal can still be tracked even in underground car parks or shipping containers. Tracker will then provide a uniformed guard to stay with the car until the police arrive, in case thieves come back.

Shop it here

Meta Trak S5 VTS

This is another Cat S5 Thatcham approved tracker, which comes with two driver recognition tags. Again, if the car is started without the presence of one of the driver recognition tags, the 24 hour secure operating centre will be alerted to a theft and contact police, providing updates on the vehicle’s location to police. This tracking system also comes with the option to add in remote immobilisation, whereby  operatives in the secure operating centre can immobilise the vehicle on police command and prevent the car from starting again.

Shop it here

SmarTrack 5 with D-iD

 This Thatcham approved car tracker  uses your phone as driver recognition rather than a fob or a tag, which can be impractical. If a mobile phone with the app installed is not within the vehicle, the system will alert to a potential theft and contact you to see whether the vehicle is safe. If the vehicle is stolen, they will then continue monitoring its location.

Shop it here

Spring is right around the corner and after a long, cold winter you’re probably itching to hit the road again in your motorhome! There’s nothing quite like the freedom of finishing work on a Friday, jumping in your motorhome and  heading off to your little slice of heaven. That’s why it’s important to protect your motorhome with a tracker, so you can sleep easy knowing that your pride and joy is protected.

Motorhoming is a Way of Life!

After the last 2 years of lockdowns, restrictions and PCR tests, we’ve probably all come to appreciate the beauty of the world on our doorstep that little bit more. That includes the Great British staycation. No need for passports, no rushing around the airport, no hours of delays. You can simply hop in your motorhome and you’re off! Plus, you’ve already got everything you need with you - including the kitchen sink! And you can go wherever you want. Will it be the sand dunes of Cornwall or the green climbs of Cumbria?

Motorhomes are quite the investment though. Whether you’ve spent thousands on a top of the line motorhome or spent hours creating your very own adventure van, you don’t want to risk having your motorhome stolen. Installing a tracker is the best way to protect your motorhome against theft, so that you can head off to explore without worrying.

Why You Should Buy A Tracker For Your Motorhome

 The best part of having a motorhome is the freedom it affords you! You can simply park up and head out. That often means you’re away from your motorhome for hours at a time, if not all day. If the caravan site is quiet or your wild camping, opportunist thieves might attempt to steal your motorhome. The same goes in autumn and winter when your motorhome might lie empty for months on the driveway. 

Unfortunately, there has been a spike in motorhome thefts over the last year, as more Brits look to enjoy staycations, driving demand for motorhomes up. There are some simple anti-theft devices, like a steering wheel lock, but determined thieves will likely overcome this. A motorhome tracker is the best protection for your motorhome, as it provides real time updates on your vehicle’s location. This gives you the best of recovering your vehicle before it can be sold on - and it has the added bonus of potentially lowering insurance costs.

The Best Motorhome Trackers

Meta Trak S5 VTS

This Thatcham approved tracker is covered throughout the UK and the EU, which makes it perfect for owners who like road-tripping through Europe. It comes with 2 driver ID tags, so if the motorhome is started or moved without the presence of a driver tag, the 24/7 Secure Operating Centre will instantly alert to a theft and inform the police. They will then provide live updates on its location. 

You can also access the location of your motorhome on demand via an app. This comes in very handy when you’ve forgot where you parked! It also allows you to access previous journey history, so you can see things like journey time or fuel usage. This is great when you’re planning a big road trip, so you can plan the most efficient route!

This particular tracker also comes with the option to add remote immobilisation for an additional £125. That means if the control room alerts to a theft, they are able to activate the immobiliser which prevents the motorhome’s engine from restarting. It quite literally stops thieves in their tracks.

 Shop Meta Trak S5 VTS

Tracker Caravan Monitor

The Tracker Caravan Monitor is Thatcham approved and has been created specifically for caravans. It comes with 2 driver ID tags which must be present when the engine is started, or the system will alert to a theft. Tracker monitor this 24 hours a day using a unique VHF signal, which can even be traced in underground car parks or shipping containers, unlike GPS.

Trackstar S7 TM470

The Trackstar S7 TM470 has been developed in conjunction with Thatcham Research and is fully Thatcham approved. This tracker has motion sensing technology which will alert the 24 hour Trackstar National Control Centre if your motorhome is moved illegally. The control centre will then contact police and provide them with updates on the motorhome’s location.

Shop Trackstar S7 TM470

We have many other motorhome trackers available as well, which you can see here, including brands like Scorpion and Vodafone. When you purchase your motorhome tracker from us, we’ll install it for free at a time and place of your convenience. Then, all that’s left to do is hit the road!

We live in an age where there’s an app for everything: an app to order food, an app to book a hotel, an app to show you what you’ll look like in 50 years time… and an app to track your car. We’ve rounded up some of the best Thatcham approved car trackers with an app, so that you will always know where your car is.

Thatcham approved or app… or both?

Car tracking apps can feel like a Godsend when it’s raining, you’re carrying 4 bags of shopping and you can’t remember where you’ve parked the car. Thatcham approved car trackers with an app aren’t just convenient, but provide security and performance-enhancing features.

Whilst there are some lower end car tracking apps which are cheap and easy to use, they simply don’t offer the security of a Thatcham approved car tracker. This is because you are solely responsible for tracking your car. That means that if your car is stolen at 2AM and your phone is on silent, you may not know it’s been stolen until hours later. This reduces the chance of catching thieves and recovering the vehicle. 

This is why most insurance companies will insist on the installation of a Thatcham approved car tracker. These car trackers are monitored 24 hours a day by a control centre, so any suspicious activity will be detected instantly and an operative alerted. The operative can then contact the police to inform them of a theft and provide real time updates on the car’s location. 

However, some Thatcham approved car trackers do not have apps. This can leave car owners feeling out of the loop, as they cannot check the location of the vehicle themselves. Without an app, car owners also cannot access data about their previous driving behaviour, which could be used to improve driving or increase fuel efficiency. This is particularly important to people who use their cars for business.

Luckily, here at TrackerFit we have the best of both worlds: Thatcham approved car trackers with an app. Take a look at below:

SmarTrack 5+ with D-iD™ (Including Immobiliser)

This is an excellent car tracker, which comes with all the security features you could need and a free app for iPhone and Android. The SmarTrack 5+ with D-iD™ actually uses your smartphone as a form of identification, so that it knows that you are driving. Without the presence of your smartphone, the immobiliser will prevent the car engine from starting. If thieves do still manage to steal your car via towing, the 24 hour control room will be alerted and will immediately contact the police. Car owners can also monitor the location of their vehicle through the app for full peace of mind.

Shop SmarTrack 5+ here

MetaTrak S5 VTS

This Thatcham approved car tracker comes with 2 driver ID tags which must be present when driving or the system will alert to a theft. Operatives in MetaTrak’s 24 hour Secure Operating Centre will then contact police and provide information about the vehicle’s whereabouts. The car owner will also be notified via the app, where they can track the vehicle’s location. The app can also be used to review data from up to 20 previous journeys, including statistics like braking, cornering and acceleration. This makes it perfect for drivers who want to improve the efficiency of their driving. The app also includes options like privacy mode if you don’t want data about your driving stored (this won’t prevent the Secure Operating Centre from getting live updates to ensure the car isn’t stolen). You can also switch the app to service mode if it’s in the garage, so engineers can start the engine without needing a driver ID tag.

Shop MetaTrak S5 VTS here

MetaTrak S7 ATS

The MetaTrak S7 ATS also comes with an app so that you can monitor your vehicle’s location. Like the S5 VTS, it stores data from the previous 20 journeys so that you can analyse driving performance. It also includes the option to switch between different modes, like private and service mode, without impairing the ability of the Secure Operating Centre to monitor the vehicle’s location in real time. Unlike the MetaTrak S5 VTS, it does not come with 2 driver ID tags. Instead, you can set up geofencing and the app will send an alert if the car is moved outside this set location. That means if the car is stolen, either you or the Secure Operating Centre will alert to it and be able to contact the police.

Shop MetaTrak S7 ATS here

According to the latest data from Tracker, the Range Rover Sport was the most recovered stolen vehicle in 2021. Whilst the news about the high number of thefts may be unwelcome, this data does show the value of having a car tracker installed.

Range Rovers Account for 44% Of Stolen Vehicles Recovered by Tracker

Tracker have released data about the stolen cars which they recovered the most in 2021. The Range Rover Sport was the most recovered stolen vehicle for the third year running. It was also the third most stolen car overall in the UK. The Range Rover Autobiography was the second most recovered stolen vehicle by Tracker, followed by the Land Rover Discovery. 

Altogether, Range Rover accounted for 44% of stolen vehicles recovered by Tracker in 2021. This won’t come as a surprise to most people, as Range Rover combines style, heritage and superior performance to make it a truly iconic brand. Unfortunately, this prestigious image also makes them highly desirable to thieves, who target Range Rovers to sell abroad or chop up for parts. This makes it worthwhile investing in a car tracker to protect your Range Rover.

Car thieves are becoming more and more sophisticated, especially when targeting high-end cars like Range Rovers. Many thieves now employ relay theft techniques, which no longer require the theft of car keys or lock picking to enter a vehicle. Instead, thieves use technology which can pick up the signal from car keys and unlock the car. This means that traditional car security like car alarms or simply keeping your keys out of sight are no longer enough.

But there is hope! As Tracker’s data shows, car trackers are a great way to protect your car, which lead to recovery in the event of theft. Take a look at some of our top picks for car trackers for your Range Rover:

Range Rover Trackstar S5 Advance

Approved by Thatcham and Range Rover, the Trackstar S5 Advance offers the ultimate protection against theft. It comes with driver tags which can be attached to the car’s key ring. Once you exit the car with this ID tag, it will immobilise the engine within 30 seconds. The engine will then not start unless the ID tag is present. This means that your Range Rover is protected against relay thefts, as even though the thieves can access the car, they cannot start the engine.

If thieves manage to start the engine by stealing your ID tag, the 24/7 Trackstar Secure Operations Centre will be alerted and can track your car via GPS and GSM. This then provides the best chance of recovering your vehicle, with real time updates on the car’s location which can be passed on to police in pursuit.

Shop Range Rover Trackstar S5 Advance

Tracker S5 Plus

This Thatcham approved Cat S5 car tracker comes with 2 driver ID tags, one of which must be present when driving. If an ID tag is not present, the system will alert to a theft and operators at Tracker’s 24/7 monitoring centre will contact the police. The Tracker S5 Plus uses a combination of GPS, GSM and VHF signals, which means it is trackable even in shipping containers or underground parking. This also means that thieves cannot jam the signal.

The Tracker S5 Plus is also motion sensing so the monitoring centre will still alert to thefts, even if thieves attempt to tow or roll the car. The Tracker S5 Plus really does offer the ultimate peace of mind.

Shop Tracker S5 Plus

Range Rover Trackstar S7

This Thatcham approved car tracker has also been approved by Range Rover. The GPS tracking system immediately arms once the ignition is switched off and will alert the Control Centre if your Range Rover is moved illegally. The operatives in the Control Centre can then continue to track the car’s location to update police. You’ll also be able to monitor the location of the vehicle yourself via the Trackstar app.

Shop Range Rover Trackstar S7

If you’ve been looking for a car tracker for a while now, you’ve probably noticed that most car trackers require a subscription to activate it. This may be frustrating to car owners who don’t want ongoing payments, and simply want a one-time purchase to protect their car. Keep reading to find out why most car trackers require a subscription and we’ll give you a few subscription-free choices at the end.

Why do most car trackers require a subscription?

The main priority for car tracker manufacturers - and the main motivation for most car tracker buyers - is to protect your vehicle from theft. That’s why the majority of car trackers come with a subscription service to the car manufacturer’s 24/7 monitoring centre. The monitoring centre will immediately alert to theft and call the police to inform them, providing real-time updates on the car’s location to give you the best chance of recovering your car.

On the other hand, if you purchase a car tracker without a subscription you will be solely responsible for monitoring its location and data. Therefore, if you want to buy a car tracker for security reasons, we would not recommend a subscription-free car tracker, as you may only see that it’s been stolen 12 hours later. At this point, thieves may have removed the tracker or already cut the car up for parts. Thus, the effectiveness of the car tracker is compromised, as there is no immediate response to the theft.

When our customers want to protect their car against theft or lower car insurance costs, we always recommend installing a Thatcham approved Cat 5 car tracker. This affords the ultimate security to car owners.

Shop Cat 5 Car Trackers

Why would you choose a car tracker without a subscription?

If your main motivation when buying a car tracker is not security, there may be some merit to purchasing a car tracker without a subscription. This includes car trackers used for fleet tracking by businesses like taxi firms, delivery couriers or general tradesmen on the road. 

If your business intends to use a car tracker to make real-time decisions, like seeing which taxi is closest to send to a customer, you will need an active tracker which provides real-time location updates. You may also want to use the data from your car tracker to manage your resources more effectively. This could include finding the shortest routes or cutting down on fuel. An active or passive tracker (which collects and stores data for download, rather than transmitting it) would be appropriate for this task. 

Our Best Subscription-Free Options

At TrackerFit we largely focus on car trackers for security purposes, which means the vast majority of our car trackers require subscriptions. However, we do have a couple of subscription-free options below.

For security without subscription

If you want security for your vehicle without signing up for a subscription, this Meta BLE42 Bluetooth Immobiliser is a great choice. The Meta BLE42 comes with a bluetooth ID tag and will only allow the engine to start when the ID tag is present. Thieves who attempt to steal your car will therefore not be able to start the engine, even if they steal the keys or use sophisticated key cloning technology. This immobiliser also comes with a 3-digit pin to override it in case you lose the ID tag or it runs out of battery.

Shop Here

For tracking without subscription

If you’re looking for a subscription-free car tracker for fleet management, the BOX-Tracker is just the thing. The BOX-Tracker provides minute-by-minute updates on your vehicle’s location using GPS. You can also use it to report preprogrammed events via email or SMS, like movement outside scheduled hours or arrival at certain locations (like arrival back at base). The data from the BOX-Tracker can therefore inform real-time decisions like assigning drivers to jobs, as well as storing data like mileage to inform business decisions.

Cheaper Subscriptions

If reading this article has informed you that you ultimately do need a car tracker with a subscription service, but you still don’t want to pay for a lot for the subscription, then the Vodafone Protect and Connect S7 tracker could be the choice for you. This only costs £99 for a one year subscription and is monitored by Vodafone’s Secure Control Room 24 hours a day.

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TrackerFit has a team of Thatcham approved expert installers who will fit any car tracker purchased from us for FREE, at a time and place of your convenience. How about that for service? Keep reading to find out more about how we fit car trackers and what you can expect.

Why You Should Use Our Installation Service, Not Do It Yourself

 Car trackers can be quite a substantial investment, which is why you want to make sure they are fitted correctly. Whilst some car trackers can be relatively simple to install, others can be more complex, as they require hardwiring into the engine itself. A novice could cause damage to their car by attempting to do this themselves, so it’s normally best to leave it to the experts.  

Equally, car trackers use different types of signals and frequencies to track the vehicle. This includes GPS, GSM and VHF. The type of signal may dictate whereabouts on the car your tracker can be placed so that its signal is not blocked. Car trackers also use different power sources, which can dictate where they are placed in the car. Our expert installers know all the ins-and-outs of our different car trackers, so they can choose the best location for your tracker.

If the car tracker is fitted incorrectly, its functionality will be compromised or your car itself could be damaged. That’s why it’s best to leave it to the experts rather than attempt it yourself - plus our fitting service is free, so why not take full advantage?

Expert Installers

 We have a team of expert installers, all of whom are Thatcham approved engineers in recognition of their training and expertise. Our team can fit car trackers on any make or model of car, as well as van, campervans, motorbikes and other vehicles. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a Maserati or a Mitsubishi - we’ve worked on them all.

We’ll then arrange a time and a place of your convenience to come and fit your car tracker for free. We’ll come to you anywhere in the UK, so that could be at home, work or one of our garages.

Fitting the Car Tracker

 The process of fitting each car tracker will vary according to whether it’s a plug and drive tracker, hardwired tracker or a battery powered tracker. You’ll also need to ensure that the tracker’s signal is not blocked and that it is well-hidden if it is for theft-prevention. Our friendly installers will talk the whole process through with you and help you to choose the best location for your tracker.

Plugin trackers are the easiest to install, which only require the car tracker to be plugged into the OBD connector and then it’s ready to use. However, whilst it’s the easiest to install it’s also the easiest to find and destroy for thieves, which you should bear in mind when purchasing one.

Hardwired trackers are more complex to install, as they are connected to your car’s electrical system. This means that they are also more well hidden and harder for thieves to remove.

Finally, battery powered car trackers can be placed anywhere in the car, as they don’t require a power source. Just remember that you’ll have to take the tracker out every now and then to recharge the battery, so it should be somewhere accessible.

Unrivalled Service

 Here at TrackerFit we pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and making your journey as easy as possible from choosing your car tracker, to installing it. If you don’t believe us, just check out some of our reviews on Trustpilot.

Our installation service is completely free when you purchase any car tracker from us. We will install your car tracker anywhere in the UK at a time of your convenience, whether that’s at home, work or one of our garages. 

When you purchase any car tracker from TrackerFit, you receive free installation as standard. Take a look at some of our trackers below.

Shop Trackers 

Car thieves are becoming more and more sophisticated, which means simply leaving your car keys out of sight isn’t enough any more. We’ve rounded up some of our top tips for keeping your vehicle safe in 2022.

1) Lock up and keep your keys safe

 Yes, this is a very basic tip, but we all know how easy it is to forget to lock up when you’re rushing to get in and juggling a thousand things in your hands. That’s why you should always double check you’ve locked your car, so opportunistic thieves trying door handles don’t find that it’s their lucky day. It’s equally as important to keep your keys safely out of sight in the home, so thieves aren’t tempted to venture inside to take them.

2) Keep valuables out of sight

Again, this might seem obvious but sometimes it’s tempting to leave your laptop or phone on the passenger seat whilst you run into the shop. Make sure you put any technology (including SatNavs which can also be sold on by thieves) and other valuables in the boot or take them safely inside.

3) Park defensively

If you can park on a driveway or in a garage, great! Thieves don’t like having to come that close to your home, it gives them more chance of being caught. If you don’t have this option, try to park in a well-lit spot, as close to your home as possible. You should also park with your tires turned to the curb or between other cars, so that the thief would have to do some serious maneuvering to get out.

4) Invest in additional security for your car

There are some additional security features you can buy to make your car harder to steal, ranging from a good, old fashioned steering wheel lock, to the much more sophisticated car trackers we stock and install here at TrackerFit. You can read about these car security products below.

• Steering wheel lock - old but gold, the steering wheel lockmeans that thieves struggle to steer your car properly. This makes it harder to get away and acts as a visual deterrent, as thieves generally want an easy job. However, this is only a basic level of protection, as it doesn’t protect your car against towing and can ultimately be removed by thieves with the know-how.
  
  

• Car key signal blocker - you’ve probably heard of the growing trend of keyless car thefts, where thieves use technology to pick up the signal from key fobs inside your home to unlock your car. An easy way to tackle this is to purchase a signal blocking pouch to keep your car keys in.
  
