Key Takeaways
• Both S5 and S7 are Thatcham-approved insurance trackers with real-time GPS and 24/7 control room monitoring for stolen vehicle recovery.
• The key difference is Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR): the S5 has it, the S7 does not.
• ADR uses a driver ID fob, so if the car moves without it, a silent alert is raised. This is what defends against keyless and relay theft.
• The S5 Plus goes further, adding immobilisation, either driver-controlled or police-authorised.
• Choose an S7 for standard cover and lower-value cars, and an S5 or S5 Plus for high-value, keyless or high-theft-risk vehicles. Always check what your insurer requires.
With car theft still rising, more UK motorists than ever are being asked to fit a Thatcham-approved tracker, often as a condition of insurance. The two categories you will come across are the S7 and the S5, plus the top-tier S5 Plus. They share the same core recovery service, so the real question is how much protection you need against modern, keyless theft. Here is the difference, side by side.
S5 vs S7 vs S5 Plus: Quick Comparison
| Feature | S7 | S5 | S5 Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real-time GPS tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 control room monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Motion and tow-away alerts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UK and European coverage | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Immobilisation | No | No | Yes |
| Replaces older category | CAT 6 | CAT 5 (S5) | CAT 5 |
| Best for | Standard cover, lower-value cars | High-value or keyless cars | Maximum security, highest-risk cars |
| Relative cost | Lowest | Mid | Highest |
What Are Thatcham-Approved Trackers?
Thatcham Research is the not-for-profit body set up by the motor insurance industry in 1969, and it is the UK's leading authority on vehicle security. A Thatcham-approved tracker has been independently tested to strict standards for performance and reliability, which is why insurers often require one, especially for high-value or high-risk vehicles. The current tracker categories are S7, S5 and S5 Plus, all developed with a strong focus on countering the rise in relay crime and car key theft.
The S7 Tracker
The S7 is the entry-level insurance-approved standard, replacing the older Category 6 and 7 classifications. If you still see "CAT 6" mentioned, an S7 is the same level of service and is a valid replacement. Any active CAT 6 tracker you already have remains valid where a policy now asks for an S7.
It is the most commonly fitted category and provides:
• 24/7 control room monitoring. In a theft, a fully staffed control room guides police directly to the vehicle using real-time tracking.
• UK and European coverage. Your car stays protected abroad, and even if thieves cross a border it can still be located.
• Motion and tow-away alerts. Any attempt to move or tow the car, even without starting it, raises an instant control room alert.
What it does not have is Automatic Driver Recognition, so the system cannot tell whether the person driving is you or a thief using stolen or cloned keys. Popular S7 options include the ScorpionTrack S7 and the SmarTrack S7 Protector Pro. See the full range of S7 trackers.
The S5 Tracker
The S5 includes everything the S7 offers and adds the feature that defines it: Automatic Driver Recognition. It has become the standard bearer in Thatcham security, with a commonly cited recovery rate of around 96%.
With ADR, you carry a small driver ID fob, kept separate from your car key. If the vehicle moves without the fob present, whether the thief has your key, has cloned it, or has used a relay attack, a silent alert is raised instantly in the control room, which then works with police to recover the car. In other words, even if your keys are compromised, the thief will not get far. Popular S5 options include the ScorpionTrack S5, the SmarTrack S5 D-iD and the Meta Trak S5. See the full range of S5 trackers.
The trade-offs are a higher price than an S7, for both the unit and the subscription, and the need to remember your fob, since leaving it behind can trigger a false alert. For a high-value or keyless vehicle, most owners find that a small price to pay.
The S5 Plus Tracker
The S5 Plus is the highest level of Thatcham-approved recovery tracker, replacing the old CAT 5, and any active CAT 5 you have remains valid where a policy now asks for an S5 Plus. On top of all the S5 features, it adds immobilisation in one of two forms:
- Driver-controlled immobilisation. The fob acts as an immobiliser, so the car cannot be driven without it present. This can be overridden and managed through your app.
- Police-authorised immobilisation. Attending officers can authorise the control room to immobilise the vehicle remotely, stopping thieves from driving it any further so it can be recovered on the spot.
Explore S5 Plus trackers or the full insurance approved tracker range.
Which Tracker Should You Choose?
• Choose an S7 if you want dependable, insurance-approved recovery at the lowest cost, and your car is lower-value or lower-risk.
• Choose an S5 if you own a high-value, desirable or keyless-entry car, or one that is a common theft target. The ADR system actively defends against relay and key-cloning attacks.
• Choose an S5 Plus for maximum protection, or where your insurer specifically requires immobilisation.
The most important step is to check exactly what your insurer requires, as high-value vehicles are often specified for an S5 or S5 Plus. If you are unsure, our team can advise based on your vehicle, risk and budget.
If you already know which category you need, view the full range of insurance approved trackers, or call our team on 0330 055 2777. Trackershop offers nationwide installation, typically within 1 to 3 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an S5 and an S7 tracker? Both are Thatcham-approved trackers with real-time GPS and 24/7 monitoring. The difference is that the S5 adds Automatic Driver Recognition, which raises a silent alert if the car is moved without your driver ID fob. The S7 does not have this.
Is an S5 better than an S7? For protection against keyless and relay theft, yes, because of ADR. But an S7 is more affordable and still meets many insurance requirements, so the best choice depends on your vehicle's value and risk.
Does my insurance need an S5 or an S7? It depends on your insurer and vehicle. Standard cars often only need an S7, while high-value or high-risk vehicles are frequently specified for an S5 or S5 Plus. Always confirm with your insurer.
What is Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR)? ADR uses a small fob you carry separately from your keys. If the vehicle moves without the fob present, the tracker raises a silent alert to the control room, defending against theft even when your keys are compromised.
What is an S5 Plus tracker? The S5 Plus adds immobilisation to the S5, either driver-controlled through the fob or police-authorised remotely, making it the highest level of Thatcham-approved recovery tracker.
Do S7 trackers have immobilisation? No. Immobilisation is a feature of the S5 Plus. The S7 provides tracking, alerts and recovery, but not driver recognition or immobilisation.
