Thatcham-Approved Vehicle Tracker Installation

When choosing a vehicle tracker, consider the Thatcham category required by your insurer, the level of security and monitoring provided, subscription costs, compatibility with your vehicle and how the system is installed and supported.

If you are unsure which tracker is suitable for your vehicle or insurance requirements, we can help you choose from our range of Thatcham-approved S5 and S7 systems.

A Thatcham-approved tracker is a vehicle tracking system that has been assessed against the relevant security requirements set by Thatcham Research. Thatcham categories such as S5 and S7 indicate different levels of vehicle tracking and security functionality.
If your insurer requires an approved tracker, you should check which Thatcham category they require before choosing a system.

An S7 tracker is a Thatcham Category S7 vehicle tracking system designed to help monitor and recover a vehicle if it is stolen.
S7 systems provide vehicle tracking and monitoring, but do not include the driver identification and immobilisation features associated with some S5 systems.

An S5 tracker is a Thatcham Category S5 vehicle tracking system providing additional security functionality compared with S7.
Depending on the system, S5 tracking can include driver identification and additional theft-related alerts. Our S5 options include Meta Trak S5 VTS, Meta Trak S5 Deadlock and ScorpionTrack S5.

Both S5 and S7 systems provide vehicle tracking and can assist with vehicle recovery following theft.

S5 systems provide additional security functionality compared with S7, with features depending on the specific tracker. The Meta Trak S5 Deadlock, for example, also incorporates an immobilisation function.

If your insurer specifies an S5 or S7 tracker, you should choose a system that meets the exact requirement of your policy.

An insurance-approved tracker is a vehicle tracking system that meets the requirements specified by an insurer for a particular vehicle or policy.
An insurer may require a specific Thatcham category, such as S5 or S7. Insurance requirements vary, so it is important to check with your insurer before choosing a tracker.

In some cases, yes. The effect on your insurance premium depends on your insurer, your vehicle and the terms of your policy.

Some insurers may offer a discount for having an approved tracker installed, while others may require a Thatcham-approved tracker as a condition of cover. Always check with your insurer which tracker category, if any, they require.

If your insurer requires a tracker as part of your policy, you should follow their instructions and provide any installation or certification details they request.
If you are installing a tracker voluntarily, check with your insurer whether they need to be notified or whether the installation affects your policy.

Many new vehicles have factory-fitted connected services that can provide location and other vehicle information through the manufacturer's app.
However, having a connected vehicle service does not necessarily mean that the vehicle has a Thatcham-approved, monitored tracking system that meets your insurer's requirements.
If your insurer requires an S5 or S7 tracker, check the specific requirement with your insurer rather than assuming that the vehicle's built-in connected services will meet it.

GPS and mobile communications signals can be affected or blocked in certain environments or circumstances. This can temporarily prevent a tracker from reporting its location or communicating with its monitoring system.
A tracker should therefore be considered part of a wider vehicle security strategy rather than a standalone theft-prevention system.
For additional protection, a tracker can be combined with a separate immobiliser such as the Autowatch Ghost. Alternatively, the Meta Trak S5 Deadlock combines S5 tracking with an integrated immobilisation function.

A tracker is primarily designed to help monitor and recover a vehicle rather than prevent it from being stolen.
For additional theft prevention, a tracker can be combined with an immobiliser such as the Autowatch Ghost. The Meta Trak S5 Deadlock also combines S5 tracking with an integrated immobilisation function.
Using tracking and immobilisation together provides different layers of vehicle security: tracking helps with monitoring and recovery, while immobilisation is designed to restrict unauthorised use.

All of the vehicle trackers we supply have a built-in backup battery, allowing the tracker to continue operating if the vehicle's main battery is disconnected or the main power supply is interrupted. Depending on the system, a loss of vehicle power can also trigger an alert through the tracking platform.

Vehicle tracking accuracy depends on the tracking system, satellite signal availability and the environment in which the vehicle is located.
Open outdoor areas generally provide better positioning conditions, while underground car parks, large buildings and areas surrounded by tall structures can affect satellite reception.
The tracker may also use other positioning and communications data depending on the system.

Yes. The tracking systems we supply provide access to vehicle information through the relevant tracking platform or mobile app, depending on the product.
Features can include vehicle location, journey history, alerts and other vehicle information. The exact functionality varies between Meta Trak and ScorpionTrack systems.

Our vehicle tracking systems can be fitted to a wide range of cars, vans and other vehicles.
Compatibility can vary between individual vehicles, particularly where specific manufacturer, electrical or insurance requirements apply. We can confirm the appropriate system for your vehicle before installation.

Yes. Meta Trak states that its tracking solutions are compatible with hybrid and electric vehicles.
The appropriate tracker will still depend on the vehicle and, where applicable, your insurer's requirements, so we can confirm compatibility before installation.

We recommend professional installation. Vehicle trackers require appropriate electrical connections, discreet positioning and testing to ensure the system is operating correctly.
Professional installation also helps ensure that the tracker is securely installed and not unnecessarily exposed within the vehicle.

Vehicle tracker installation normally takes around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the vehicle and the tracking system being installed.
The tracker is discreetly positioned, securely installed and fully tested before the vehicle is returned to you.

The cost depends on the tracker you choose and the subscription arrangements for that system. All prices shown on this page include professional installation.

See our tracker comparison table above for current prices, Thatcham category and subscription costs.

Yes. Monitored vehicle tracking systems require an active subscription to provide ongoing tracking and monitoring services.

The subscription arrangements vary between products. Meta Trak products include an initial subscription period of 1 year, while ScorpionTrack products require an active subscription, which is paid separately from the tracker and installation.

The applicable subscription costs and included period are shown for each tracker in the comparison table above.

The services included in a subscription depend on the tracking system and the provider.
Depending on the product, subscription services can include access to the tracking platform or app, vehicle location data, monitoring, security alerts and assistance following a theft.
The specific services and subscription terms vary between Meta Trak and ScorpionTrack products.

Yes. The tracker can be removed from one vehicle and installed in another one of your vehicles.
The existing subscription can be transferred to the new vehicle.

If the vehicle is sold with the tracker installed, the subscription does not transfer to the buyer. The new owner will need to arrange a new subscription to continue using the tracking service.

Vehicle tracking systems are designed for permanent installation and low power consumption. A good-quality vehicle tracker that is professionally installed should not have a noticeable impact on the vehicle's battery. Our trackers are supplied and installed by qualified technicians, with the system and its electrical connections tested as part of the installation.

Depending on the system, fleet operators can access vehicle locations, journey history and other vehicle information through the relevant tracking platform.
If you operate multiple vehicles, we can help you choose a tracking solution suited to your fleet and insurance requirements.