Car Trackers

Choosing the Right Vehicle Tracking System

Protect your vehicle with an insurance-approved car tracker professionally installed at your home, workplace or dealership.

Trackerfit supplies and installs a wide range of trackers for cars of all makes and models across the UK. Our range includes Thatcham S5 and S7 tracking systems from leading manufacturers, including TRACKER, SmarTrack, ScorpionTrack and MetaTrak.

Tracking systems add another layer of security by helping to locate a vehicle if it is stolen. Depending on the product you choose, it may also detect unauthorised movement, towing, tampering or battery disconnection. A professionally fitted tracker can help locate your car following theft, with many systems providing 24/7 monitoring, movement alerts, tamper detection and real-time vehicle location data. Selected trackers also include driver recognition, anti-jamming technology and battery backup.

For some vehicles, fitting an approved system is also an insurance requirement. This is particularly common with high-value, performance, prestige and frequently stolen cars. Requirements vary between insurers and policies, so check the exact specification stated by your insurer before ordering. If your insurer has asked you to install an S5 or S7 tracker, we can help you find a suitable system for your vehicle and insurance requirements.

Our car trackers start from £149, with nationwide installation included on selected systems. Browse our range or call 0800 756 5100 for advice.

How Do Car Trackers Work?

Tracking systems can use GPS, GSM, VHF or a combination of technologies to help establish a vehicle's location. Many insurance-approved systems are connected to a 24/7 monitoring centre, while the other features available depend on the manufacturer and model.

Depending on the system, these can include:

• GPS vehicle location
• 24/7 monitoring
• Motion and tow-away detection
• Driver recognition
• Battery disconnection alerts
• Backup batteries
• Tamper detection
• GSM and GPS jamming detection
• Smartphone apps
• UK and European coverage

Some products also use VHF technology, which can provide an additional method of locating a stolen vehicle.

What Is a Thatcham Approved Tracker?

Thatcham Research tests and certifies vehicle security products against defined security criteria, including alarms, immobilisers and vehicle tracking systems. Its certification covers products including alarms, immobilisers and vehicle tracking systems.

For vehicle tracking, two categories you will commonly see are Thatcham S5 and Thatcham S7.

Choosing a Thatcham-certified tracker can help you identify a system that has been independently assessed against recognised vehicle security standards.

Thatcham certification itself does not automatically mean that every insurer will accept a particular product. You should always confirm the exact requirements stated by your insurer.

S5 or S7: What's the Difference?

One of the most common questions when buying a tracker is whether you need an S5 or S7 system.

S7 Systems

Thatcham S7 systems provide vehicle location and tracking capabilities. Depending on the product, features can include 24/7 monitoring, motion sensing, tow-away alerts, battery disconnection alerts and smartphone access.

An S7 system can be a suitable choice if your insurer requires an approved tracking system but does not specify driver recognition.

S5 Systems

Thatcham S5 trackers are vehicle tracking systems that commonly incorporate driver identification technology. Depending on the product, it can identify whether an authorised driver is present using a driver recognition tag, card or compatible mobile device.

This makes S5 particularly suitable for high-value vehicles and policies where the insurer specifically requires an S5 tracking system.

Always check your insurance documents before ordering to confirm the required category. 

Which Product Do I Need for Insurance?

Your insurer should tell you if an approved vehicle tracker is required and which specification it must meet.

If your policy states that you need a Thatcham S5 tracker, you should choose an S5-certified system that meets your insurer's requirements. The same applies if your policy specifies an S7 tracker.

Do not choose a tracker based solely on price if you need it to satisfy an insurance condition. Installing the wrong type could mean that it does not meet the security requirements stated within your policy.

If you are unsure, call Trackerfit on 0800 756 5100, and our team can help you compare suitable options.

How Much Does it Cost?

The cost of a car tracker depends on the manufacturer, tracking technology, security category and features included.

Trackerfit currently offers car trackers starting from £149, with a range of S5 and S7 systems available at different price points.

You should also consider subscription charges. 

Check the individual product page for the current tracker price, installation details and subscription options before ordering. Many monitored trackers require an active subscription to provide services such as 24/7 monitoring and stolen vehicle tracking.