  

• Car immobiliser - immobilisers are a great way to protect your car against theft. Car immobilisers come with ID tags for the car owner and if the engine is started without the presence of an ID tag, the engine will automatically cut off and prevent thieves from driving off with it. This will protect your car against most thefts, but can’t prevent determined thieves from towing or rolling the car away.
  
  

• Thatcham approved car tracker - car tracking systems are one of the best ways to protect your car. Whilst they don’t necessarily stop thieves from taking your car, they massively increase chances of recovering it. There are various systems available, with different levels of protection, but all car trackers come with two driver ID tags. If the engine is started without the presence of one of these ID tags, the control room is instantly alerted to a theft. Operators will then contact the police and provide them with a real time location of the car, making catching thieves much more likely.

We have a great range of Thatcham approved car trackers to choose from here at TrackerFit. Plus, when you purchase a car tracker with us, one of our expert installers will fit it in a discrete location hidden from thieves, at a time and place of your convenience.

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Small but mighty, your Mini is your pride and joy, likely the car that first captured your heart as a youngster and that you’ve dreamed of owning ever since. Ensure your Mini has the best protection by installing a Thatcham approved car tracker, so you can enjoy the experience of owning a Mini, whilst knowing you’re well protected against theft.

There’s Something Special About a Mini

Whilst they may not be the most expensive car out there, there is certainly still a prestige that comes with owning a Mini. There’s something about owning a Mini that is simply more sentimental than owning another car. Maybe it’s some sort of subconscious patriotism from seeing the Mini paraded with the Union Jack and celebrated as an iconic British car - well, if we skirt over the fact that it is now owned by BMW. Or maybe it’s from spending our childhoods watching the bumbling Mr Bean getting in and out of his yellow Mini, causing mayhem wherever he goes. Whatever it is, there’s no denying that there’s just something special about a Mini, which means it deserves the best protection going.

Protect Your Mini Against Theft

Investing in a Thatcham approved car tracker will give you peace of mind to know that, should a thief target your Mini, you’re protected and have the best chance of recovering your car. It could also potentially lower your insurance costs, as insurers know that car trackers provide the best protection for your car. This could make it a particularly good investment if you live in an area with a high crime rate.

Below we’ll list some of our favourite car trackers, so you can find one which suits your budget and needs.

SmarTrack 5+ with D-iD

This Thatcham approved car tracker offers a wide range of security features to protect your Mini, and is in the highest rated category of car trackers. It includes:

• Driver Identification- it uses the driver’s mobile phone to identify whether the driver is present and will alert to a theft if the car is started without the authorised mobile present.

• 24-Hour Monitoring- the system is monitored 24-hours a day at the Global Telemetrics Secure Control Centre, and those monitoring will contact police if a theft occurs.

• GPS Tracking- the control room can follow the car’s movement.

• Optional Immobilisation- the control room can immobilise a stolen car on police command to stop thieves in their tracks.

• European coverage.

Shop SmarTrack 5+ here

ScorpionTrack DRIVER S5-VTS

This S5 car tracker is another great choice for your Mini, with security features including:

• Automatic Driver Recognition- drivers are given 2 ID tags and if one is not present when the engine is started, the system will alert to a theft.

• 24-Hour Monitoring- the system is monitored 24-hours a day at the control room and those monitoring will contact police in the event of a theft.

• GPS Tracking- the control room can follow the car’s movement and you can track the location on demand using your laptop or phone.

• Data- you can access data about your journeys including journey history, private/business mileage, driver behaviour and more.

• European coverage.

Shop ScorpionTrack S5-VTS here

Tracker Retrieve

This battery-powered car tracker is also Thatcham approved. It comes with fewer security features, so it is also more affordable for those who can’t afford to splash out on the best car trackers. It includes the following features:

• Can be tracked in underground car parks and containers.

• Operates a unique very high frequency signal so it can be tracked.

• Long-life battery and battery back up.

• Nationwide support from the UK police force.

Shop our S7 Car Trackers

Tesla’s Market Value Soars

You may have seen in the news that Tesla has recently reached an astonishing market valuation of $1 trillion. Tesla is the only car maker to reach this milestone and one of only 5 companies to ever achieve this, including Amazon, Apple, Microsoft and the owner of Google, Alphabet. 

Tesla owners are unlikely to be surprised by this. You know that Teslas are innovative, equipped with the latest technology and, as an electric vehicle, represent the future of driving. But all these things which make your Tesla so precious to you, also make it attractive to thieves.

Whilst Tesla cars do come equipped with some security features, insurers will often require a car tracker to be installed, as they know that this is the best way to protect against theft. So, you may be wondering what is the best Tesla car tracker? 

As Teslas are such an expensive and prestigious car, we would recommend choosing the best possible car tracking system. This is a category S5 Plus car tracker, which has a range of features to protect your car against theft.

S5 Plus Car Trackers

S5 Plus car trackers are Thatcham approved and include Automatic Driver Recognition technology. When you purchase this car tracker, you will be provided with 2 ID fobs, one of which must be present when the engine is started or the system will alert to a theft. This means that even sophisticated car thieves who use keyless technology cannot escape detection by the car tracker.

These car trackers are also equipped with motion sensing technology, so it will still respond if thieves attempt to steal the car by towing or rolling it.

Should a theft occur, there is 24-hour monitoring in the control room and an operative will be alerted and contact police. They will also monitor your Tesla’s location using the GPS tracking system, so they can update police on where the car is.

Category S5 Plus trackers also include Remote Police Authorised Immobilisation. This means that those monitoring in the control room are able to remotely turn off the car’s engine on police command, quite literally stopping thieves in their tracks. This gives you the best possible chance of having your Tesla returned safely home to you.

Choose Tracker Fit For Your Tesla

Tracker Fit both supply and install the best Thatcham approved car trackers. Our engineers are fully qualified and offer a mobile service, so no matter how busy your schedule is, we’ll be able to fit your car tracker at a time and place that is convenient for you, whether that’s home, work or a garage.

Shop our S5 Plus car trackers below to protect your Tesla from theft.

An organised crime gang in Lancashire were able to steal high-performance cars worth £2.6 million using wireless key technology.

It’s every car owner’s worst nightmare - you’ve worked hard to earn the car of your dreams and one day you wake up to find that someone else has decided to take it.

A Sophisticated Operation

Kashif Rafiq ran an organised crime mob who targeted high-performance cars in the Lancashire, Cheshire and Merseyside areas. It was a sophisticated operation which cloned wireless key signals so that the thieves could open the cars, start the engine and drive off the driveway, like they were simply going for a Sunday afternoon drive.

The gang was responsible for a staggering total of 162 burglaries, attempted burglaries and thefts. Whilst many of the cars they stole were later recovered in Blackburn, this doesn’t compensate for the emotional impact that their theft will have had on many victims. Feelings of anger, helplessness and fear can last long after the criminal has been caught.

Protect Your Car 

There are proactive measures you can take to protect your car though. Whilst Rafiq and his gang stole £2.6 million worth of cars, car trackers have recovered £460 million worth of cars!

S5 and S5 Plus Car Trackers

Here at TrackerFit, we would always recommend fitting a S5 Car Tracker or an S5 Plus Car Tracker for the best possible protection against theft.

S5 Car Trackers come with:

• Automatic Driver Recognition - drivers are provided with 2 ID fobs, one of which must be present when the engine is started or the system will alert to a theft.

• 24-Hour Control Room Monitoring - those monitoring will be alerted to potential thefts and contact police.

• GPS Tracking - the control room can follow the car’s movement.

• Motion Sensing - even if the engine is not started the system will be alerted to potential theft.

The Automatic Driver Recognition feature offers great protection against car thieves like Rafiq and his gang. They used technology to clone wireless key signals, but this wouldn’t work if a car had an S5 Car Tracker, as the tracker would still alert the control room that an ID fob was not present and a theft was taking place.

An S5 Plus Tracker offers even more protection against car theft. It includes all of the above, plus:

• Remote Police Authorised Immobilisation - the control room can immobilise a stolen car on police command to prevent thieves from taking the car any further.

This means that if your car is stolen, not only can police track its precise location, but they can actually stop it so it can’t go too far.

Shop our S5 and S5 Plus Car Trackers below for the best protection against theft and peace of mind:

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If you’re currently browsing for a tracking system for your car, you’ve likely seen the words “Thatcham Approved” a lot- but who are Thatcham, and what do they do?

Who Are Thatcham?

Thatcham Research are an insurance-funded research centre, who lead the way in standards of vehicle safety, security and repair. Their research has a big influence on vehicle trackers and car insurance prices.

They have a state of the art workshop, including a crash laboratory, and an automotive academy to equip apprentices and technicians with the latest skills in vehicle repair.

Thatcham’s History

Thatcham was founded in 1969 by the motor vehicle insurance industry with the intention to contain or reduce insurance prices. They did this through research into vehicle safety and repair, because if they could lower the impact of crashes and repair costs, they could lower insurance prices.

Over time their focus has grown to include security. In 1992, they created the New Vehicle Security Assessment to address the growing number of car thefts, which totaled 620,000 that year.

Thatcham’s Role in Car Insurance

One of Thatcham’s primary roles is the administration of the Association of British Insurer’s Group Rating System. This means they provide insurers with information about new vehicles, including the impact of a standard 15km/h crash, and the expected cost of parts and time to repair it. This will then influence the vehicle’s insurance group and ultimately how much you pay for your car insurance.

That isn’t the only way Thatcham affects car insurance though, as car owners can purchase additional security products in an attempt to lower insurance premiums. Thatcham then approves and categorises these security products, which will influence whether insurers see them as good enough protection to justify lowering your car insurance premium.

One way that drivers tend to lower their car insurance is by purchasing a car tracker.

Thatcham Approved Car Trackers

Thatcham don’t actually manufacture any car trackers, but test them to see whether they meet the required standards and assign them to the appropriate category. Thatcham have developed three main categories for trackers:

S7 Thatcham Approved Trackers

• GPS tracking- the location of the car is able to be tracked.
• Motion sensing- the tracker will alert to movement even if the ignition is not started, to prevent thieves from towing or rolling cars.
• Control room monitoring 24 hours a day- a remote control room will be alerted to the movement and contact the authorities.
• Health check programme.

S5 Thatcham Approved Trackers

• All of the above features, plus:
• Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR)- drivers will be provided with ID fobs and if the car is started or moved without a fob present, an alert will be raised in the control room.
• Data logging- this makes this type of tracker great for fleet management.

S5 Plus Thatcham Approved Trackers

The best type of tracker you can buy. If you’re looking to have the highest security for your car, then an S5 Plus Tracker is the one for you.

• All of the above features, plus:
• Remote police authorised immobilisation- local police can authorise the control room to temporarily immobilise the vehicle to prevent the thief from taking it any further.
• This is why it’s so important to make sure your car tracker is Thatcham approved. They are the height of vehicle security and are respected throughout the motor vehicle industry.

Here at TrackerFit, all of our car trackers are Thatcham approved! Find the perfect tracker for you by clicking the button below.

You’ve finally got your new BMW on the drive and you have to say, it looks good. But unfortunately that means it looks good to other people too - particularly thieves!

Both the BMW 3 Series and the BMW 5 Series were in the top 10 most stolen cars in the UK in 2020. This will come as unwanted news to BMW owners, who will want to take every precaution to prevent their car from joining that statistic. 

Your BMW is an elite machine and you want to look after it in any and every way you can. Prevent theft, pick up performance data and give yourself peace of mind with a vehicle tracker.

Some insurance companies will actually insist that a tracker is installed before they will insure your BMW. Even if they don’t, having a tracker fitted will increase your own peace of mind, as you feel safe in the knowledge that you can know where your car is at all times.

Here at TrackerFit, we sell a range of suitable BMW car trackers! Below you’ll find the best car trackers for BMW cars…

Trackstar S5

Approved by BMW as part of the trusted Trackstar range and created in accordance with the nation's most trusted motoring regulator, Thatcham, safety is at the heart of the Trackstar S5.

The Trackstar S5 uses an Advance Driver Recognition system which comes with 2 driver ID tags. If someone attempts to drive your car without one of these tags, the S5 will immediately alert that there is a potential theft.

The Trackstar Security Operations Centre monitors this globally 24-hours a day, and will attempt to call you to verify whether it is a theft and continue to track the car's location. You’re also able to monitor this yourself via an app. This allows immediate action to be taken and ensures the best chance of recovering your car, as it is equipped with the best GPS technology to direct police.

Trackstar S7 TM470

Another BMW Thatcham approved tracker which you might consider is the Trackstar S7 TM470. Top features on this BMW-compatible vehicle tracker include using motion sensing technology to detect whether your BMW is being moved illegally, which is monitored 24/7 by the Trackstar National Control Centre. The device will then liaise with the police automatically if a theft is taking place and continue tracking the car’s location with the latest GPS technology. The Trackstar S7 TM470 has been endorsed by police authorities and approved by BMW itself, making it a credible and reliable way to protect your BMW against theft.

ScorpionTrack Driver S5-VTS

A fast and responsive system, the ScorpionTrack Driver S5-VTS is suited to any private or commercial vehicle and offers cost-effective security for any BMW owner.

This is another high-end Thatcham approved tracker, which provides owners with 2 Automatic Driver Recognition tags. If your BMW is moved without the presence of a tag, it will be flagged up at their 24/7 monitoring centre.

This tracker also comes with two immobilisation options. The first is automatic immobilisation, where the engine simply won’t start if there’s no tag present. The second is a remote immobilisation, which allows the ScorpionTrack Monitoring Team to immobilise the car and prevent the engine from being restarted. 

Specialising in BMW car trackers TrackerFit offers a nationwide installation service. With a team of fully approved Thatcham engineers we’ll install your BMW car tracker at a time and place that best suits you. Call TrackerFit today on 0800 756 5100 for more information on buying a BMW car tracker.

Bikers, did you know more than 40,000 motorbikes are stolen every year in the UK, almost half of which are never seen again? 

More and more thieves are going to extraordinary lengths to get their hands on your most prized possession, meaning without the proper precautions, no bike is completely safe! 

For every 40,000 motorbikes stolen it is estimated just 16,000 are safely returned, with the others typically being exported across Europe, sold on the black market or scrapped for parts. Scary eh? But don’t panic! There are ways to avoid being on the bad side of these statistics. 

So what can you do to prevent your motorbike falling into the hands of a motorbike thief? Well you could invest in a top of the range chain lock to deter criminals, but this won’t stop the most determined! Instead spend your money on a top of the range, sophisticated motorbike tracker.

If, like many, you know absolutely nothing about motorbike trackers then don’t worry, that’s exactly what this blog is here for.  

What should I look for in a motorbike tracker?

Using a tracking system is one of the best ways for you to protect your motorbike. They act as both a deterrent to thieves and an excellent tool to recover your bike should it be stolen.

There’s a lot of trackers on the market. Some important things to look out for when searching for a motorbike tracker include:

• Budget - It’s likely that your budget will affect which tracker you buy. Remember to factor in the initial hardware cost as well as any subscription fees for monitoring your motorbike.

• Thatcham approval - Any tracker that carries the Thatcham Quality Assurance is approved by insurance providers and will be an effective security device for your car.

• Power source - Does the tracker draw power from your motorbike's battery? Or does it have a battery that will need replacing? How often?  

Here are 3 of the best motorbike trackers on the market... 

1.  British Tracking Systems Motorcycle Tracker

The Thatcham Category S7 assured British Tracking Systems Motorcycle Tracker uses Glonass and GPS satellites to track your motorbike 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Using motion sensing technology this sophisticated motorbike tracker monitors unauthorised movement and can be connected to the alarm system of your motorbike.

Discreetly installed it comes with a waterproof case for extra protection when out on the road!

And with more and more motorbikes being stolen and exported overseas the British Tracking Systems Motorcycle Tracker comes with European coverage as standard for added peace of mind. 

Other main features of the British Tracking Systems Motorcycle Tracker include:

• See your asset live at home by PC

• Thatcham Approved Category S7 tracker

• Battery disconnect alerts

• Low Battery Alert

• This system can be transferred onto your future vehicles - saving money!

• 12 and 24 volt

See prices

2. ScorpionTrack & Trace

ScorpionTrack & Trace is ideal for customers who are looking for a tracker with a smaller price tag and don’t require an insurance-approved product. ScorpionTrack and Trace is a small, smart and waterproof GPS tracker with Bluetooth connectivity and internal backup battery. It’s fast & easy to fit yourself.

It’s features include:

• Location on demand via PC, laptop or smartphone

• Tow-away & tamper alerts

• Low vehicle battery text alert

• Transferable from one vehicle to another

• European coverage included as standard

• Non-insurance approved, non-Thatcham accredited.

See prices

3. Meta Trak S5 Deadlock

Meta Trak S5 Deadlock with Driver Immobilisation was developed as a direct response to the increase in bike thefts, specially designed to prevent key cloning and relay attacks. It’s a tracker that includes every feature you could want, promising to immobilise and track your motorcycle if it’s stolen.

It also has the ability to set up geo-fencing alerts if your bike moves outside of a desired area, and lets you know if there are any concerns about your bike or its battery.

Other features include:

• Insurance & Thatcham Cat S5 approved

• Automatic Immobilisation

• OBD port protection (optional extra)

• Deadlock Immobilisation

• UK & European coverage

• Mobile app & 24hr monitoring

• Fully waterproof

• Approved by Audi, VW, VW Commercial, SEAT, Skoda and Yamaha

See prices

Still unsure? Our expert team is always happy to offer any advice you need. Give us a call to discuss your requirements in detail on 0800 756 5100.

Alternatively. You can take a look at our full range of motorbike trackers by clicking the link below.

Motorbike trackers 

Companies are constantly on the lookout for ways to improve their efficiency and time management in day to day dealings, and the installation of a fleet tracking system can provide the perfect solution.

GPS Fleet trackers are revolutionising the way fleet management companies conduct business, improving productivity and organisation tenfold with the help of advanced technology.

While efficient fleet management is crucial to the success of any transportation or distribution company, it can be extremely challenging. 

What is fleet management? 

To put it simply, fleet management is when a business that needs a fleet of vehicles to operate, requires organisation to function effectively. The ultimate purpose of fleet management is to improve efficiency and productivity of your vehicles, in turn improving customer satisfaction. Let’s not forget increasing driver safety and keeping costs low too.

This means managing your fleets operations, performance and maintenance, which most companies find easiest with the help of a telematic system. Fleet management also includes:

• Maintenance and repair of vehicles 

• Fuel use 

• Environmental impact

• Driver behaviour

• Employee management

• Risk assessment and accident management

The benefits of using a GPS fleet management system 

So what areas of your business can benefit from the use of a fleet tracker?

Effective fleet management minimises the risks associated with having a fleet. It aids vehicle maintenance, safety, security, promotes productivity and allows a business to operate smoothly. Your company fleet, however small, act as representatives of your business and a tracking device can helpfully provide you with in depth information on each vehicle to ensure you run a tight and secure operation. 

• Improved fleet performance

Your company fleet, however small, act as representatives of your business and a tracking device can helpfully provide you with in depth info on each vehicle to ensure you run a tight and secure operation. Trackers can accurately monitor everything from the car’s speed and direction to even its fuel usage - allowing you to economise and streamline business performance on the go and at your own convenience. Location tracking will allow you to know where each vehicle is located, giving you better visibility over your business. It can also help you create route optimisation, saving you time and money. 

