Car theft is rising in the UK, posing a significant concern for vehicle owners nationwide. Unfortunately, there were 130,521 motor vehicle thefts in England and Wales in 2022/23. To avoid your car from being the next target, investing in an insurance-approved car tracker is a wise decision. These trackers allow you to monitor and recover your vehicle in case of theft, giving you the desired peace of mind.

This article is your complete guide to insurance-approved car trackers and their importance. Let’s begin!

What is an Insurance Approved Car Tracker?

An insurance-approved car tracker is a vehicle tracking device that meets specific standards set by insurance companies. These trackers typically use advanced GPS technology and cellular networks or wireless communication systems.

They help track a vehicle’s location if it’s lost or notify you when there’s some suspicious activity. Insurance companies require you to use top quality, especially Thatcham Research or approved

trackers that undergo stringent safety testing to qualify you for certain insurance benefits.

Different Categories of Insurance-Approved Car Tracker

Two common categories of insurance-approved car trackers are given:

S7 Tracking Device

S7 is a popular category of Thatcham tracking devices as they are quite affordable. However, their security features aren’t as robust as the S5 category, but they still protect your vehicle from theft. These tracking devices have the following characteristics:

  • GPS system: S7 insurance-approved trackers monitor and quickly locate a lost or stolen vehicle, increasing the chances of recovery.
  • Monitored 24/7: These tracking devices are connected to a security control centre that operates around the clock, 24/7. If someone tampers the tracking device, the security operatives at the control centre are alerted.
  • Vehicle motion detection: S7 trackers come with a vehicle motion detection feature that notices the security centre when thieves try to tow or move the car.

S5 Tracking Device

Introduced in January 2019, the S5 car trackers are the highest-quality tracking devices installed on a car. These insurance-approved car trackers have some features that are common with the S7 trackers, such as GPS system, 24/7 monitoring, and vehicle motion detection. However, it also has additional features that make it a priority for many vehicle owners and insurers, such as:

  • Driver identification device: This feature in the S5 trackers requires a driver to provide a specific ID, such as an RFID card, key fob, or biometric recognition, to start the engine, reducing the chances of theft. We also have the D-iD™ system which operates instead via your Android/iOS device, removing the need to carry any separate cards with you.

Benefits of an Insurance-Approved Car Tracker

Let’s discuss the benefits of an insurance-approved car tracker:

  • Insurance Benefits: Insurance-approved car trackers significantly decrease your insurance premiums due to reduced risk of theft.
  • Faster Recovery: If a vehicle is stolen, having a tracker can significantly increase the chances of recovery, potentially minimising damage and loss.
  • Enhanced Vehicle Protection: These trackers add an extra layer of protection which often come with real-time monitoring, GPS tracking, and recovery assistance features that increase the security of your vehicle against unauthorised access or theft.

Overall, Insurance-approved car trackers are a great investment as they help lower your insurance premiums and boost your vehicle security. Insurance companies require you to opt for robust trackers like those that have undergone Thatcham testing. Two common Thatcham tracker categories you’ll come across are S5 and S7 trackers.

Both feature GPS systems and 24/7 monitoring, but S5 takes the lead with its driver identification capability. You should thoroughly review both options and choose the one that suits your safety needs and budget.

Take a look at our insurance approved trackers below for more information.