Is there a Monthly Subscription?

Subscription arrangements and costs vary between manufacturers and products, with monthly, annual and multi-year payment options available on selected systems.

Insurance-approved trackers with 24/7 monitoring will normally require an active monitoring subscription. This covers services provided by the secure monitoring centre and associated tracking infrastructure.

Depending on the manufacturer, you may be able to pay monthly or annually or purchase a longer membership period.

Trackerfit also offers different types of tracking products, so check the subscription information on the individual product before buying.

Will it Reduce My Insurance Premium?

Installing an approved system may affect the price or terms of your insurance, but there is no guarantee that fitting one will reduce your premium.

Insurers assess risk differently. Some insurers may offer more favourable terms for vehicles fitted with approved security equipment, while others may make a tracker a condition of cover without providing a direct discount.

Contact your insurer before purchasing if reducing your premium is one of your main reasons for installing a tracker.

Features Worth Comparing

There can be a considerable difference between the features included with individual systems, so it is worth looking deeper than the security category and price.

Tow-Away and Movement Detection

Many systems include movement or tow-away detection.

This allows the system to recognise suspicious vehicle movement even if the engine has not been started. It can be particularly useful if a thief attempts to move the car without using its keys.

Features differ between models, so check the specification of your chosen tracker if tow-away detection is important to you.

Protection Against Signal Jamming

Criminals can use signal-jamming equipment in attempts to interfere with GPS or GSM tracking systems.

Some systems include anti-jamming technology or use more than one method of locating the vehicle. For example, selected TRACKER products combine GPS, GSM and VHF technologies.

If resistance to signal jamming is a priority, compare the tracking technologies and anti-jamming features included with each product before choosing your system.

Smartphone Access

Many modern systems include access to a smartphone app that lets you view vehicle information.

Features depend on the product but may include vehicle location, journey history, battery alerts, geofencing and other notifications.

An app should not be confused with professional stolen vehicle monitoring. With a monitored tracker, the secure control centre provides the monitoring and recovery service associated with the system.

Does My Car Already Have a Tracker?

Some modern vehicles include manufacturer-installed connected services that allow you to view the vehicle's location through an app.

However, a manufacturer location service is not necessarily the same as a Thatcham-certified, insurance-approved stolen vehicle tracking system with 24/7 monitoring.

If your insurer has requested an S5 or S7 tracker, check whether your existing system meets that specific requirement. Do not assume that a manufacturer's vehicle location app will automatically satisfy your policy.

Are They Suitable for Electric and Hybrid Cars?

Yes. Trackerfit offers tracking systems suitable for electric, hybrid, petrol and diesel vehicles.

Compatibility can vary between products, particularly where additional immobilisation or vehicle integration features are included. Check the product specification or contact us before ordering if you have an electric or hybrid vehicle.

Our Installation Service

Trackerfit provides nationwide installation with selected tracking systems.

An approved engineer can fit your tracker at your home, workplace or dealership, subject to the installation options available for your chosen product.

The tracker is installed discreetly within the vehicle to reduce the chance of it being located and removed during a theft.

Transferring to Another Vehicle

Many of the trackers we supply can be transferred if you change your car.

The existing system will need to be professionally removed and installed in the replacement vehicle. Transfer options and costs depend on the tracker manufacturer and model.

Contact us before changing vehicles, and we can advise on the options available for your system.

Tracking for Business Vehicles

Vehicle tracking can also help businesses monitor company cars and other fleet vehicles.

Depending on the system, businesses can access vehicle location and journey information to support fleet management and vehicle security.

If you need tracking across several business vehicles, contact Trackerfit to discuss the number and type of vehicles you need to cover.

Need Help Choosing?

Choosing between different systems can be difficult, particularly if you need to meet a specific insurance policy requirement.

Trackerfit supplies S5, S7 and other vehicle tracking systems from established trusted manufacturers, with nationwide installation available across the UK.

Browse our products above or call 0800 756 5100 to discuss your vehicle, insurance requirements and preferred features with our team.