Total assurance can be hard to come by in business, but a fleet tracker can provide peace of mind in spades by keeping fleet managers regularly posted via minute by minute updates relating to location, traffic warnings, customer reports and much more.

• Lower your business costs & prevent theft

One of the many advantages of equipping your fleets with a tracking device is that you will save vast amounts of money in many areas of business. Investing in a fleet tracker allows you to be more tactful and economical with all manner of company expenses since you can monitor and reduce any problem areas when it suits you, such as fuel consumption and reclaiming mileage. What’s more, since your company will promote lower levels of risk as a result of your new found security, you will be able to enjoy low insurance premiums due to the small risk of car damage or theft. 

Vehicles are essential and valuable assets to any business, so when they get stolen it can be detrimental. Through fleet tracking, businesses can recover lost or stolen vehicles with the real-time location data displayed by a GPS system.

All of this allows you to save on company money where it really matters, such as potential vehicle loss, repairs and improvements.

• Better driving standards

As well as keeping your vehicles in check, fleet trackers can also help streamline your workforce by allowing you to monitor the whereabouts of your staff members at any given time. The act of manually tracking down and corresponding with a team of drivers is impractical and time-consuming which is why the tracking device simplifies proceedings by informing you where your drivers are stationed in the UK and where they are going. Not only does this help to encourage trust in employer - employee relationships, but it is crucial to company security and overall administration, particularly in the event of a stolen vehicle or misplaced goods.

Through driver data, you can see which of your fleet drivers are safe on the road and which ones are not. This will allow you to improve their driving standards by using incentives that encourage them to drive safer, or giving them a crash course on driver safety and company expectations.

• Improve customer satisfaction

If the activity of your fleet is customer-focused, then fleet management is imperative. By improving the efficiency of your fleet and using real time GPS tracking, you can improve delivery times and reduce wait times for your customers. 

For example a courier company that uses GPS data can provide its customers with real-time delivery updates and shipping notifications. You can let customers know where their parcel is in transit, but it can also notify them when their parcel has been despatched or delivered.

The long-term rewards to using a fleet tracker can make a world of difference to business takings and company productivity in general. However small or large your fleet, your company can benefit tremendously from the installation of a fleet tracking device. TrackerFit offer a wide selection of fleet trackers to suit every business need, regardless of size or industry. Take a look at the versatile range of fleet tracker systems on offer and see what this revolutionary device can do for your business.

For more information on our range of fleet trackers and how they can help your business, call us on 0800 096 3092 today!

There are many benefits to owning an electric car, both for the user and the planet. Emissions are lower, fossil fuel usage is avoided, and operating expenses are far less than with the traditional internal combustion engine. It’s no wonder that electric, hybrid-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are becoming increasingly popular - in fact these cars make up 14.7% of the UK market in 2021.

With more people investing in electric cars, there is an ever growing demand for good GPS trackers to help protect those investments.

The benefits of getting a tracker for your electric car 

Monitor your vehicle 24 hours a day

GPS car tracking allows users to set parameters for their vehicles, so they will receive instant notifications if they are moved outside of the designated area. This is particularly important with electric cars, because they make very little noise and you might not hear if someone moves it outside your house. Additionally, the notification comes instantly, helping you retrieve your vehicle as swiftly as possible.

Trackers can monitor your state of charge

Another brilliant benefit of GPS trackers that are designed for electric vehicles is that they allow you to continuously monitor the vehicle's state of charge (SOC). This means you get another helpful indicator of whether it is time to think about charging, and you can effectively plan whether a journey will be possible without stopping to locate a charging station.

Optimising your trips

Making a trip in an electric car is different to making a trip with a traditional fuel-burning car. Charging stations for electric cars are becoming more prominent, but remain far behind petrol-pumping stations throughout the country. This means you have to carefully plan and optimise your journeys, catering for that need to charge along the way. GPS tracking can assist you in mapping a travel route that maximises the efficiency of your electric car, and factors in stops at a recharge point en route. Trip optimisation with a GPS tracker can be helpful in many ways by enabling you to plan for the shortest driving time, the fewest miles, and adequate access to charging stations on the way. This helps you to save time and money, and will eliminate frustration when travelling. You won't find yourself becoming stranded without access to a charging point if you have planned adequately using a GPS electric car tracker.

Reduces electric car insurance premiums

Having a tracking device that is Thacham approved installed on your car can significantly decrease your insurance premium. It also opens up more options from providers that won’t insure an electric car without a tracker. 

We recommend using a Thatcham approved s5 or s7 tracker, take a look at a few of our favourites below.

6 Important Things to Check Before Buying a Car Tracker

The threat of car theft is an unfortunate part of life, so you'll want to do everything you can to protect yourself. Buying a car tracker has become a popular way for drivers to protect their vehicles and improve their chances of getting it back if it is stolen.

There are a wide range of tracking devices on the market, many of which we sell right here at Tracker Fit, but what do you need to know before you choose one? Read on to find out:

1. Is the Installer Thatcham approved? 

If you're investing a significant amount of money in a car tracker, you want to know that you're getting a good quality product from a trusted supplier. Here atTracker Fit, we're Thatcham approved installers. So, when you buy a tracker from us, you know you'll be getting a product from a trusted and reliable source.

2. Is the tracker compatible? 

Not all trackers are compatible with all cars, they vary based on make and model. Before you make any decisions, it's important to check that a tracker will be a good fit for your car.

This is arguably the most important thing to check before buying a car tracker. The last thing you want is to waste your hard earned money on a device that won't be of any use to you!

Here at Tracker Fit, we recommend Cat 5, Cat S5 and Cat S7 trackers - with Cat S5 providing the highest possible level of security for your vehicle. Within these categories, you'll see a variety of trackers. Each tracker has a list of compatible car makes and models listed, so there's no chance of you choosing one that won't work with your car.

3. Is installation included?

Don't make the mistake of assuming that the installation of your tracker will be included! Unfortunately, many motorists have been stung by added costs. Some suppliers charge an extra fee for installation once you've bought a tracker from them - leaving you with little choice but to pay.

At Tracker Fit, we believe that installation should be included in the price of all car trackers, so we will fit a tracker for you at no extra charge.

4. Does the tracker cover Europe?

Not all car trackers have the advantage of covering Europe, but many of the ones we sell right here at Tracker Fit do. For example, theMeta Trak S5 VTS andScorpionTrack DRIVER S5-VTS include European coverage as standard.

This is an important feature for your tracker to have. A lot of car thieves steal vehicles to order, so there is a chance your model could be taken out of the UK to be sold. So, having a car tracker that includes Europen coverage may improve your chances of recovering your car.

5. Is the tracker transferable? 

If you are paying for a car tracker, you want to make sure you can use it on your next car too. The Trackstar S5 andSmarTrack S5 with D-iDT trackers, are among the products we sell at Tracker Fit that are suitable for all makes and models. This means they can be transferred to another vehicle should you get one.

6. Can it be upgraded?

Car tracker technology is moving fast! You might want to consider buying a car tracker that can easily be upgraded in the future, rather than having to fork out again for a new one.

For more information on any of our car trackers, give us a call on 0800 096 3092.

Car trackers are a great way to protect your car from theft. In the event it's stolen, a tracking device enables the police to locate your vehicle, helping you recover it as quickly as possible. This not only increases the safety of your vehicle, but it can help to reduce insurance costs too.

You want to ensure you're getting the highest benefit possible from a vehicle tracker. That's why it's important to take your time when choosing one and find one that's best for your needs.

Here are our top tips for choosing the best car tracker for you:

Research different car trackers and work out your budget

Car trackers will vary in price depending on the features they have and the brand you choose. Some can be costly, but there are cheaper options too. Working out your budget will help you narrow down your search for your perfect device.

Once you have worked out your budget, we can talk you through your options and help you to make the right choice.

Find out what brands and models of car trackers are best

Ensuring that you use a reliable brand is super important. You want to make sure that you have peace of mind, knowing that the item you're buying will do what it's job - protect your car.

Here at Trackerfit, we've made this part easy for you. All our trackers are hand selected from the industries leading brands, are insurance approved and fitted by Thatcham Approved Installers.

Decide which features you need

Better features may enhance your security, but they can also mean that your bill is higher. It's easy to fall in to the trap of wanting a tracker with fancy features, but will you actually use them? Make sure that you're not choosing a device with features that you don't necessarily need.

There are many choices, but we can make it easier for you. We have over 25 years of experience with all types of vehicles and our experts are on hand to advise you of the different features on offer.

Make sure the car tracker you're looking at will monitor your car wherever you go

Some car trackers will require you to report the car as stolen before the tracker can be activated. Others may only work in certain locations, meaning your car won't be protected if you travel abroad.

Our experts can help make sure that your car is protected wherever you go by recommending a device with UK/ European coverage.

Make sure you are aware of any extra costs

 Some car trackers have monthly fees or other subscriptions that you must purchase with the tracker.

 Our experts can make sure that there are no hidden surprises when you purchase your tracker. All costs are included in black and white on our website.

At TrackerFit, we can help you make the right choice. Here you can take a look at the best vehicle tracking systems and choose the right car tracker for you.

Need further assistance? Don't worry, our experts are on hand to give you free advice on how to make sure you choose the car tracking system that is right for you. Call us now on 0800 096 3092!

When it comes to car trackers, Thatcham category 5 trackers are the best on the market. This Thatcham category is the highest level of accreditation possible, so if you decide to buy a Cat 5 tracker, you can be rest assured you’ll be getting a good device. 

You might be wondering why trackers in the same category can vary in price so much? Well although they all come with the same basic features, their pricing also takes into account additional features and brand reputation. 

Here we’ll run through the cheapest Cat 5 trackers available at Trackerfit and what additional features you can get if you spend a little more.

Meta Trak S5 VTS - £299

With over 40 years of industry experience Meta Trak is the global number 1 provider of telematics technology and one of the largest producers of vehicle safety, security and info systems in the world.

The Meta Trak S5 VTShas sophisticated tracking technology combined with an easy-to-use app. ​It comes with the following features:

• UK & European coverage included as standard

• Live tracking

• 24/7 control room monitoring

• Instant alerts to your phone

• Low vehicle battery alert

• Service, privacy & transport modes

• Thatcham S5 TQA & Insurance Company approved

• Location on demand via PC, laptop or smartphone

• Free Android or iOS Apps available

• Journey history & score

• Geofencing

• 2 x Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR) tags

ScorpionTrack DRIVER S5-VTS - £399 down from £799

ScorpianTrack is another great company with excellent recovery rates. Their Driver S5-VTS is on sale on our website at the moment, with a whopping £400 off! That makes it the second cheapest tracker on our list. 

For just £100 more than the Meta trak S5 VTS, the ScorpionTrack DRIVER S5-VTS brings with it a lot of great features, including:

• GPS, GLONASS & Galileo accurate to within 10 metres

• European coverage included as standard

• 365/24-7 monitoring

• 28 day health check

• Tow away alert

• Tamper alert

• Low vehicle battery text alert

• Privacy mode

• Thatcham TQA & Insurance Company approved

• Transferable from one vehicle to another

• Online paperless registration & account management

• Waterproof application available for plant and agricultural vehicles

• Suitable for 12 volt or 24 volt vehicles

• 3 year warranty

• Flexible Subscription Options

• Location on demand via PC, laptop or smartphone

• Free Android or iOS Apps available

• Journey History, Geofence Alerts, Private/Business Mileage, Driver Behaviour & more

• 2 x Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR) tags

• ADR tag low battery alerts

• ADR tag replaceable battery (CR2032)

• Optional Remote starter lock

• Optional ADR starter lock

This tracker has lots of optional additions that will improve your vehicle’s security ever further!

Vodafone Protect + Connect 5 - £549 down from £1,199

A great thing about the Vodafone Protect + Connect 5 is that it’s transferable between models, and is suitable for high end cars. Other special features include GSM jamming detection and remote engine immobilisation, giving your car the best possible protection. 

Now the price is much higher than the tracking devices listed above, but it’s another item on sale at the moment with over 50% off! 

The full list of features include:

• Transferable 

• 3 year warranty 

• Approved by Lamborghini, Bentley, Hummer, Bugatti, Ferrari, Maserati, Porsche, Audi, VW, Seat, Renault, Alfa Romeo, Nissan, Skoda, & Mitsubishi

• Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR)

• Protects vehicle from key theft

• GPS and GSM jamming detection

• Thatcham 'CAT5 / S5' accredited

• European coverage (36 European countries plus Russia and South Africa)

• European Police liaisonMotion sensing alert - detects unauthorised movement

• Remote Engine Immobilisation

• Optional real time vehicle location via a simple password protected web applicationPinpoint GPS tracking (accurate to within 10 metres)

• International GSM coverageTow-away alert & Tamper-alert

• Battery back-up

• 3 Year Warranty

So, if you’re looking for a tracker that will improve the security of your car for as little money as possible, the Meta Trak S5 VTS is a great option for you.

However, if you’re willing to spend a little more and want your tracker to come with some more impressive features, consider the ScorpionTrack DRIVER S5-VTS. 

If you value getting a great deal more than a slightly cheaper price, we definitely recommend going for the Vodafone Protect + Connect 5. It has every feature you could want from a tracking device offering the ultimate protection for your greatest asset. Be sure to snap it up before our sale ends! 

Button: shop now

Looking for a tracking system for your van? Then you’ve come to the right place! Here at Trackerfit, we select an extensive selection of award winning trackers that are suitable for vans and fleet management. 

Knowing which device is right for you can be a little tricky. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide with our two most popular van and fleet trackers, their features and why we recommended them. 

Why do you need a tracking device for your van? 

• Ultimate security & safety

• Improve fuel efficiency & driving styles

• Reduce expenses 

• Boost productivity

Tracking your van can help you to combat the risk of theft, see how you could maximise your fuel consumption and recover it if it were to be stolen. Whether you have a single van for work or a fleet, installing a tracking device will give you endless benefits.

No matter how many vans you use or the industry you’re in, the ability to monitor everything from real time location, mileage, fuel consumption and driver behaviour gives you a serious advantage over your competitors and will create a more efficient company.

Our top-rated fleet tracker

ScorpionTrack Fleet ST70 - £199

The ScorpionTrack Fleet ST70 is a great device for van fleet management. It’s suitable for all vehicle makes and models and comes with the following functions:

• Live map with vehicle position updates in near real-time

• European coverage

• Unique driver login allowing drivers to manage their own mileage

• High quality yet affordable (20p/day per vehicle*) system

• Simple installation with unique 'plug and track' technology

• Manage drivers and vehicles with precision

• Increase productivity, save time and money

• Unique driver comparison allowing drivers to compare KPI statistics against other drivers promoting driver efficiency and safety

For all its features, this tracker comes at a very reasonable price meaning you can buy multiple for your fleet without breaking the bank. Take a look at some more info on the ScorpionTrack Fleet ST70 here: https://www.trackerfit.co.uk/stolen-vehicle-trackers/cat-5-trackers/scorpiontrack-driver-s5-vts.html

Our top-rated van tracker

Meta Trak S5 VTS - £229

Meta Trak S5 VTS has the highest level of Thatcham accreditation possible for tracking devices in the UK. This means that it comes with some impressive features, is suitable for all makes and models and is insurance approved. 

It’s special features include ADR tags, Geo fencing and optional immobilisation which will take your vans security to the next level. Other features include:

• 2 x Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR) tags

• Live tracking

• 24/7 control room monitoring

• Instant alerts to your phone

• UK & European coverage included as standard

• Low vehicle battery alert

• Geo fencing 

• Optional immobilisation feature

Although the Meta Trak S5 VTS is priced higher than the ScorpionTrack Fleet ST70, it’s excellent value for money. With this tracker, you get security features that will give your van ultimate protection and have the peace of mind knowing that Meta trak is one of the best brands for tracking systems in the world. 

 Price includes: Nationwide installation at home / workplace fitted by a Meta Trak approved engineer.

Find out more about the Meta Trak S5 VTS here:https://www.trackerfit.co.uk/stolen-vehicle-trackers/van-trackers/meta-trak-s5-vts.html

Manage your vans with a GPS vehicle tracking system! 

Take a look at our full range of fleet trackers and van trackers using the buttons below.

Van Trackers: https://www.trackerfit.co.uk/stolen-vehicle-trackers/van-trackers.html

Fleet Trackers: https://www.trackerfit.co.uk/fleet-trackers.html 

Choosing a tracker for your car can be a tricky task. Improving your car’s security isn’t quite as simple as just buying the cheapest or most popular device on the market. There’s actually a huge variety of tracking devices out there, with different functionality and features! But which one should you choose?

Any tracking device that carries the Thatcham Quality Assurance is approved by insurance providers and will be an effective security device for your car. All of the trackers that we stock here at Trackerfit are Thatcham approved and are categorised according to their specifications. 

You might be wondering what the differences are between each of these categories, particularly Cat 5, Cat 6, Cat S5 and Cat S7, which crop up a lot. Well, we’re here to make it all clear for you!

CAT 6 / S7 Car Tracker 

Cat 6 and Cat S7 are actually the exact same thing. The Cat 6 trackers have officially been renamed S7 and provide the same features and level of security. It’s a recent change, so some insurance providers may still list Thatcham Cat 6 trackers on their recommendations. 

The Cat 6 / S7 category is the second highest level of accreditation possible. They are considered to offer an excellent level of security for your car, including features such as:

• Communicates via GPS and Frequency

• Accurate tracking within 3 meters

• Alerts when battery is disconnect

• Alerts when movement sensor is triggered  

• Internal battery backup  

• 24-hour monitoring  

• European coverage

However, they don’t come with driver identification, which means they can’t distinguish between an authorised driver and a thief. 

S7 Trackers are great value for money and are highly effective, making them the most popular category amongst vehicle owners.

CAT 5 Car Trackers

Thatcham Category 5 is the highest accreditation possible for tracking devices. Trackers in this category will provide the very best security for your car in terms of both theft protection and vehicle recovery. This makes them ideal for high-value cars, but they can be fitted on almost any make and model.  

Amongst many individual features and all of the features listed for Category S7, Cat 5 trackers come with:

• Level 1 police response

• Automatic driver recognition (ADR)

• Remote engine immobilisation

• Motion sensor Alerts

• Key theft prevention

Browse our range of CAT 5 Trackers. 

CAT S5 Car Trackers 

S5 trackers are the newest categorisation and have recently replaced Cat 5 trackers. They have very similar features and provide the same level of protection as the Cat 5, the only main difference being that the Cat S5 doesn’t have police-authorised immobilisation. 

Research indicates that most vehicles that are recovered do so without the use of the immobilisation feature. That’s why many insurance providers and tracker companies no longer think of this as a necessary feature.

With an S5 tracker, remote immobilisation is an option, not a requirement, and your driver ID card can be kept on your car keys rather than having to carry round a separate fob.

Category S5 trackers are sometimes requested by insurance providers for cars over a certain price (e.g., £50,000).

Take a look at our CAT S5 Trackers.

Whatever tracker you choose, it’s vital that your new device is installed by a Thatcham-approved installer. Here at Trackerfit, we’ll supply and fit your device for you at home. 

If you’ve already begun your search for a vehicle tracker, you’ve probably come across the term ‘Thatcham Cat S5’ and wondered what on earth it means! Well we’re here to explain it to you… 

Back in 2019, Thatcham updated their classification for car trackers, changing Cat 5 to Cat S5 & Cat S5 Plus. The classification of Cat S5 Plus can sometimes be referred to as S5 immobiliser. This means that the tracker comes with remote immobilisation as an extra level of security. This allows your car to be immobilised remotely from the secure monitoring station. Cat S5 is the highest rating a car tracker can have, so if you're looking for complete security, it's a good option for you.

If you're considering purchasing aCat S5 trackerfor your vehicle, here are six key facts you should know:

1. S5 is the highest recognised standard of vehicle tracker

The car insurance industry relies on Thatcham Research to set the standards for vehicle tracking technology. Cat S5 is currently the highest recognised specification for car trackers. Devices with this rating use cutting-edge technology to keep your vehicle safe and secure. Categories 6 and 7, in contrast, only need to meet lower specification standards.

Cat S5 trackers, such as theMeta Trak S5 VTS  are recommended for high value, high performance cars. As the best group of car trackers on the market, they provide owners with valuable reassurance and peace of mind. Plus, they're approved by the insurance industry, so they can help keep your premiums down. 

2. Cat S5 trackers do not rely on your car's ignition

An important factor for Cat S5 trackers is that they can't be disarmed by using the key or fob to start the car's ignition. Instead, Cat S5 trackers such as theScorpionTrack DRIVER S5-VTS use sophisticated automatic driver recognition. This technology detects a signal from a special ADR card within a separate key fob or mobile app. Essentially, this is like having two different keys for your car - and both are needed to operate it.

3. Cat S5 Plus trackers have remote engine immobilisation

Remote immobilisation is the ultimate way to stop car thieves in their tracks! An encoded radio signal will be broadcast to the tracker telling it to immobilise the engine. Once this signal has been received, the thief will no longer be able to restart the engine. It won't kill the engine whilst it's running, but as soon as the vehicle is switched off, it will be rendered inoperable!

4. Cat s5 Plus trackers have level 1 police response

Level 1 is the highest standard of police response available in the UK. It means that when the police are notified of an activation, they will base their response on an assumption that an offence is taking place.

5. Thatcham Research is a global leader in vehicle security

Thatcham , who devises and oversees the approved standards for vehicle trackers, are at the forefront of advanced vehicle technology. The organisation occupies a unique role as Britain's only not-for-profit vehicle research centre. They are world renowned and a member of both Euro NCAP and the international Research Council for Automobile Repairs. So it's safe to say you can trust their categorisation.

6. Cat S5 tackers are only as good as their installation

Even the most advanced Cat S5 tracker systems such as the SmarTrack 5+ with D-iD™ (Including Remote Immobilisation), will  fail to protect your vehicle if it's not installed properly! The Cat S5 specification requires Thatcham approved installers to install the trackers to the highest quality standards. That's why it's essential to get qualified and authorised installation from experts such as TrackerFit.

That's our six point guide to Cat S5 trackers. If you've got any questions about car trackers or our range of products at TrackerFit, please don't hesitate to contact us!  Call us today on 0800 096 3092.

What is the Best S7 Tracker?

Using a tracker to monitor and protect your vehicle is now easier than ever! With a wide range of makes and models on the market, it’s important to choose one that will be the most effective for your needs.
A great choice is an S7 tracker! S7 trackers were developed in response to the alarming increase in keyless car theft and will soon permanently replace the Thatcham Cat 6 tracker.

You might be wondering what makes S7 tracker systems so great? They are the standard requirement for theft recovery security systems amongst insurance providers and are, therefore, the most commonly fitted tracking device in the UK.
Whilst the category S7 trackers don’t quite meet the criteria of S5 trackers, S7 trackers still provide a huge range of intelligent security features that enable you to precisely track your vehicle - all within an affordable price range. §1

As standard they all feature:
Global coverage
Advanced real-time tracking tech
Control room tracking
Instant alerts when your vehicle moves

TRACKER Vantage

The Tracker Vantage includes features such as vehicle movement and battery disconnect alert, nationwide support from all UK police forces, 24/7 alert monitoring via the secure operating centre and, to top it all off, TRACKER Touch – a free, simple to use app that can provide you with a live view of the location of your vehicle in a matter of seconds.

Priced at just £199 when you buy from Trackerfit, this device is great value for money!
Read more about the Tracker Vantage over on our website.

Meta Trak S7 ATS

As with all our Trackers, the Meta Trak S7 ATS is insurance approved. Amongst many other impressive features, it also comes with Choose Mode. Choose Mode allows you to use the Meta Trak app to select your mode from options such as privacy, service, transport or garage mode.

It also comes with global coverage, so even if the thieves take your car out of the country they'll still be found. This also means that you can use your vehicle abroad with the same level of protection that the Tracker offers you in the UK.

The Meta Trak S7 ATS is priced at £229, which is slightly more than the Tracker Vantage, but this is expected from a tracker designed and manufactured by Meta System, the global #1 provider of telematics technology and one of the largest producers of vehicle safety, security and info systems in the world.
Meta System has over 40 years’ automotive industry experience. They are dedicated to on-going innovation and development at their state of the art tech facility.

ScorpionTrack HD S7-ALS Stolen Vehicle Tracker

ScorpionTrack HD S7-ALS is a heavy-duty, waterproof, vehicle tracking solution with 24/7 theft monitoring. This tracker is suitable for all vehicles, especially agricultural, plant and machinery applications.
Key features include ultimate accuracy & reliability, European coverage, tamper and tow alerts and privacy mode. So, if you’re looking for a tracker you can turn on and off, this is a good option for you.
The instant alerts if your vehicle moves is a great feature that many thieves aren’t aware of. In the event of your car being stolen, ScorpionTrack’s fully staffed control room will guide the police directly to the vehicle, using the advanced real-time tracking tech that is a standard feature of their S7 Tracker.
There’s also the added benefit of knowing that ScorpionTrack is an award-winning company! Find out more about this device on our Cat S7 page.

We stock a wide range of S7 trackers here at Trackerfit, so there’s plenty to choose from. Take a look at the detailed descriptions for each model to find the perfect one for you.

Once you’ve found you’re tracker, we’ll install it for free! We use the latest installation techniques to ensure any thief won’t detect or remove it. Get in touch with one of our experts today on 0203 198 2299 to get advice and ask any questions you may have.

What is the best S5 tracker?

So you’re thinking of investing in a car tracker? Smart decision. Car trackers are a great way to protect your vehicle from theft and lower your insurance premium.

Whilst doing your research, you’ve probably noticed that the category ‘S5 tracker’ keeps cropping up. S5 Trackers offer the maximum level of vehicle security and the highest Thatcham accreditation possible.

They feature technology that counteracts the concerning increase of keyless car theft, relay crime and car key theft. This makes them the best trackers on the market for protecting your vehicle and therefore are highly recommended by insurance providers. All category five trackers must have the following features:

• Remote engine immobilisation
• Motion sensors
• Automatic driver recognition (ADR)
• GPS and GSM technology
• Full police support (level 1 response)

Here at Trackerfit, we stock an extensive range of S5 trackers from the industries best providers. Here are some that we recommend…

Meta Trak S5 VTS

The Meta Track S5 is a sophisticated tracker that’s great value for money and suitable for all vehicle types.
It comes with two driver recognition tags, live tracking, 24/7 control room monitoring, instant alerts to your phone and an optional add on for remote immobilisation. It’s also Thatcham and insurance approved.
With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Meta Track is one of the largest and most trusted providers of vehicle trackers in the world. This S5 VTS is reliable and meets many of the ideal requirements for a tracking device. However, it does lack some of the impressive features you receive with a tracker of a higher price point, as seen below.

SmarTrack 5+ with D-iD™ (Including Remote Immobilisation)

The SmarTrack S5 with D-iD™ features a brand new driver identification system that uses your mobile device ( D-iD™) instead of traditional driver tags.

If any attempt is made to move your vehicle without your mobile device present, an instant alert will be sent to you and to SmarTrack’s secure operating centre. Once confirmed this is not you, they will begin tracking your vehicle and liaising directly with the police to recover your car as quickly as possible. This handy feature removes the problem of losing your driver tags and making this feature useless.

It also comes with battery disconnection alert and motion sensing alerts via their free telematics app, is compatible with all makes and models and is very reasonably priced! Overall, there’s not much we can say against the SmarTrack 5+ with D-iD.

Tracker S5 Plus

The Tracker S5 Plus is an all-around great tracker by one of the industries leading manufacturers. The combination of 3 methods of location tracking (VHF, GSM and GPS) provides Europe wide coverage, with 24/7 alert monitoring, 365 days a year. It also includes dual technology and signal jamming detection that is vital to stopping criminals from using GPS/GSM jammers to block the tracking device. It can even be tracked in containers and underground car parks.
However, considering the price of the Tracker S5 sits in the middle of our recommended products, it has some disadvantages that make it rank lower than some cheaper models. The Tracker S5 is not transferable between cars and doesn’t include remote immobilisation.

Meta Trak S5 Deadlock

The Meta Trak S5 Deadlock was developed in response to the staggering increase in vehicle thefts. It combines advanced immobilisation with Meta Trak’s new generation tracking technology, 24/7 control room monitoring and an easy-to-use app!

The Meta Trak S5 Deadlock comes with advanced driver immobilisation, which arms automatically when the engine is turned off. It also comes with remote deadlock immobilisation which can be activated via your smartphone. Once activated this prevents the vehicle from starting.

These advancements in technology will take your security to a new level, protecting you from the very latest theft methods including relay attacks, OBD compromise and key cloning. Impressive right? It’s also compatible with all makes and models. With all of these features comes a pretty high price tag, so that’s something to consider before you set your heart on this tracker.

Once you’ve found your S5 tracker, we’ll install it for free. We use the latest installation techniques to ensure any thief won’t detect or remove it.

Get in touch with one of our experts today on 0203 198 2299 to get advice and ask any questions you may have.

Despite spending most of 2020 in lockdown, with the government advising people to stay home, car thefts continued to rise. According to data from DVLA, on average 205 cars were stolen every day last year! This puts vehicle theft at a 6 year high, an increase that shows no sign of slowing down.

Of these stolen cars, the Office of National Statistics says that 36% are taken via keyless theft. Thanks to it’s growing popularity, it’s easier and cheaper than ever for thieves to buy unregulated equipment online that will help them bypass your car’s standard security system. With this equipment, it takes them as little as 6 seconds to steal your vehicle! 

How does keyless car theft work?

New technology has enabled thieves to open, start and steal your vehicle without even entering your home, or touching the car’s key. There are 3 popular types of keyless entry: via relay attack, key cloning and OBD compromise.

Relay attack: 

This is when thieves use two transmitters or relay boxes to open your car. One is held close to your car and the other near to where you keep your key - for most people, this is just outside of their front door. These transmitters lengthen the signal produced by your key, fooling the car into thinking the key is actually present.

OBD compromise:

The thief plugs a technical device into your car’s OBD port and fools the vehicle into thinking that your original key is present. 

Key cloning:

This is a particular threat to non-keyless entry cars, where your key is copied. It requires the thieves to take the customer’s original key and copy the data onto a new transponder so that it’s an identical match to the original.

Once they have been stolen, cars are likely to be stripped and sold for parts, or driven into a shipping container and sold overseas. This all tends to happen within 24 hours of your car being taken, which is why it’s essential to recover your vehicle as quickly as possible.

Having your car stolen is extremely stressful! Not only have you lost a prized possession, but you’ll have to deal with the hassle of hire cars, insurance claims and increased insurance premiums in the future. But, all of this can be avoided by adding some extra security to your vehicle.

Protect your vehicle with a tracking device

Here at Trackerfit, we provide several market-leading vehicle trackers that can be used to fight keyless car theft and protect your greatest asset. They go beyond simply checking the location of your vehicle, with some cool new features that will allow you to recover your car quickly and efficiently.

If you’re looking for total vehicle security, check out our range of S5 trackers. All of our S5 trackers have been assessed by Thatcham and meet their strictest approval criteria, which means that they’re trusted by your insurance company to offer the very best security. Take a look at our recommendations:

Meta Trak S5 

The Meta Trak S5 was developed in response to the staggering increase in vehicle thefts. With Meta Trak’s new generation tracking technology, 24/7 control room monitoring and an easy-to-use app!

Some of it’s most impressive features include:

• UK & European coverage included as standard

• Live tracking

• 24/7 control room monitoring

• Instant alerts to your phone

• Low vehicle battery alert

• Service, privacy & transport modes

• Thatcham S5 TQA & Insurance Company approved

• Location on demand via PC, laptop or smartphone

• Free Android or iOS Apps available

• Journey history & score

• Geofencing

• 2 x Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR) tags

This tracker will take your security to a new level, protecting you from the very latest theft methods including relay attacks, OBD compromise and key cloning. It’s also compatible with all makes and models.

SmarTrack S5 

The SmarTrack S5 features automatic driver recognition and comes with optional immobilisation to provide the ultimiate protection.

If any attempt is made to move your vehicle without one of the Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR) tags present, an instant alert will be sent to you and to SmarTrack’s secure operating centre. A member of staff will contact you to confirm whether the movement is unauthorised. If it is, they will begin tracking your vehicle and liaising directly with the police to recover your car as quickly as possible.

An additional layer of security available is an in-built immobilisation that can prevent a keyless attatck. There are two types:

• Automatic Immobilisation - The vehicle will only start when the authorised driver possessing the ADR tag is present. This feature can be armed and disarmed within the mobile app.

• Remote Immobilisation - In the event of a theft, the ScorpionTrack Monitoring Team can remotely immobilise the vehicle preventing the engine from being restarted.

Be safe, not sorry! If you want to protect your vehicle from thieves, invest in a car tracker today. We offer nationwide installation at your home or workplace, fitted by an accredited engineer.

View More S5 Trackers

If you’ve been thinking of investing in a car tracker but haven’t quite got round to it, this story is sure to change your mind!

As we always say, the benefits of installing a tracking device to your vehicle are endless, but the biggest benefit is security for one of your most prized possessions. Read on to hear a real-life story of how a tracker saved a woman thousands of pounds.

Once again, a GPS car tracker has saved the day! Thanks to the tracker installed on her car, a woman in Swansea was able to recover her Volvo SUV, worth £38,000, after it was stolen.

As often the case with car theft, a university lecturer woke up in the morning to find someone had been in her house during the night. They had stolen her wallet containing 400 euros, a number of personal documents and worse of all, her Volvo SUV.

But thanks to the GPS tracking device in the Volvo, she was able to use the mobile app to pinpoint the location of her vehicle, alert the authorities and catch the criminal within hours. Not only did she get her car back quickly and efficiently, but she also got all of her money and documents back too!

Tracking devices really are the best security you can get for your vehicle. Real-time tracking allows a stolen car to be located within minutes from a smartphone or laptop, and gives you peace of mind knowing that should the worse happen, you have a solution that will save you a lot of money.

This is just one of the millions of success stories told by vehicle owners that made the decision to install a tracking device to their car - and thank goodness they did!

If you want to protect one of your greatest assets, visit our website to find the perfect tracker for you. We have all sorts of makes and models from the best brands on the market, includes ones to fit cars, vans, bikes and more!

Every year, car manufacturers bring out new and exciting features to add to the wow factor of their latest models. But at the end of the day, the most important feature your car can come with is those that keep you safe whilst on the road.

Thanks to emerging technology, car accident rates are continuing to decrease year on year. In an effort to keep these numbers low and improve vehicle safety, car manufactures are continuing to adopt the latest technologies to help you avoid a crash.

If you’re looking for a new car in 2021, it’s a good idea to consider one with active safety systems such as forward collision warning, automatic braking and adaptive cruise control.

New Safety Features

Forward Collision Warning

As the name suggests, this feature detects objects in your path, whilst driving forward. It will then alert the driver, allowing them to avoid a collision. This technology works for other cars, pedestrians and other options.

Vehicles such as Lexus, Chrysler and Jaguar (just to name a few) come with forward-collision warning.

Automatic Emergency Braking

Cars with automatic braking must also have forward-collision warning. As before, it’ll provide visual and audio warnings to the driver, and if the brakes are not applied in time the brake assist will immediately stop the car.
Some vehicles come with Rear Automatic Emergency Braking, High-Speed automatic Emergency Braking, City Automatic Emergency Braking and specific Pedestrian Detection.

Lane Departure Warning

This feature monitors your position when driving in lanes along with other vehicles around you. It will alert you to cars changing lanes or approaches you so there are no bumps or accidents.

Adaptive Cruise Control

A popular feature in new cars for 2021, adaptive cruise control allows you to set a specific speed and following distance from the car in front of you. If you reach the minimum following distance you inputted, the car will automatically slow down to maintain a safe stopping distance.

Safest Cars On The Market

Lexus ES

Voted the safest hybrid and electric car of 2020, 2021 Lexus models come equipped with the Lexus Safety System Plus. This is the ultimate mix of tech to prevent accidents and keep you safe.
This includes front crash prevention with auto emergency braking, intelligent high beam system, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.

Toyota Yarris

The Toyota Yarris has always been a favourite in the UK, and the latest version is a small car with some big safety features and is good value for money.
It comes with automatic park, a pre-collision system, lane assistance, adaptive cruise control and emergency steering assist just to name a few!

Mazda MX-30

The MX-30 is Mazda’s first electric car and is a super safe SUV perfect for urban use. Thanks to it’s active, passive and battery safety measures expertly integrated, it scored top marks for protecting passengers in a collision and was also found to cause minimal damage to other cars in an accident.

There are hundreds of other makes and models that will come with a long list of safety features in 2021, whether they be standard or optional. When shopping around, be sure to look out for the features above to keep you as safe as possible on the road.

The advancement in GPS tracking has helped to dramatically reduce car theft and increase productivity. From keeping family members safe to tracking employees and recovering valuable assets, vehicle trackers come with many benefits. 

On the other hand, there are very few drawbacks of using a tracking device for your vehicle, but there are some features that may inconvenience the owner. 

Here we’ll run through all the advantages and disadvantages of vehicle trackers, including how they can improve your life and the problems associated with them so you can be fully informed if and when you decide to invest.

Advantages 

As well as allowing you to track the whereabouts of your vehicle, telematics systems gather vast amounts of information on speed, the working order of your car and engine usage. This information can be used to improve driving habits, lower fuel expenses and keep whoever is behind the wheel safe. 

1. 1) Increased Security 

Trackers can help vehicle owners protect one of their largest assets from thieves. Depending on the device you choose, it can use sensors to set off an alarm to deter theft and initiate safe zones. Safe zones, otherwise known as a geo-fence, is a virtual fence around a specific location, you will be sent an instant message when the tracker enters or leaves the virtual border, acting as an early warning system for theft. 

2. 2) Theft Recovery 

Real-time tracking allows a stolen car to be located within minutes from a smartphone or laptop, so should the worst happen you can contact the police and recover your vehicle quickly and efficiently.

3. 3) Personal Safety

Not many people are aware that some trackers can help to reduce car accidents and increase the safety of the driver. The owner of the car can set speed limits and alerts for risky driving to prevent employees or family members from driving your vehicle irresponsibly. 

4. 4) Increase Productivity

For management purposes, the benefits of GPS tracking are invaluable! Not only can you use it to increase the productivity of your employees, but you can provide your customers with the exact location of their item being delivered at any point during the shipping process.

A GPS tracker helps you monitor the location of your fleet and your employees which helps to avoid unauthorized stops and breaks and track their total milage and delivery times.

5. 5) Save Money

Whilst buying the tracking device itself can be pretty expensive, you will save money in other aspects. Such as receiving discounts on insurance policies simply by having a tracker installed, and using driving data to save money on fuel.

Disadvantages 

While installing a tracker into your vehicle has its advantages, there are some problems associated with them such as signal jamming, power dependency, privacy and cost.

1. 1) Privacy Issues 

Many people consider tracking vehicles to be an invasion of privacy, which could be an issue if you’re planning to use the device for business purposes.

Luckily, when it comes to vehicle tracking in industry, there are laws in place to protect employees personal data. As an employer, you must always get your employees permission before installing a tracking device to their vehicle and ensure they know exactly how it works.

Make sure you check out our blog posts on Vehicle Tracking Laws for Business Owners and for Employees so you know exactly what’s allowed and what isn’t.

2. 2) Price 

For a good vehicle tracker with all the mod cons, you can expect to pay quite a lot of money. But, there are trackers out there that range in price, and some are very reasonable. Do your research to make sure you’re buying a tracker that matches your needs to avoid overspending.

3. 3) Signal Jamming 

GPS trackers can be jammed by devices that disrupt the signals from the satellites which can stop you from locating your vehicle. These are becoming increasingly popular amongst tech-savvy thieves. Unfortunately, the only way to stop signal jamming is to report the problem.

4. 4) Power Sourcing 

Both battery-powered and hardwired tracking devices come with their disadvantages. Battery-powered trackers need to be kept charged at all times in order for them to work, which could become tedious. The charging time of a device varies significantly between models and they are considered easy to install. Hardwired trackers on the other hand use power from your car’s battery, so there’s no need to re-charge. However, if they’re not installed properly this can lead to its depletion, and they are more difficult to install.

Active vs Passive Trackers

Deciding whether to choose an active or passive tracker is also a decision to bear in mind. Active tracking systems collect and send data in real-time, whereas passive tracking systems collect and save their data which can be later retrieved. 

Both passive and active trackers have their advantages and disadvantages, which you can see in the table below. 

Overall, many people agree that the positives of installing a tracker to your vehicle drastically outweigh the negatives. If you’re thinking of purchasing a tracker, it’s important that you find the right one for you. Make sure you do your research to decide whether you want a passive or active system, some even use both types of tracking. We have lots of devices available here at Trackerfit, to suit all makes and models. 

Stolen Vehicle Trackers

If you’re thinking about investing in a tracking device for your car, you’re probably wondering where on the vehicle they’re installed. Well, the answer is, you can choose pretty much anywhere you like as long as it’s functional. 

Here are some locations for you to consider installing your tracking device:

• Inside the boot.

• Inside the grill.

• Attached under the seats.

• Inside the glove box.

• On the underside of the vehicle.

• Behind the plastic internal door panels.

• Under brake light cover.

• Inside the rear or front bumper.

• Inside the speaker.

• Behind the radio.

There are a few things to consider when deciding where to have your device installed, such as security, discretion and power source. Here are some things you’ll want to think about...

What Type of Tracker Do You Have?

There are 3 main types of car trackers, plug and drive, battery-powered and hardwired.

Plugin trackers are the easiest to install, but they have to be in a certain spot. All you need to do is to find the location of the onboard diagnostics (OBD) connector and plug in your device. Because they’re easy to install, they’re also portable between vehicles but are also easy to remove, so that’s something you’ll want to consider before you make your purchase.

A hard-wired tracker, on the other hand, is a great option if you want to position your tracker in a hidden place. But it needs to be connected to your cars electrical system, making them difficult to install, so you’ll probably need a professional to do it for you.

Battery-powered trackers tend to offer the most flexibility and can be placed pretty much anywhere on your vehicle. However, it’ll need to be placed somewhere that has easy access to a power source for frequent charging.

Hiding Your Tracker From Thieves 

If your tracking device is for anti-theft purposes, it’s essential that the tracker is concealed, making it hard to find and remove. Our installers at Trackerfit will choose a discrete and unique location for your device, so should your car be stolen, you will be able to track it down before thieves are even aware that they’re being tracked.

Is Your Tracker for Fleet Management?

If your GPS tracker is used for fleet tracking purposes, they tend to be installed on the dashboard through an onboard diagnostics (OBD) port. In this location, they can be used to give drivers real-time information driving routes, fuel efficiency, speed, and more. 

When a vehicle is used by an employee for both work and recreational purposes, they’ll need to have access to the tracker in order to switch it off at the end of their shift, so bear that in mind.

Think About Functionality

When deciding where to put your GPS tracker you also need to think about its security, the weather and signal blocking.

The last thing you want is for your tracking device to move or fall off whilst you’re on the road, so consider using tape, velcro or a zip tie to hold it in place.

If you decide to choose a location on the outside of your car, you should choose a tracking device that can withstand harsh weather conditions, or buy a waterproof case for the tracker if required.

Since tracking devices use GPS satellites, they need to have a view of the sky. GPS signals can go through glass and plastic but not metal. So you’ll need to choose a place that is clear of any metal obstacles that could block the signal and stop your device from working.

How To Install A Vehicle Tracker

When it comes to installing your tracker, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Unless you have a basic plug and drive device. If you do want to give it a go yourself, check out our blog post - How Do I Fit A Car Tracker?

With many people struggling financially this year, it’s no surprise that car theft is on the rise.  2020 and all that’s come with it has taken a lot from us, the last thing you want is to have the festive season ruined by thieves stealing one of your most prized possessions - your car. 

According to new figures published by Tracker, if you own one of these car brands you could be more susceptible to car theft this Christmas, so you might want to look into extra security.

1. Range Rover Sport

2. BMW X5

3. Mercedes-Benz C-Class

4. Range Rover Vogue

5. Land Rover Discovery

6. BMW X6

7. Range Rover Evoque

8. BMW 3 Series

9. Range Rover Autobiography

10. Mercedes-Benz E-Class

This usually comes down to the value of the car, their parts or how easy it is for car thieves to sell them.

Car Security Tips

To put your mind at ease, there are some easy things you can do to deter thieves and prevent your car from being stolen or broken in to. Including hiding your valuables, tactical parking and installing anti-theft devices such as vehicle trackers. Here at Trackerfit we supply and install a broad range of tracking systems for vehicles of all makes and models, if you own one of the cars listed above, we’ve put together a guide to help you choose a tracker that’s perfect for your needs.

Read more on keeping your vehicle secure in our blog post- 5 Quick and Easy Tips to Prevent Car Theft.

Range Rover Trackers 

Luxury vehicles are preferred by thieves because they can be sold on for much more, so it’s no wonder Range Rovers feature so much on the list. Should the absolute worst happen, and your Range Rover is stolen, a vehicle tracker will dramatically increase the likelihood of your vehicle being recovered swiftly. Here are the best on the market:

1. The Range Rover Trackstar

The Range Rover Trackstar is a vehicle tracker is manufactured by Teletrac Navman (formerly Trafficmaster) and approved by police forces, Landrover themselves and by Thatcham Research a vehicular insurance regulatory body. It has lots of benefits, including:

• Insurance-approved.

• Motion sensing.

• 24-hour monitoring.

• Pan-European Cover as standard.

• Approved by Range Rover.

• Transferable to your next vehicle

2. The SmarTrack Protector Pro Global

The SmartTrack Protector Pro can be fitted to any make or model of Range Rover and has excellent reviews all round! It’s also...

• Monitored 24/7 by Smartrack Secure Control Centre.

• Motion sensing alerts.

• Battery back-up.

• Worldwide coverage.

• Fully transferable.

• Optional SmarTrack D-iDT Bluetooth Driver Detection Tags

BMW Trackers

If you want to keep your BMW safe then you should consider installing a GPS security system. GPS trackers kick in if a vehicle is stolen, locating the car quickly and helping the authorities return it to you. But, which one should you choose? Here are the best trackers for BMW cars...

1. BMW RAC Trackstar

Approved by BMW as part of the trusted Trackstar range, this tracker offers reliability and safety for your car and is available at the budget end of car trackers.

• Insurance approved – may reduce premiums

• Pan-European Cover as standard

• Recovery of assets from as little as 8 minutes!

• Battery Back-up

Shop now: https://www.trackerfit.co.uk/stolen-vehicle-trackers/bmw-rac-trackstar-tm450.html

2. Tracker Retrieve

The Tracker Retrieve system is compatible with BMW vehicles and it operates using an innovative VHF (very high frequency) signal. This provides pinpoint precision across the UK and many parts of Europe.

• Cost-effective with built-in anti-jamming as standard

• Nationwide support from the UK police force

• Installed by a TRACKER Installer anywhere in the UK

• Battery back-up

• Thatcham Insurance approved

3. ScorpionTrack DRIVER S7-ALS Stolen Vehicle Tracker

A fast and responsive system, the ScorpionTrack DRIVER S7-ALS Stolen Vehicle Tracker is suited to any private or commercial vehicle and offers cost-effective security for any BMW owner.

• Tamper and Tow-away alerts

• Journey History, Geofence Alerts, Private/Business Mileage, Driver Behaviour & more

• Free live location pinging on-demand via the website and smartphone-friendly website

• Online paperless registration

• 3 Year Warranty

Mercedes Trackers

It’s unsurprising that Mercedes are among the most targeted cars in the UK. Selecting a tracker for your Mercedes that suit your requirements isn’t the easiest, especially if you have little knowledge of tracking devices. Here are some good options...

1. SmarTrack S5 with D-iDT

Perfect for all models of Mercedes the SmarTrack S5 car tracker delivers the very best tracking performance.

• Protects Mercedes from key theft

• Thatcham Category S5 Quality Assured

• Free Global Telemetrics app

• D-iDT Bluetooth Driver Detection System supplied with 2 tags

• Protects vehicle from key theft

• Motion Sensing Alerts

• European coverage as standard

2. Vodafone Protect & Connect S5 VTS

The Vodafone Protect & Connect S5 VTS has a discreet pocket-sized card that you carry with you whenever you drive your Mercedes and is compatible with all makes and models.

• Fully automatic 'arm' and 'disarm' feature via ADR cards

• The unit provides alerts if it detects unauthorised movement.

• Battery back-up

• Insurance approved tracking system

• Automatic driver recognition

3. Tracker S5 Plus

A staggering 95% of stolen Mercs fitted with a TRACKER car tracking system are returned to their owners! This is the most advanced tracking device and enables early detection of theft, fast and accurate tracking and the technology to overcome the most professional and determined thieves. 

• VHF, GSM and GPS location tracking provides Europe wide coverage
• Driver tags to identify unauthorised use of your vehicle
• Protects vehicle from key theft
• Motion sensor
• Backup battery in the event of theft
• GSM and GPS anti-jamming measures

Buy now: Tracker S5 Plus

All of our trackers offer excellent protection for your vehicles. Check out our other trackers and get in touch for more information or buy online today.

With such a vast range of different vehicle trackers now on the market, finding the right one for your needs can be a challenge. It’s essential that you choose a tracker that’s good quality and actually works how you need it to work. The best way to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product is to buy from a trusted brand with a good reputation.

Here you’ll find a guide to the 6 best car tracker brands on the market, all of which are sold by Trackerfit! 

1. SmarTrack

SmarTrack's Vehicle Trackers are recognised as the market leader in Insurance approved vehicle tracking systems throughout the UK! They’re especially recognised for 'Thatcham Quality Assured' stolen vehicle trackers, asset location solutions and labour warranty.

They also have some of the best recovery rates in the country! Their latest published recovery figures show they are currently at 110% RECOVERY and have won 21 industry awards in the last 12 years. So, when it comes to choosing a brand with a good reputation, SmarTrack is a good way to go.

Their tracking systems have an optional add-on feature that can be installed, allowing the driver to add immobilization to the vehicle via text message, making it ideal for agricultural equipment too.

They have a super broad range of vehicle trackers with various abilities to suit different models of cars & other vehicles, with a range of prices. Take a look: https://www.trackerfit.co.uk/brands/smartrack.html?

2. Vodafone Automotive (formerly Cobratrak)

All of Vodafone CobraTrak's vehicle tracking solutions are Thatcham accredited and recognised by major insurers. They use the latest GPS and GSM technology, providing pinpoint accuracy and unparalleled service levels.

A great advantage to Vodafone Cobrais is that they own all the Control centres across Europe so they do not outsource when tracking, making the process faster.

They’re recommended by a long list of popular car brands, including:

• Audi

• Volkswagen

• Porsche

• Ferrari

• Maserati

• Seat

• Renault

• Mitsubishi

• Bentley

• Lamborghini

• Hummer

• Bugatti

• Alfa Romeo

• Nissan

So if you have one of these cars, exploring Vodafone CobraTrak trackers could be a good option for you. Each tracker has its own pro’s and cons which you can find out on our website. https://www.trackerfit.co.uk/brands/vodafone-automotive-cobratrak.html

3. Tracker

As one of the first tracking companies in the UK, Tracker has been well known and trusted by manufacturers for a long time. Tracker is approved by Thatcham and is recommended by major insurers, so is a good one for reducing your insurance premiums.

Tracker UK takes tracing vehicles to the next level of recovery thanks to their unique high-frequency technology. They even have the support of all police forces with their interceptor cars & helicopters equipped with Trackers locate track & trace equipment - so they must be good!

Tracker is specifically recommended by the following car brands:

• Mercedes Benz

• Lexus

• Toyota

4. Trackstar

Trackstar by Teletrac Navman (formerly Trafficmaster) uses the latest in GPS stolen vehicle tracking technology to locate and track your vehicle, liaise with the police and recover your vehicle as quickly as possible. In less salesy words, the recovery speed is their strong suit!

Trackstar’s stolen vehicle trackers are one of the most sophisticated vehicle tracker brands on the market. Favoured and officially approved by more than 20 major car manufacturers, as well as car insurance companies, you can rest assured that your vehicle is as safe as can be and will decrease your insurance prices. 

Trackers by this brand are particularly great for the following car brands:

• Jaguar

• Land Rover

• Range Rover

• BMW

We stock a variety of great vehicle trackers by this brand, check them out: 

https://www.trackerfit.co.uk/brands/trackstar.html

5. ScorpionTrack

ScorpionTrack's award-winning tracking devices are all insurance approved and designed and manufactured right here in the UK. Winners of 'Security Product of the Year' 2012-2013 ScorpionTrack vehicle trackers are amongst the best in the industry. Thanks to their broad range of price, you can spend as little or as much as you like, and still end up with a good product!

24-hour monitoring of ScorpionTrack vehicle trackers is done by the Scorpion European Control Centre based in the UK, and installations are carried out by Thatcham Approved Installers, at a time and place that is convenient to you.

https://www.trackerfit.co.uk/brands/scorpiontrack.html

6. British Tracking Systems

Last but not least, British Tracking Systems. As you’d guess from their name, these trackers are all manufactured here in the UK. They offer the latest in Tracking Technology using Glonass and GPS Satellites for location and are monitored 24/7 by Global Telemetrics. 

They’re best known for their plant, caravan and motorcycle trackers, so if you’re looking for a tracker for any of these vehicles, visit our website. https://www.trackerfit.co.uk/brands/british-tracking-systems.html

Hopefully, this has given you a clearer idea on which vehicle tracker brands are the best of the best. For more information on the brands of stolen vehicle trackers we stock here at Trackerfit, call our experts on 0800 756 5100.

Vehicle tracking can be beneficial for both employer’s and employees, so it’s not uncommon for company cars to contain a tracker. The data they produce can improve efficiency, reduce costs and help keep employees and assets, safe.

However, laws around vehicle trackers are often misunderstood which can lead to them being misused. This could be seen as an invasion of privacy, but thankfully there are laws in place to protect you. If your work vehicle is tracked by your employer, then it’s important that you understand your rights so you can ensure that these laws are being followed.

UK Laws for Vehicle Tracking 

Company vehicle tracking devices produce data about the use of the vehicle by its driver. The way this data is used must comply with several areas of legislation regarding data protection, employee rights and human rights. Specifically, The Human Rights Act, The Data Protection Act 1998 and GDPR 2018, which you may want to familiarise yourself with.

In 2018 the UK government increased the penalties for failing to protect personal data. This means that businesses can still store personal employee data on secure servers and use it to improve their business, but they need to check that they have the proper consent to gather, store and process that data. In other words, your employee must get your consent before they install a tracker to your vehicle. 

The new laws regarding personal data state that data must be:

1. processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner

2. collected for specified, explicit and legitimate purposes and not further processed in a manner that is incompatible with those purposes; further processing for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes shall, in accordance with Article 89, not be considered to be incompatible with the initial purposes

3. adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary in relation to the purposes for which they are processed

4. accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date; every reasonable step must be taken to ensure that personal data that are inaccurate, are erased or rectified without delay

5. kept in a form which permits identification of data subjects for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which the personal data are processed

6. processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security of the personal data, including protection against unauthorised or unlawful processing and against accidental loss, destruction or damage, using appropriate technical or organisational measures

This can be difficult to understand but we’ve made it simpler for you below.

What Can Your Employee Use Tracking Data For?

It’s completely legal for your employer to track your company vehicle, but any data collected must only be used for management purposes. They are NOT to be used to check up on you or observe your behaviour whilst at work. 

If your company is using the data collected to monitor employee behaviour then they will be in breach of vehicle tracking laws so make sure you’re aware of what information is monitored and when.

Tracking Outside of Work Hours 

Many people use their work car for personal use, don’t be put off doing this just because there is a tracker installed. The vehicle tracker is legally not allowed to be turned off when you’re driving outside of work hours. There should be a privacy button that you can press to turn off the data collection and ensure that you are not being monitored outside of your working hours.

What Do You Need To Know?

• Make sure your employer explains in detail what type of vehicle tracking system is being used and how it works

• The precise nature of the information that it provides

• The reason as to why the company has chosen to implement a company vehicle tracking system

• Where the privacy button is if you use the car for personal use

Hopefully, this has helped you to understand your rights as an employee when it comes to vehicle tracking. 

If you’re a business owner and are thinking of investing in vehicle trackers, we have a page to tell you

If you’re a business owner that’s thinking about using vehicle tracking devices for fleet management purposes, you must understand data protection laws and your rights to your employees tracking data. Failing to comply with these laws can lead to fines and convictions, and you don’t want that.

It can be hard to understand the ins and outs of data protection laws, but we’ve made it simple for you. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the laws surrounding vehicle tracking, so you can be sure that you know exactly what is allowed and what isn’t. 

Installing GPS trackers into your vehicles will allow you to collect data on daily performance rates as well as staff members’ location. Among many other benefits, trackers will allow you to analyse and improve your business decisions and keep track of your employees. 

While this is beneficial for the employer, it can be seen as a breach of privacy for employees, which is why there are laws to protect them from the use of their personal data. Fleet managers need to be particularly aware of the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 that sets out the rules for the collection, use and sharing of data.

The Data Protection Act 1998 

The Data Protection Act 1998, controls how personal information is used by organisations, businesses or the government. Everyone responsible for using personal data has to follow strict rules called data protection principles. This includes data obtained through a vehicle tracker. 

Vehicle tracking laws ensure that employers respect their employees’ right to data privacy and that any personal data will not be misused. Data must be:

• Used fairly, lawfully and transparently

• Used for specified, explicit purposes

• Used in a way that is adequate, relevant and limited to only what is necessary

• Accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date

• Kept for no longer than is necessary

• Handled in a way that ensures appropriate security, including protection against unlawful or unauthorised processing, access, loss, destruction or damage

What Does This Mean for Vehicle Tracking?

Some of the legal implications of the Data Protection Act are defined by a thin line, making it hard to determine when data becomes personal rather than business-related.

Here are some common things that can unintentionally put business owners at risk of facing lawsuits or fines and some tips to avoid them.

You Must Not Check Up On Your Employees

There are no laws against a business tracking their vehicles if the employees driving them agree to it. However, the data collected must only be used for the management purpose of the company. 

This means that you can track the vehicle, but not your employees. If the data gathered is used to monitor employee behaviour in their workplace, then you will be in breach of vehicle tracking laws. Always let your employees know before making any decisions regarding the vehicle tracking device and allow them to give their consent.

Can You Hide the Tracker?

Hiding a tracking device is the smart thing to do when installing it to your vehicle as it can prevent theft. However, you must inform the employee driving the vehicle that there is a tracker in place and exactly what it is tracking.

To avoid any confusion, its best to make sure that all of your employees know and agree to where the tracker is, how and when it tracks and what data it collects.

Trackers Must Not Be Active Outside of Work Hours

It’s not uncommon for employees to use their work vehicles for personal use too. If this is the case with your employees it doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to install a GPS tracker, it just means you cannot use it outside of their working hours.

Many devices come with a privacy button. This button allows the employee to turn off the data collection and ensure that they are not being monitored whilst they are not working. 

As an employer, it’s important that you buy a tracker that has the necessary features, such as a privacy button, and that you inform your employees that they must turn the tracker off after work. 

GPS-Jamming Devices Are Prohibited 

A GPS jammer is a typically small, self-contained, transmitter device used to conceal your location by sending radio signals with the same frequency as a GPS tracking device. Any device that can damage, replace or abuse the data collected is strictly prohibited. In the wrong hands, the recorded data can be damaging to your employee driving the vehicle.

Be sure to jamming devices present and safeguard all the data collected by your tracker. It’s your responsibility as an employer to make sure that no data is misused or leaked outside the company walls.

Why Does Your Business Need a Vehicle Tracking System?

In today’s economy businesses are looking for ways of making their workforce more efficient. There are many benefits to investing in a Fleet Tracking System, whether it's for a small or large number of vehicles.

Want to know more? Let one of our experts talk you through the benefits and advise you on the best Fleet Tracking System for your needs. Call us on 0800 756 5100.

The benefits of having a car tracker are endless! They prevent theft, reduce your insurance costs and your running costs. But if you’re on this page, we’re betting you already know the benefits and have decided to purchase your own tracking device. Now you’re wondering how the installation process works.

It’s essential that a vehicle tracker is fitted properly to prevent thieves from disabling it and to make sure it works correctly. The decision to install the device yourself or use a professional depends on the type of tracker you have and how well you know your way around a car.

Some insurance companies insist that the tracking device is installed by a certified professional, so it’s important to check that before you move forward. 

We always recommend that you seek the help of a professional installer or at the very least, their advice. However, if you do opt to install your tracker yourself then you’ll want to follow these steps.

1. Decide Where to Put Your Tracker

First things first, you need to decide where on your car the GPS tracker is going to be fitted. If your tracking device is for anti-theft purposes, it is important that the tracker is concealed, making it hard to find and remove.

Keep in mind, that the tracker should be able to pick up direct satellite signals, so you’ll need to choose a place that is hidden and secure but without any obstacles. If you choose an area with obstacles that can block the satellite signals, your tracking device won't work to its full potential.

If your tracker is battery-powered, it’ll need to be placed somewhere that has easy access to a power source for frequent charging. It’s also important to note that if you decide to choose a location on the outside of your vehicle, it’s a good idea to make sure you have a tracking device that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Alternatively you can buy a waterproof case for the tracker if required.

Here are some locations for you to consider installing your tracking device:

• Inside the boot.
• Inside the grill.
• Attached under the seats.
• Inside the glove box.
• On the underside of the vehicle.
• Behind the plastic internal door panels.
• Under brake light cover.
• Inside the rear or front bumper.
• Inside the speaker.
• Behind the radio.

The last thing you want is your tracking device moving or falling off whilst you’re on the road, so consider using tape, velcro or a zip tie to hold it in place.

2. Connect Your Device to a Power Source

There are 2 types of GPS tracking devices; battery-powered trackers and ones that need to be hardwired to the car battery. 

Using a battery powered tracking device is the easiest option if you decide you want to install it yourself. These devices will need to be charged every so often for them to work, the charging time of a device varies significantly between models. 

Connecting the tracker to your car's electrical system means there's no need to recharge. However, the process of installing it is more complicated and varies from vehicle to vehicle. If you’re not familiar with the details of your vehicle's wiring then be sure to seek the advice of a professional.  

If you decide to go ahead with hard wiring your GPS tracker into your vehicle, you’ll need to follow these steps:

• Find a continuous 12v-24vDC power source and attach the wiring harness to the tracker transceiver. 
• Take around an inch of insulation from the wire with the power source and create a loop in the wire with a sharp object.
• Also remove an inch of insulation from the red wire on your tracker.
• Twist the ends of the red wire on the tracking device and poke through the loop you made on the wire from the cars power source.
• Close the loop shut and twist the red wire around it and wrap it in electrical tape. 
• Next, find your cars ignition wire and connect it to the white wire on the tracking device.
• Lastly, connect the tracking device’s ground wire to the ground wire of your vehicle.

3.  Download the Tracking Software

You’ll need to set up the vehicle tracking software to complete the installation process. Each tracker will have its own unique software and installation process, which you can find in your instruction manual. 

After you’ve installed your tracking device and downloaded the software, you need to check that the GPS is working properly and communicating with your computer or phone. You should have on screen instructions on your providers website. You can then use a mobile app to view the location of your car anytime, anywhere! 

Looking for an Installer?

If you haven’t purchased a tracker yet, we have lots of vehicle trackers available for you to choose from and installation is included in the price! We also have a team of nationwide thatcham approved installers should you need them.

GPS trackers (or global positioning systems) are now a standard part of everyday life. They’re in our phones, laptops and our cars. They make it easy for us to get directions, deliveries and fight car crime.

We think it’s fair to say GPS has changed the world for the better. If you could prevent a thief from stealing your car with a piece of technology, it’s worth the investment.

But what is that investment? Paying more than the value of a car for a GPS wouldn’t render your purchase cost-effective – fortunately, you can wipe the sweat off your brow because they’ll never be that much.

In this article, we’re going to tell you how much a GPS tracker is and how much you can expect to pay for installation.

How Much Is a GPS Tracker?

As with most pieces of technology, GPS tracker prices vary based on the features and sophistication of the device you’re using. Prices can start at £30 for the most basic tracker (which we wouldn’t advise) and go up to £700 plus for a more refined model.

Our vehicle trackers start at around £150 and go up from there; we don’t buy substandard trackers as we don’t like people coming back and complaining that their tracker is useless!

Consider What Type of Tracker You Need

Before you buy a tracker, consider what you need it to do. Is it for:

• Personal use
• Business use
• Fleet
• Motorhome
• Machinery
• Van
• Quad bike
• Boat
• Trailer
• Motorbike

Further Reading: How to Choose the Best Car Tracker

Determine Your Budget

Before you buy any tracker, you need to know what budget you’re working with. There’s no point going for a £500 tracker if you’ve given yourself a £300 budget. Which brings us to…

What Features Do You Need?

In the tech world, more features = pricier product, so determine what you need and what’s an optional extra. We’re always offering great deals, so you can get more for your budget anyway. Some of the features you will want to consider are:

• Real-time tracking
• Trip history
• Alerts
• Anytime anywhere access
• Geofencing
• Historical reports and dashboard summary
• Easy-to-use interface
• Access control and user management
• Analytics

Are You Ready to Browse Our Trackers?

You can view our full range of trackers from top manufacturers and decide for yourself – happy browsing!

For anyone that owns a vehicle, car theft is a worry! But there are some easy ways you can deter thieves and prevent your car from being stolen or broken in to. We’ve put together 5 tips:

1. Install an Anti-Theft Device 

Any anti-theft device will deter a thief, so it’s a good idea to get one installed.

When choosing a car to break into, thieves are typically looking for a car with minimal security that will be easy-to-access. They're unlikely to choose a vehicle with a visible anti-theft device installed because they take a lot of time and effort to remove, instead they will just move on to the next car.

Effective anti-theft devices include wheel locks, tire locks, tracking devices and even deterring stickers placed in the window stating there is security in place.

We stock a variety of professional vehicle trackers that will allow you to track down and retrieve your car without the thief ever knowing you’re on your way.

2. Hide Your Valuables 

From a criminal's point of view, the ideal car is one that's full of valuables. A common mistake made by car owners is leaving items in plain sight. Phones, laptops, sat-navs, chargers, money, handbags or backpacks are all common things that might be left in a car that will attract attention. Always make sure you take these items with you when leaving your car unattended or hide them in a concealed place. 

Keeping your car clean and tidy is also a good way to deter thieves. Untidy cars are more likely to attract unwanted attention because there's likely to be hidden valuables within the mess.

It’s also important to make sure there are no documents that contain your personal details on display, such as your name and address. This can lead criminals to your home and open you up to further theft.

3. Deter Thieves With Visible Security

Make sure your doors are locked and your windows are shut every time you leave your vehicle. This may seem like an obvious point, but you’d be surprised at how often car owners accidentally leave their cars unlocked and their windows open. 

Easy access and a lack of visible security are exactly what car thieves are looking for! The best way to deter criminals is to fit in a car alarm, get a sticker saying the vehicle is alarmed and install a car tracker.

4. Store Your Keys in a Secure Place

Many modern cars have a keyless entry system that allows you to enter your car if the key is within range. Whilst keyless entry has removed the threat of thieves hot wiring a car, it now poses a new threat. Car thieves have developed systems that trick the car into thinking the device in their possession is the owner’s key fob from being within close proximity to the keys, allowing them to enter the car. 

Many people keep their car keys in their hallway, on a hook by the door or on the side downstairs which allows these devices to work. Make sure you keep your car keys in a secure place at a safe distance from your car to prevent this from happening.

Doing this will also prevent thieves from seeing your keys and trying your door to see if it’s unlocked to get them.

For more information on keyless car theft, see our blog post about How to Prevent Keyless Car Theft in 2020.

5. Tactical Parking

Simple parking techniques could prevent your car from being stolen! Not many people are aware of these tricks, but they work…

When parking in public, turn your wheels to face the pavement or the car you’re parked next to. As mentioned previously, thieves are looking for convenience and want to remain as inconspicuous as possible, so anything that will take more effort to move will be a hindrance. 

When parking at home, make sure to use your drive if you have one! This means the thief will have to come closer to your home which they generally don’t like doing.

Keep Your Car Safe

If you want to keep your car safe, it’s best to use one or more of the tips above. Remember, the more difficult your car is to access, the less attractive your car will be to thieves. 

The benefits of installing a car tracker are endless! Should your vehicle be stolen, they enable the police to track your vehicle and help you recover it as quickly as possible. 

This not only increases the safety of your car, but it can help to reduce insurance costs too.

With a large selection of car trackers on the market choosing one that provides sufficient security and is compatible with your vehicle can be quite tricky. 

You must take the time to research your specific needs and choose the best car tracker for you.

Here are our top tips for choosing the perfect car tracker for you:

1. Work Out Your Budget

Car trackers will vary in price depending on the brand you choose and the features you’d like. Some can be costly, but there are cheaper options available too. Working out your budget will help you to narrow down your search.

Once you have worked out your budget, we can talk you through your options and help you to make the right choice.

2. Do Your Research

Do some research and take a look at the different brands of car trackers that are out there, some brands are more credible than others. Ensuring that you use a reliable brand will give you peace of mind knowing that your car is safe and your investment isn’t wasted.

Here at Trackerfit, we’ve made this part easy for you!  All of the vehicle trackers we stock are insurance approved and installed by Thatcham Approved Installers. So, whichever tracker you choose, you can relax knowing you’re in great hands.

3. Decide Which Features Are Best For You

Better features may enhance your security, but they can also mean that your bill is higher. You should consider carefully what features you will use, choosing a tracker with features that you don’t need will just bump up the price unnecessarily. 

For instance, some car trackers can double as car alarms. The monitoring company will be able to remotely disable the car's starter when the alarm is set off providing extra security. Others are transferable between vehicles. If you’re considering changing your car soon, this could be an excellent feature for you!

There are many choices out there, but we can make it easier for you. We have over 25 years of experience with all types of vehicles, and our experts are on hand to advise you of the different features on offer.

4. Get a Tracker That Will Monitor You Wherever You Go

Some car trackers will require you to report the car as stolen before the tracker can be activated. Others may only work in specific locations, and so your vehicle will be unprotected if you travel abroad. All of our trackers have European coverage, so if you shop with us, that won’t be an issue.

5. Make Sure You are Aware of Any Extra Costs

Some car trackers have monthly fees or other subscriptions that you must purchase with the tracker, for example, if you have a monitored alarm. Our experts can make sure that there are no hidden surprises when you buy your tracker.

Here at TrackerFit, we can help you make the right choice. We’ve put together this handy table allowing you to compare all the vehicle trackers we offer. Here you can take a look at our top recommended vehicle tracking systems and choose the best car tracker for your needs.

   

 

Insurance Approved

24hr Monitoring

Nationwide Installation

Fitted by Approved Installers

European Coverage

Motion Sensing Alert

Battery Backup

Low Battery Alert

Battery Disconnect Alerts

Transferable

Internet Enabled

GPS & GSM Blocking Alerts

Encrypted Remote Fobs

Remote Engine Immobilisation

Warranty

Technology

12/24 Volts

Subscriptions (From)

Price (inc VAT)

Tracker Monitor

3 Yrs

VHF

12 / 24 Volts

£169.00

RRP £361.00 £179.00

VIEW TRACKER

Tracker Locate

3 Yrs

GPS, GSM + VHF

12 / 24 Volts

£189.00

RRP £462.00 £265.00

VIEW TRACKER

Vodafone Protect and Connect S7 Tracker

GSM Only

3 Yrs

GPS / GSM

12 Volts

£99.00

RRP £399.00 £199.00

VIEW TRACKER

Trackstar S7 TM470

2 Yrs

GPS / GSM

12 Volts

£168.00

RRP £399.00 £199.00

VIEW TRACKER

SmarTrack Protector Pro Global

Via App

3 Yrs

GPS/GPRS/GSM/LBS

12 / 24 Volts

£12.99

RRP £349.00 £189.00

VIEW TRACKER

SmarTrack S5 Tracker with D-iD T2

3 Yrs

GPS/GLONASS, GPRS & GSM

12 / 24 Volts

£16.99

RRP £699.00 £379.00

VIEW TRACKER

Compare Trackers

Need further assistance? Don't worry; our experts are on hand to give you free advice on choosing the car tracking system that is right for you. Call us now on 0800 096 3092!

A lot of us are still working at home as lockdown restrictions ease. And as we start to leave the house more and leave our cars at home, we need to consider the chances of theft and how we can prevent it.

Here are two articles where we’ve discussed car theft during the Covid-19 pandemic:

• Your Car Could Be at Risk During Lockdown: Here Are Our Solutions 

• What is Catalytic Converter Theft & What Cars Are Targeted By Thieves

The facts are that whether there’s a pandemic or not, our cars remain a target for thieves. Here are 6 ways you can keep your car safe when it’s at home.

1. Get a GPS Tracking Device

A GPS is small, but if a thief does notice one, they’re more than likely to leave the car because giving away their location is a one-way ticket to jail. If a thief does manage to steal your vehicle, the GPS will track their location, making it easier for police to retrieve your car. 

How Do Vehicle Trackers Work?

2. Turn Your Wheels

If you’re parking on the kerb, you’ll need to turn them towards the pavement, if you have a driveway or you’re parked next to another car turn them towards the object. It’ll mean the crooks have to manoeuvre their way out of trouble. If they clip another car, it could set off the alarm or alert somebody to what’s happening. While there’s a risk of damage, it’ll be at a slow speed so the risks will be minimal. With any luck, the thief will lose their nerve and flee.

3. Get a Steering Wheel Lock

While a thief might miss a GPS tracker or your wheels being turned, they won’t miss a steering wheel lock - which is an excellent visual deterrent. Most thieves will move onto the next car if they spot a steering wheel lock, so it’s a worthy investment. Cheaper models will be between £25-£50, but prices can go up to £100-150.

4. Signal Blocking Pouch

Keyless car theft is on the rise as thieves mimic the wireless signals transmitted by a car owner’s key fob device, meaning they can steal a car in minutes. If you have a keyless car, ensure you buy a blocking pouch, and if you can, turn off the wireless signal when you aren’t using the car so the thieves can’t tap into it.

5. Window Etching

The service involves etching a unique code and the International Security Register (ISR) logo into the car windows. The unique code is linked to a secure database that all UK police forces can access. It deters theft as etched vehicles are 45% less likely to be stolen and 50% more likely to be retrieved. Window etching is also cheap at around £20.

6. Get Security Cameras

If you’re concerned about your vehicle, you could get security cameras installed at your property. You’ll want to get cameras that give a clear picture and keep them out of reach if you can. You can also use signs that tell the thief they’re being watched, which should put them off.

Is Your Car Safe?

If you think your car may be at risk from thieves, you should take action right away. Think about where you live, how safe your neighbourhood is and whether you have access to a drive or a garage. If you want to explore getting a vehicle tracker, visit our vehicle trackers page to view our range.

Catalytic converters are both a blessing and a curse for modern motorists. On the positive side, they reduce toxic gases from exhaust emissions, on the negative side they’re an in-demand commodity for thieves.

In September 2019 the BBC reported a rise in catalytic converter thefts - up to 2984 in the first six months of 2019 compared to 1674 in the whole of 2018.

The rise in catalytic converter thefts is due to the value of the metals that make them. Thieves can cash in as much as £1300 for an ounce of palladium and £4300 for an ounce of rhodium.

What is Catalytic Converter & How Are They Stolen?

A catalytic converter is an exhaust emissions control device that reduces the release of harmful gases into the atmosphere. Manufacturers have been instaling the devices on most cars since the 90s, but thefts have only rocketed in the past 12-18 months.

Thieves can steal catalytic converters in minutes and will often return to a vehicle after a new one is fitted. Thefts wreak havoc for car owners who are often disowned by their insurance company which makes it harder to get a reasonable premium elsewhere.

To steal the converter, thieves must access the box on the exhaust pipe. Once they’ve slid under the car, they use powerful cutting tools to take the box from the car. Watch this video from Nottinghamshire Police to see how it can be done in under one minute.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qybMIkySaXk

Car Owners Need to Be Alert As Lockdown Eases

Dozens of police forces in the UK have reported spikes in catalytic converter thefts in recent weeks. With more people going out and about, thieves are spotting more opportunities to steal the converters.

In Berkshire, a paramedic had her car stolen, which meant she couldn’t get to work. She also has to replace her car after the insurance company said the cost of repairs outweighs the value of the car. Her daughter-in-law set up a Just Giving page to help her raise the money.

While catalytic converters make up around 1% of insurance claims, the damage to people’s cars is often irreversible and can cost them large sums of money. Be vigilant and do everything you can to protect your car.

Which Cars Are Targeted for Catalytic Converter Theft?

In petrol and diesel cars the metal is more likely to corrode, meaning thieves can’t extract as much value from them and they should remain untouched. Hybrid cars are the most likely to come under threat from thieves, as the catalytic converter isn’t required some of the time, meaning it’s less likely to corrode. Electric cars don’t have catalytic converters, so you don’t need to worry if you own an electric car.

Admiral report that these cars are the most susceptible to catalytic converter theft:

• Honda Jazz

• Toyota Prius

• Toyota Auris

• Lexus RX

However, if you have any hybrid car you should take measures to protect it as thieves will target any car they can make money from.

How to Protect Your Car From Catalytic Converter Thieves

Police forces across the country list the following measures to help keep your car safe:

• Park in a garage or well-lit, built-up area.

• Park closer to fences, walls, kerbs or other cars. This makes the theft more difficult. Be careful not to block anyone’s path.

• Don’t mount your car on the kerb because it makes the theft easier.

• If you have a bolt-on converter, get your local garage to weld them on.

• Get a cage clamp, which bolts around the converter.

• Speak to a garage about a tilt sensor, which activates your alarm if someone jacks it up.

• Call the police if you see suspicious behaviour.

Further Reading: Car Theft Risk During Pandemic: Here's the Solution

Car theft numbers have risen 60% in the last three years, a fact experts put down to decreasing numbers of police on the streets.

It makes sense, the less police presence, the more likely you are to get away unscathed. With many UK workers still furloughed or working remotely, their cars are prime targets for thieves who are ‘window shopping’ for potential steals.

Because of a lack of movement of the cars themselves, thieves can get a better idea of when cars are static for long periods. And as people increase their exercise limits but leave their vehicles at home, it’s a prime opportunity for thieves to monitor and steal.

The Midlands is the Car Theft County

Car thefts aren’t up in all parts of the country, Wiltshire reported a 79% decrease and Humberside reported a 36% decrease. 

However, Staffordshire reported a 54% increase, the West Midlands saw a 45% increase and Nottinghamshire saw a 50% increase.

Thieves Are Getting Smart

Thieves are finding more sophisticated ways to steal cars, such as the keyless technology fobs they use to steal keyless cars. They’re also getting quicker returns on stolen vehicles, which means they can steal more and make money quicker than usual.

Many car owners think that parking a car outside their house or on a drive is a deterrent to thieves, but this doesn’t seem to be the case.

How to Prevent it

Car owners are being advised to keep their keys out of sight, as opportunistic thieves may see a window or door open and rush inside to claim them.

Owners are also being advised to keep their cars in well-lit areas and use CCTV, garages or wheel locks to prevent thieves from stealing their vehicles. 

With the recent lift of restrictions for non-essential retail, it should be fairly easy for those of us who are still spending large amounts of the day at home to pick up a preventative measure.

Get a Tracker

Unfortunately, any car can be stolen with the right equipment and know-how, so it’s best to get a tracker. A tracker will help the police to locate your car as soon as it’s stolen, meaning recovery chances are much higher than cars that don’t have such technology.

Here are five tips for keeping your car safe while you’re isolating, out exercising or working from home:

1. Keep your keys out of sight, not in windows or anywhere near your front door. Also, ensure you have the preventative equipment for keyless cars, like a Faraday pouch.

2. If your keys are wireless, turn the wireless signal off to prevent thieves tricking the key system. If there isn’t a direct switch, contact your manufacturer.

3. Fit the vehicle with a tracking device, if your car is stolen there’s a better chance of getting it back.

4. Park in a defensive way, if you have several cars in your home you can block each other in.

5. Buy a physical deterrent like a wheel lock as most modern thieves are equipped with technology, not tools.

Further Reading: What is Keyless Car Theft?

On the one hand, keyless cars are a convenient, cutting-edge piece of technology that many car buyers find attractive. However, like most car safety systems, they have their downfalls and cunning thieves can breach them with the right knowledge and equipment.

Your car may have been stolen before, or you may be considering buying a keyless car. We’re going to show you how to prevent your keyless car from being stolen by thieves.

What is Keyless Car Theft?

Car thieves have developed systems that trick the car into thinking the device in their possession is the owner’s key fob. The car opens, the thief enters and then drives off. The owner may not even be aware the car is gone until much later, and there is no damage to the car or alert because the device tricks the system into thinking it hasn’t been stolen. By the time the owner realises, the car is long gone and could even be dismantled and sold.

What Cars Are Stolen the Most?

If you own any of these cars, there’s more chance of it being stolen.

1. Range Rover Sport

2. BMW X5

3. Mercedes-Benz C-Class

4. Range Rover Vogue

5. Land Rover Discovery

6. BMW X6

7. Range Rover Evoque

8. BMW 3 Series

9. Range Rover Autobiography

10. Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Any keyless car can be stolen, but factors such as sell-on price, parts price, the location and how easy it is to steal will come into play.

How to Protect a Keyless Car

Use a Signal Blocking Pouch

A signal blocking pouch does what it says on the tin! The pouch contains metallic layers that prevent any waves from transmitting to the car or any other device. They’re cheap to buy and usually do the job. However, you should check reviews as some report their cars being stolen when their keys were in the pouch.

Check if You Can Turn Off Your Wireless Signal

Some manufacturers offer the ability to turn off the wireless signal which means thieves can’t hack into it. However, some manufacturers aren’t using this technology, make sure you check before you buy or contact your manufacturer if you already have the car.

Install a Tracker

While a tracker won’t help you prevent your car being stolen, it’s instrumental in the mission to find it when it has been stolen. Even if you find your car has been stolen hours later, the police can still use your tracking device to locate it. Without a tracker, it’s incredibly difficult to locate a car unless the police get to the scene of the crime quickly.

Get a Steering Wheel Lock

Most thieves are equipped with technological tools rather than physical tools these days, so putting something on your car that requires mechanical tools and physical graft can act as a deterrent if the thieves do bypass the keyless system.

Reprogramme Your Keys

If you’re buying a second-hand car, you’ll want to get the keys reprogrammed so you’re confident nobody else has a set. This can be a pricey affair, but it’s worth it if you want peace of mind.

Park Strategically

For example, if you’ve got several cars in your household and you can ‘block’ the car with the keyless access in, you can deter thieves from trying to steal it. Also, if you’ve got a garage you can use, put your car in there.

Use More Than Method

If you want to keep your keyless car safe, it’s best to use a few of the methods listed above. The more obstacles a thief faces, the more likely they are to give up.

 Further Reading: What is Keyless Car Theft?

The car industry is in the midst of cleaning up its act as manufacturers are beginning to embrace electrification. That means a lot of hybrid and electric models are set to arrive on the scene, as well as some impressive traditional petrol engine cars!

Some of 2020’s best releases have already had the covers pulled off, but there are still plenty of big debuts to be excited about this year. We’ll be taking a look at our favourites from the year so far, and some of our favourites yet to come!

Supercars

Maserati MC20

This beauty was unveiled as a concept way back in 2014, and after a lot of testing and anticipation, it’s finally going to become a reality in 2020! Maserati was supposed to reveal the MC20 in May, but due to the coronavirus, the release date has been delayed to September.

From the photos we’ve seen so far, it seems like the sports car will feature a retro design, but that’s just speculation. All we know for sure is that it will have a turbocharged V6 engine with hybrid and EV versions to follow. It’s safe to say that we have high expectations for this one! 

Lotus Evija

It seems as though Lotus is back with a bang! They’ve revealed their plans to start production on Britain's first-ever electric hypercar, the Evija this year. A near £2m marvel with a speed of 0-184mph in under nine seconds and a 70kWh battery provides the range for up to 250 miles. It’s certainly ambitious, let’s hope they can pull it off!

McLaren 765LT

McLaren have revealed its latest supercar, and it’s all about the power (as if they needed any more)! They describe the 765LT longtail as radical, relentless and reborn. It’s basically an improved version of the 720s, featuring carbon fibre body parts and innovative aerodynamics making it lighter and faster! 

Everyday

BMW M3

Although there are lots of electric cars on the scene right now, petrol powered cars are here to stay for a while yet. The next in line for BMW is their M3 saloon which offers a TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder petrol engine offers power up to 431hp! The powerful M engine has either the manual six-speed gearbox or the seven-speed double-clutch automatic transmission. Although this should be well into production right now, it’s unlikely it’ll arrive at dealers until early 2021. If you’re a BMW lover, this is certainly one worth waiting for!

Corsa e

2020 has probably brought about the biggest changes to the Corsa line up since the car released in 1982. With Vauxhall planning to offer all-electric models for all of its vehicles by 2025, the Corsa e was certainly a great place to start. With an electric WLTP range of 209 miles and 134bhp this has led many long-time Corsa lovers to convert to Vauxhalls all new electric counterpart. The familiarity and ease of use of the Corsa are exactly what Vauxhall have again captured in the Corsa e. With Vauxhall not trying to reinvent the wheel they may even be able to entice the most tentative customers into the world of electric ownership, which surely can’t be a bad thing!

Seat Leon 

The current Leon remains the best in class 7 years after its launch, which shows how successful their formula is, so they’re not about to change that! If the upgrade from the previous Seat to the current one is anything to go off, the new Leon is set to be even more technologically sophisticated, practical, lighter and more powerful. It’s said to be based on the latest VW Golf in terms of technology and the Mk8 Golf’s strategy of improving their current recipe.

If you’re thinking of investing in one of these show stoppers in the next year, you’ll want to keep it safe with a tracking device! Having a car tracker has a ton of benefits, in fact, your insurer will ask whether you have it installed when buying car insurance. It’s important to find the tracker that best fits your car, check out the links below for more information.

Buying a Car Tracker 

Best Selling Trackers

With the warm weather that comes hand in hand with summer, this time of year can be a tough time for cars. Making some simple routine checks before a long journey or a heatwave can help you to avoid a breakdown. For many car owners, annual holidays are the longest trip that they take all year round. We’re holding on to hope that you’ll all be able to go on some this summer, so it’s a good idea to be prepared. 

Here’s a guide to help you avoid a summer breakdown, including car maintenance, pre-journey checks and what to pack in case you do breakdown.

1. Check your Tyres

It’s important to consistently check the pressure of your tyres and examine them for wear and tear. If they’re not in a roadworthy condition then it will not only affect your safety, but you may also receive a hefty fine and points on your license!

During the summer months, your tyres can disintegrate more quickly, or dry out causing a blowout. This is especially true if your tyre pressure is wrong. Checking your tyre pressure is easy to do using a gauge, which is available at most service stations. Don’t forget to check your spare tyre too!

Your tyres should also have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm as a legal requirement, a quick and easy way to test this is the 20p test. Simply place a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of the tyre, if the outer band of the coin is covered then you’re good to go!

2. Consider replacing your battery 

Batteries are high on the list of summer breakdowns causes! Issues tend to arise from increased stop-start driving, in traffic jams or from a lot of short journeys or one long one. Times when the whole family is loaded up on a long journey to go on holiday - traffic tends to be bad and everyone has their phones, games or sat navs plugged in to charge - all of which is draining your car’s battery and putting a strain on the alternator. 

If your battery is getting old you might want to to consider replacing it before a long summer trip. A good rule of thumb is to replace them every 3 years, as problems can start once batteries get to 4 or 5 years old. 

On the other hand, if you’re using your car for a lot of short journeys it could be worth checking and charging your battery every now and again - especially if it’s getting old.

3. Beware of Overheating 

An overheating engine can cause some extensive damage to your car! Make sure that you check your engine coolant levels before setting off on a long journey. The AA has provided a useful video on how to check your coolant.

You should also have your cooling system checked by a professional. A leaking cooling system or broken cooling fan could cause the vehicle to overheat and cause some serious problems. If you have air conditioning in your car, don’t worry if you see a small amount of water on the floor, It’s just condensation and is totally normal.

4. Check your lights 

Ensure that all of your lights are working correctly, including headlights, indicators and dashboard warning lights. Warning lights are super important as they’ll tell you if anything is wrong with your vehicle so that you can get it fixed before it’s too late.

5. Top up your oil, screen wash and petrol

Get into the habit of performing general maintenance on your prized possession. checking that the engine oil levels are sufficiently topped up to keep the engine working smoothly and avoid the chance of your car overheating in traffic.

Make sure you also keep your screen wash and water levels topped up. A lot of dust, bugs and even bird doo can gather on your windscreen during summer, which makes it hard to see in bright sunlight - so it’s important to keep it clean. 

Finally, it may sound obvious, but make sure you are well stocked up on petrol. Cars can use fuel more quickly in hot temperatures, and ensuring your car is filled up can help to avoid a breakdown.

6. Keep a tool kit in your car 

Should the worst happen, it helps to be prepared. Many roadside breakdowns issues can be resolved if you have the right equipment with you. Some items you might include in your kit are:

•  A first-aid kit

• A high vis jacket

• A tow rope

• A warning triangle

• Battery jump leads 

• Spare engine oil and water for topping up

• Drinking water

• A map or sat nav 

• A torch

• A fire extinguisher

If you do breakdown, be sure to stay calm and move your car off the road if you can and make sure all passengers are out of the car and away from the road. Use your hazard lights & warning triangle to alert other drivers that you have broken down and call for help.

We hope you’re all feeling a bit more prepared for taking care of your car in summer!

A keyless entry system allows car owners to access their car without a key, it’s a replacement for traditional keys and makes entering and starting a car more convenient.

However, while convenient, the technology isn't as secure as you might think. The systems rely on radio waves to determine whether the car will unlock, which are easy to manipulate.

88% of vehicles stolen and recovered by Tracker last year were keyless thefts - up 22% in just two years - Tracker.

What is Keyless Car Theft?

Cunning thieves have developed methods to ‘trick’ these systems into thinking a device in their possession is the car owner’s key fob. The devices manipulate the radio waves, which gives the thief access to the car.

This means a thief can enter a car and drive off in a matter of seconds - many car owners are unaware the car is gone until they next go to use it. By this point the thief could be dismantling the car at a chop shop, meaning the chance of recovery is slim.

How Does Keyless Car Theft Work?

Thieves use a scanning device to pick up the code your fob uses to unlock your car. It transmits this code to the device, and the car technology system thinks the owner is nearby - so it unlocks. 

To start the ignition, the thief uses the same tactic; this time it’s the engine that starts. No alarms go off, and the thief drives off without drawing any attention to themselves.

The key does need to be within 5-10 metres of the car, so thefts are more common at homes than work or public car parks. 

Sometimes thieves will operate in pairs, so there’s a better chance of the key fob being within distance. For example, one thief will stand next to the car, and the other will stand near the house, getting as close to the key fob as possible.

Are Keyless Cars Easy to Steal?

Yes, keyless cars are easier to steal, and thieves can drive off in a matter of seconds. Picking a traditional lock or breaking the steering wheel casing will usually set off an alarm, telling the owner a stranger is trying to access the vehicle.

With a keyless system that mimics the car’s code, the car is tricked into thinking the person entering the car is the owner, so the car’s security features are immobilised.

What Are Manufacturers Doing to Stop Keyless Thefts?

Some manufacturers have modified key fobs, so they deactivate after a certain amount of time and don’t emit the code required to enter the car. 

Other manufacturers have fitted the fobs with ultra-wideband radio frequencies, so thieves can’t pick up the frequency. 

However, keyless car theft is still a problem, and many car owners feel they’re being duped by manufacturers who claim to sell superior technology.

How to Prevent Keyless Car Theft

• Use a steering wheel lock

• Turn off your key deactivation signal

• Use a blocking pouch

• Reprogramme your car keys

Increase the Chance of Recovery

Sometimes, preventive measures are not enough. Thieves will take a gamble and try to take your car. You could install a tracker  on your car, which makes your car more likely to return.

You can read more about car trackers here:What Do Car Trackers Do?

While car security has evolved to the best it’s ever been, car thieves are smart, and the DVLA reported 56,288 car thefts in 2019 - which is 154 cars a day.

Some cars are more prone to theft, which usually comes down to the value of parts or the ease of which car thieves can sell them.

Is your car more likely to get stolen? Find out as we run through the top ten most stolen vehicles in the UK.

The Top 10 Most Stolen Cars in the UK

1. Ford Fiesta – 2,384

2. Land Rover Range Rover – 1,917

3. Volkswagen Golf – 1,331

4. Ford Focus – 1,200

5. BMW 3 Series – 1,042

6. Vauxhall Astra – 836

7. Land Rover Discovery – 791

8. Mercedes-Benz E Class – 612

9. BMW 5 Series – 506

10. Audi A3 – 456

Popularity & Keyless Technology Are the Driving Factors

When looking at the data, it appears model popularity and high-value cars with keyless technology are the main factors for thieves stealing a particular car.

This is unsurprising, as the Ford Fiesta is the best-selling car in the UK and has been for the past decade. Demand for parts is always going to be there, so it’s the most common car to target. 

Other more mainstream models on the list include the Volkswagen Golf, BMW 3 Series and the Ford Focus.

This luxury car is second highest on the list, and there are strong links to keyless technology fobs. Thieves use these fobs to unlock the car and manipulate the diagnostics system, which allows them to start the car. 

Other carts with keyless technology include the BMW 5 Series, Land Rover Discovery and Mercedes Benz E-Class.

‘Government stats also suggest there is less than a 50 percent chance of a nicked car being returned to the keeper’ - This Is Money.

How Do We Improve on Those Stats?

Vehicle owners can minimise the risk of their car being stolen by using a GPS tracking device - which are effective with or without keyless fob technology. The devices alert police the car has been stolen, which means they can be recovered within an hour.

Telemetrics released stats from their vehicle recoveries in January 2019. They recovered six Land Rovers amounting to a total recovery value of £1,323,162. The Land Rover is a car high on thieves’ shopping lists. Tracking devices also lead police to a chop shop after a Land Rover Discovery was stolen.

‘Overall, SmarTrack, Autowatch and Clifford tracking devices helped police recover 16,479,601 worth of cars in 2019’ - Telemetrics.

View Our Tracking Devices

Tracking devices can be attached to any make or model of car - and even agricultural machinery and lorries. No vehicle type is off a car thieves list, so it’s important to be diligent. In the Telemetrics report, they note recovering a mini-excavator. View our range of trackers here.

The seatbelt was a revolution in the 80s; now it looks a bit outdated. Technology has bought car safety on leaps and bounds in the past ten years. 

Now we have sophisticated equipment that protects both the human and the car. Here are our favourite pieces of kit:

1. Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)

We’ve all had to grip the wheel nervously as you feel the car pulling to one side, it happens. But it can cause accidents, and that’s why AEB was developed. 

Sensors detect how close an object is to the car, and applies the brakes if it senses an object is too close, minimising the risk of an accident. Buying a car with AEB is worth it, especially if you’re easily distracted.

2. Adaptive Headlights

Adaptive headlights are sensitive to the movement of your steering wheel, so while regular lights will shine straightforward when you go round a corner, adaptive headlights will curve around to give you better vision.

Adaptive headlights are useful because they don’t blind other drivers and are better in poor visibility.

3. Blind-Spot Detection

Sometimes drivers don’t adjust their mirrors properly, which results in blind-spots, or perhaps they don’t check properly before switching lanes. A blind-spot monitor detects when vehicles are close to your vehicle and gives out a visual or audible warning.

Some systems will also provide resistance if the driver tries to switch lanes when another car is in their blind-spot.

4. GPS Vehicle Tracker

With under half of all stolen cars being recovered and rising vehicle thefts, ensuring your car is traceable has never been more important. Discerning parents can use vehicle tracking, concerned car owners and forward-thinking business owners. Some trackers will even notify the police if your car is stolen.

5. Facial Recognition Software

Yes, your car knows who you are now! Its job is to monitor your face and notice if you’re drifting off or not paying attention. The system will notify you, so you can regain focus and prevent any unnecessary accidents.

6. Rear View Camera

Rear view cameras have become more popular in the past five years, and some manufacturers fit them as a standard safety feature. The purpose of the camera is simple; it helps you determine if there are any obstructions at the back and sides of your car. For example, if you’re getting into a tight spot and need to judge whether you can fit in without damaging another car.

Is Your Car Kitted Out?

While most of the safety features on this list don’t come as standard on most cars, the next 5-10 will see them become more popular. GPS trackers are already accessible, so if you’re looking to improve the safety and security of your car, see our range of trackers here.

Other Useful Resources

• Our Best Selling Vehicle Trackers

• Winter Car Emergency Kit List: The Essentials

Breakdowns can happen at any time, even straight after your MOT! While you probably have breakdown cover (and if you haven’t you should), a car safety kit is essential.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s winter or summer, you could end up in a sticky situation if you don’t pack the right equipment. 

Scorching weather can be as troublesome as freezing weather, so ensure you’ve got the right equipment for all seasons.

Here’s our list of car safety kit:

1. Torch

A torch can go a long way in bad weather. A torch can provide you with light when it’s dark, or if you need to find something in your car. You can also use it to look under the bonnet or the bottom of the vehicle. If you’re in extreme conditions, flashing a torch could help flag over another driver so they can help you, but only do this if your torch won’t blind them.

2. Reflectors

The most dangerous aspect of being stuck on a road is the chance of causing a collision with oncoming traffic. If you haven’t managed to pull over safely, you’ll need a method of alerting oncoming traffic. Placing reflectors around your vehicle will warn drivers, but be careful because you don’t want to put yourself at risk.

3. First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is useful if you have a small collision; although call an ambulance to make sure everyone gets the necessary care. A first aid kit should contain bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, plasters, safety pins, antiseptic wipes and creams, curved scissors and some painkillers.

4. Jump Start Cables

Dead batteries are common, especially among the forgetful. Leave your lights on all the time? Left your door ajar with the interior light on all night? Most people have experienced a dead battery at some point. You’ll need another car to jump-start a car, but hopefully another driver will notice you as they’re passing.

5. High Vis Jacket

Whenever you breakdown, your safety is the most important thing. If you’re wearing dark clothes, you become invisible in dark conditions, so a high vis is vital. Even in lighter weather, it helps if you have something that enables you to stand out. It helps to have jackets for your passengers too, although it’s best to keep children in the car unless you’re in a compromising position.

Other Useful Items:

• Water

• Snacks with a long shelf life

• Rain poncho

• Blankets

• Coats, boots and extra socks

• Oil

• Antifreeze

• Spare tyre and jack

• Flares

• Petrol can

• Bag for storage

• Small tool kit

Have You Got Your Kit Ready?

Use this list as a guide and buy what you need, but ensure you get the bare essential five items to ensure your safety if you break down.

Other Useful Blogs

• Winter Car Emergency Kit List: The Essentials
• Prepare Your Car for Winter & Avoid a Breakdown

The cold weather can cause many unexpected problems with vehicles; from mild issues like broken heaters to more severe issues like an overheating engine. Most people feel lucky to get through the winter months unscathed!

One persistant annoyance throughout winter is frozen locks. While you won’t need to ring roadside assistance for this, it’s inconvenient, and you’ll want to know how to prevent it.

How to Prevent Frozen Locks

1. Consider the Weather

A simple weather check can give you the information you need, you can even set up daily notifications. If you know your car is going to be in icy conditions, get a winter car cover to protect it, or put it in a garage or covered parking space if you have one. 

You could also place duct tape over your lock to prevent it from freezing, or leave it unlocked (however, beware your car could be an easy target for thieves). 

2. Wipe Down Your Door Frame

The cleaner your door frame, the less likely it is to freeze. As dirt gathers water can freeze around it, jamming your door shut.

3. Replace Worn Gaskets

The steel on the lock isn’t what freezes, it’s the rubber seal that surrounds it. Check your rubber seals aren’t damaged, and if they are, replace them.

4. Use a Lock Lubricant

Take a paper towel and rub oil along the rubber seals, this repels water which will stop it freezing the seal. There’s some debate about which oil is best, but you can try WD40, silicone spray or rubber conditioner.

How to Deal With Frozen Locks

1. Rub the Key & Lock With Rubbing Alcohol

Use an alcohol lubricant with at least 60% alcohol, as alcohol is more likely to adhere to the metal. Rub onto each component once per week. You can also use petroleum jelly, but this can be a little messy.

2. Spray Frozen Locks with De-icer

If rubbing alcohol doesn’t work, you could try spraying de-icer onto your lock, wait for 15-30 seconds and then try your key. It’s that simple, and you can use it while you’re out and about.

3. Use a Lock Lubricant

If neither of the above choices works, you could try a lock lubricant. A graphite lubricant comes in a squeeze bottle that can be directly squeezed into the lock. Greaseless lubricants are supposed to attract less dirt and debris. You could also try a Teflon-based lubricant. However, don’t use all three as you’ll make the key gummy.

4. Heat the Key

If you’re confident it’s safe enough to do so, get a lighter or a match and heat the metal component of the key before inserting it into the lock. Be careful not to burn yourself or damage the key, or you won’t be going anywhere soon!

Are You Ready for Winter?

If you want to get your car ready for winter, read some of the following articles:

• 7 Tips for Keeping Your Car Warm in Winter

• How to Stop Car Windows from Fogging Up in Winter

It’s freezing, and you’re sitting at the side of the road with smoke billowing out of your engine because your car’s overheating.

To add to your misery, you have to wait for roadside assistance, and if there’s nowhere around for you to keep warm, it can be a long, cold wait.

It may not seem like an obvious occurrence, but cars can overheat in cold weather. And while it’s the last thing you want, we’re going to teach you why engines overheat and what to do if your engine overheats.

Why Does My Engine Keep Overheating?

Your car won’t overheat because it’s cold, there’s always a reason for it. And it could be one of these:

• Water Pump Failure - the water pump isn’t circulating engine coolant which causes the engine to overheat.

• Blocked Radiator - if antifreeze isn’t flowing through your radiator, heat can’t pass through into the air filter.

• Jammed Thermostat - thermostats regulate your engine temperature, and low-cost thermostats often block the flow of air coolant to the engine, causing it to overheat.

• Low/Leaking Coolant - if your coolant is too low or the coolant is leaking, the engine won’t cool properly.

• Blown Head Gasket - a head gasket can be both the cause and the result of your engine overheating. If the engine overheats, this can cause the head gasket to blow, or the head gasket can fail.

• Plugged Heater Core - The heater in your car can cause the engine to overheat if the coolant flow is restricted.

What to Do if Your Engine Overheats

You may notice your engine overheating in a couple of ways; you may see smoke coming from your bonnet, or your dashboard warning light may come on.

If either of these scenarios occurs, pull over in a safe place, get out of your car and ask any pedestrians to step away, too. 

Open the bonnet from inside the cabin if you can, this will help the smoke escape from the engine. Remember, the hood may be hot, so take care not to burn yourself.

Leave the engine to sit for at least 30-minutes to cool down.

When you’re sure the engine is cool, check the coolant tank near the radiator. If it’s run out you could have a leak, so check for signs underneath your car - like a puddle or wet patch on the ground (although this is hard to do when it’s raining, so check for drippage).

If you have coolant, you could fill your tank up with part coolant part water. If you think it isn’t a coolant problem, wait for help.

Get Prepared for Winter

The winter months can be harsh on your vehicle, and the worst-case scenario is breaking down. Read some of these articles and get yourself ready for the winter period:

• Winter Car Emergency Kit List: The Essentials

• Prepare Your Car for Winter & Avoid a Breakdown

If there’s one thing that isn’t fun about winter it’s getting in your car; it’s like stepping inside a hollow ice cube most days.

Although you can’t keep your car warm at all times in the winter months, there are certain tips and tricks that can help you when you need to get warm. Here they are:

1. Cover Your Windscreen

The windows are usually the main problem when you go to enter your car in the winter months. They either freeze up or they develop condensation as soon as you get in.

The solution is simple, a windscreen cover. You’ll be saving time scraping any ice away or using your heaters to defrost the screen. No frost means your car will get warmer quicker.

Read this guide for the full benefits.

2. Park in the Garage

While this might not prevent frost altogether (depending on how warm your garage is), it’ll work to some extent. And obviously, you have to have a garage.

If you can, team it with some of the other methods in this list you should be able to keep your car a little warmer.

3. Get a Seat Warmer

Some cars come with under seat warmers, but if you aren’t living that life of luxury you could explore buying a seat warmer.

Seat warmers are fairly easy to install yourself, but your local garage shouldn’t charge too much to fit them. Get a nice, warm bum this winter!

4. Buy a Plug-in Heater

A great option if your car heater is damaged or you want to blast a little extra heat around the car. You can buy car heaters that plug into cigarette lighters, and if your car is modern you can plug it into a USB port.

5. Take Blankets

Who needs modern technology when you can get a warm, cosy good old-fashioned blanket to wrap around you during the winter months? Just ensure that you aren’t obstructing anything you need to drive with, like your hands and legs.

6. Take a Warm Drink

The best way to warm yourself up is by having a nice warm drink - hot chocolate, coffee, tea, whatever takes your fancy. You could get yourself a thermal mug, so it warms your hands up while you drink it!

7. Wrap Up!

Hats, gloves and scarves are the classic method of keeping yourself warm. Okay, you may look a little odd when you’re driving around in full winter gear, but who cares if you’re warm? Get gloves with good grips as you don't want to compromise your grip on the steering wheel.

Keep Out the Cold this Winter

Let’s recap those seven points, so you know how to keep warm this winter: 

1. 1. Cover Your Windscreen

2. 2. Park in the Garage

3. 3. Get a Seat Warmer

4. 4. Buy a Plug-in Heater

5. 5. Take Blankets

6. 6. Take a Warm Drink

7. 7. Wrap Up!

There’s nothing more annoying than stepping outside and opening your car to find the windows steamed up. Also, if your windows steam up while you’re driving, it could impair your vision which could lead to a dangerous situation.

We’re going to tell you why your windows steam up, how to stop it, and how to prevent it.

Why Do Car Windows Fog Up?

Air has many components, such as temperature and moisture content. Air contains a specific amount of these components, which affects the development of foggy windows.

At a specific temperature, moisture is released from the air, which will either frost or turn into water. The whole process is called condensation, and the specific point of change is called the dew point.

So, when you see droplets all over your windows, it’s condensation. Humidity escaping the air and taking refuge elsewhere.

To stop the windows condensing, you need to reduce the temperature in your car as the heat from your body and breath will make it worse. 

How to Clear Car Window Fog?

1. Demister Pad - demister pads will clear the fog from your windows, and they’re easy to use. Just don’t use it while you’re driving.

2. Air-Con - if your car has air-con, turn it on. It’ll help remove moisture from the air.

3. Heater - heat will reduce the fog because the windows will go above the dew point.

4. Release Air - don’t recirculate the heat around your car, the water needs an escape point, and fresh air needs to get in.

5. Open a Window - not a great approach if it’s cold outside or raining, but sometimes necessary.

How to Prevent Car Windows From Fogging

1. Dehumidifier - a car dehumidifier is a sponge that sits on your dash, it’ll soak up any excess water and prevent it going on the windscreen.

2. Clean Your Windows - if there’s a lot of dirt on the windscreen, it gives water more surface area to cling to, so give them a clean and minimise that area.

3. Anti-Fog Coating - an anti-fog coating adds more protection to your windows and is a great winter addition.

4. Remove Water - before you get in your car shake any rain or surface water off of your coat, bags or umbrella to minimise condensation.

Start Driving Clearly!

If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to keep your windscreen free from fog. Remember, if your screen does fog up and you can’t remove it, stop driving and pull over. 

For more winter driving tips, read the following articles:

• Winter Car Emergency Kit List: The Essentials
• 7 Tips for Keeping Your Car Warm in Winter

If you don’t look after your car in winter, the harsh weather can lead to a breakdown. Obviously, it’s better to try and avoid this situation by ensuring your vehicle has all the necessary checks before the winter period begins.

However, even with all your checks done and the green light from your local garage or car dealership, breakdowns are inevitable.

If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve broken down, you need to be prepared. If temperatures plummet below 1-2 degrees you could be in serious trouble until help arrives, so ensure you go into the winter period prepared.

Use this winter car emergency kit list to get the essentials:

1. Ice Scraper & De-icer

You might not get on the road anyway if you don’t have these essentials (and no, a bank card isn’t a substitute!).

It’s illegal to drive with snow on your front or rear windshield, so you need to ensure they’re clear.

When you’re at home you can boil the kettle or turn the engine on and blast the heaters; if you’re out and about you might not have that luxury. And if you’ve broken down it’s a good idea to keep the windows free of frost so you can get on your way quickly.

2. Warm Clothing & Blankets

When you breakdown it usually means you have no access to heat in your car, which can be dangerous if you don’t have any warm clothing.

Most of us use the heaters in our car so we don’t have to pile on the layers, so we’re often unequipped.

Put a few warm blankets in your boot and a thick coat, and if you have other passengers make sure they have the same.

3. Torch With Spare Batteries

You’ve broken down in the middle of nowhere, there’s no light in your car and you don’t have a torch. While your phone may provide a little light, it won’t give you the coverage you need.

If you need to venture out for help, a torch could help you find civilisation. Also, if you have children you’ll want to keep an eye on them and make sure they aren’t frightened. You can get a wind up torch that doesn’t need batteries.

4. First Aid Kit

If you’ve swerved off the road or had a minor accident then a first aid kit could come in handy. It’s a legal requirement to carry one anyway and they’re useful at any time of the year, but you could always check it’s topped up before the winter period.

5. Jump Start Cables

Flat or dead batteries are more common in the winter months because damage done in the warmer months doesn’t usually show immediately.

Also, battery failure can happen in any car, it doesn’t matter what make or model it is, or how old the car is.

Jump leads can help you get back on the road and get to the next garage or back home, which is particularly useful in the winter months.

6. Empty Fuel Can

Yes, it does happen. And if you’ve been there you’ll know how embarrassing and inconvenient it is.

If your car does run out of fuel you’ll need to get to the nearest petrol station and fill up your fuel can. Petrol stations usually stock fuel cans, but it’s better to be on the safe side and take yours, you could have a mammoth journey if they’re out of stock.

7. High Visibility Jacket

Some countries require you to wear a high visibility jacket by law, in the UK we don’t have to, but it could save your life. If you have to leave your vehicle in dark, cold conditions a high visibility jacket will help other drivers spot you.

8. Shovel

Depending on the size of your car, a shovel could be quite hard to fit in. However, if you can fit a shovel into your car it could be the difference between you being mobile or static.

For example, if your tyres spin and you end up stuck in snow, a shovel could help you dig your way out by creating some traction for your tyres.

9. Water & Snacks

Especially useful if you’ve got kids and you know you’re going to be stranded for an hour or two. They’re easy to store as well, all you need is a four pack of water and some crisps, nuts or something that isn’t likely to go off.

Have You Got Your Winter Essentials?

We’d advise you use this list to collect all the essential items you think you need and go out and do a shop before the winter season arrives. Get prepared and ensure you’re ready to tackle anything that comes your way!

For more tips on winter driving, read the folliwing articles:

• Prepare Your Car for Winter & Avoid a Breakdown
• 7 Tips for Keeping Your Car Warm in Winter

With Christmas fast approaching, you need to protect your bank balance. The last thing you want is to be sat in a freezing cold lay-by in the middle of nowhere wondering how you’re going to cover the cost of car repairs.

While we can’t guarantee your car won’t break down, there are practical steps you can take to minimise risk. Here are three ways you can avoid a cold, costly winter breakdown:

1. Test Your Battery

Car battery death is one of the most common causes of a breakdown in the winter months. Why? Because the damage done to the battery doesn’t always show until the winter months - car oil thickens in the cold, and battery cranking power reduces.

Fortunately, you can solve this problem before it happens. Take your car to your local garage or an approved dealer and they’ll usually test your battery for free (however, you’ll have to pay for a new battery).

If you’ve got the equipment, you could use a multimeter or a hydrometer to check everything’s working. Also, carry some jump leads in your car - they might get you to the nearest garage if you do breakdown.

Halfords FREE Battery Test

2. Get Some Quality Antifreeze

We know what you’re thinking, how will antifreeze stop me from breaking down? It’s common for car owners to use water or a summer window cleaning solution in the warmer months, or top antifreeze up with water.

However, if you haven’t topped it up with a 50/50 antifreeze mixture you could be making an expensive mistake. Your engine could overheat and your head gasket could blow.

You’d be annoyed at yourself if you broke down because of this mistake, so get some antifreeze and top your car up. It’s cheap to buy, but you can get higher quality products.

3. Check Your Tyre Tread Depth

Steering, braking, stopping and moving - your tyres help with all of these manoeuvres. And in the winter months, all of the above manoeuvres are more difficult to execute due to ice and sludge on the roads. Add rain and wind into the mix and you’ve got a potent combination.

If your tyres don’t have the legal amount of tread, you could be prosecuted. However, you could also cause an accident or become immobile because the tread isn’t thick enough to grip the road.

You can solve the problem of low tread by arranging a free tyre check (again, you’ll have to pay for the tyres if they aren’t suitable).

Kwik Fit FREE Tyre Check

 In the event of a breakdown:

• Ensure you have plenty of warm clothing
• Carry a winter breakdown kit
• Check your breakdown cover
• Get a winter service check

Are You Ready for Winter?

If you’ve covered all of the above, you’ll be safe to drive your car in the winter. But remember, as well as completing the above checks, you need to drive safely and sensibly to minimise the risk of a breakdown.

For more winter car tips, read the following articles:

• How to Stop Car Windows From Fogging Up in Winter

• How to Prevent Car Doors From Freezing Shut in Winter