Car Trackers

Car thieves have modified their methods to overcome modern factory- fitted security. As a result of techniques such as ‘relay attack’, thieves can now easily steal cars in seconds and a concerning number of these stolen vehicles are never recovered. Using any of our carefully selected range of car trackers can help to instantly recover your vehicle in the event of a theft.

Understanding how these devices operate can help you appreciate their advantages. GPS car trackers use a combination of satellite technology and cellular networks to pinpoint the exact location of your vehicle. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Satellite Technology: The tracker installed in your vehicle communicates with satellites orbiting the Earth.

• Cellular Networks: This location data is transmitted via cellular networks to a central server.

• Access Through App/Website: You can access this information through an app or website, giving you real-time updates on your vehicle's location.

Whatever the purpose, you can monitor your car tracking devices in real- time through your computer, laptop and smartphone. You can view any previous tracking history, including times, exact locations and speed, as well as set up motion alerts at any time. You have full access to your own private mapping panel and tracking app allowing you to monitor and co-ordinate your car trackers from anywhere!

When it comes to the cheapest car tracker devices in the UK in 2025, there are a few different ways to define what to look for in a cheap car tracker in 2025.

GPS car tracking device capabilities have come on in leaps and bounds in recent years. However, this does not mean that there are not still pitfalls and dips in quality at the lower end of the price range. Like any item, the cheap car tracker options do not tend to translate to quality.

If you are protecting important vehicles, assets or even loved ones, then it can be a false economy hoping that you can rely on a cheaper option. Therefore, Trackershop strives to provide the most cost-effective car trackers in the UK.

For insurance-approved trackers, the ScorpionTrack S7 is great value, with monthly subscriptions starting at £11.50

For a personal use cheap car tracker, the TS10 Hardwired Tracker is a really useful cost-effective tracking device - at just £34 and £8.50 per month.

These products have the balance of quality, reliability and high levels of features, at an affordable price.

Choosing the right car tracker can make a significant difference not only for your vehicle’s security but also for meeting insurance requirements. Many insurers recommend or require a tracker approved by Thatcham Research, a leading organisation that sets security standards for vehicles.

Here’s what you need to know about the two primary Thatcham-approved tracking categories, S7 and S5, and why the S5 offers the most comprehensive protection for your vehicle:

• Thatcham S7 Trackers

S7 trackers are entry-level devices providing essential vehicle tracking features. They are equipped with GPS technology to monitor your car’s location and alert you in case of theft.

• Thatcham S5 Trackers

S5 trackers offer the highest level of security and advanced features for your car. These devices include driver identification (via a unique ID tag) to prevent key cloning thefts, along with real-time alerts and GPS tracking. Some S5 trackers also feature remote immobilisation, allowing you or the tracking centre to disable the vehicle if it is stolen. Their enhanced protection makes them the preferred choice for owners of high-value or luxury vehicles and offers the most confidence to insurers.

Yes, the term vehicle tracker system is a common term used by insurers. If you need an insurance-approved vehicle tracker system then you can select the 'insurance approved' tag above to see the suitable products for this.

It's very possible that your insurance provider used the term 'vehicle tracking system' when organising your insurance.Whether they reference vehicle tracking system or any similar terminology, the most important aspect is that you install the correct Thatcham accredited category (eg S7 or S5).Vehicle tracking system (or VTS) is a common term used in the insurance industry, but they will be referring to any of the insurance-approved trackers in this category.

'How much does a car tracker cost in 2025?' is of course one of the first questions anyone may have when considering purchasing. Depending on the type that you need, a car tracker can cost anything from £34 when purchasing through Trackershop.

The Tracker UK range of trackers for cars cannot be detected. This is because they use VHF technology, which does not emit a frequency. 

It also means that the Tracker UK devices can be tracked inside containers and underground. 

The highest level of vehicle tracker security recognised by UK insurers is the Thatcham S5 Tracker. Required for many high-value and high-performance vehicles, an S5 car tracker offers superior protection with features such as:

• Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR) tags – alerts you and the 24/7 monitoring team if the vehicle is moved without the authorised tag present.
• Instant movement alerts – triggered if the vehicle is towed or moved without ignition.
• Live tracking – view your vehicle in real time via app or desktop.
• Full 24/7 monitoring and police liaison – ensuring fast recovery in the event of theft.

S5 car trackers are recommended by insurers for their advanced theft-prevention technology and rapid response. Because of these advanced theft-prevention features, many insurers only approve S5 vehicle trackers for theft cover. If you're unsure which tracker is suitable for your car, we recommend browsing our S5 car tracker range or calling our expert team for free advice and same-day booking.

Yes! A car tracker with remote immobilisation offers one of the highest levels of vehicle protection available in the UK.

This technology allows the monitoring centre (or the police, depending on the system) to remotely disable the vehicle’s starter motor once the engine is switched off, preventing thieves from restarting or moving the car.

Systems such as Thatcham-approved S5 trackers with immobiliser functionality are increasingly used for high-value or high-risk vehicles. While they cost slightly more upfront, they can significantly improve recovery rates, reduce insurance premiums, and give drivers complete peace of mind.

Yes! Most car trackers can be transferred to another vehicle by one of our certified installers.

If you sell or change your car, the GPS tracker can be removed and refitted to your new vehicle without voiding the warranty or subscription (though a reinstallation fee may apply).

It’s always recommended to use one of our approved engineers for removal and refit to ensure the wiring, SIM, and GPS antenna are correctly positioned. Trackershop offers nationwide de and reinstallation services, making the process quick and convenient.

In most cases, fitting an insurance-approved car tracker can lower your insurance premium; especially for performance, prestige, or high-theft-risk vehicles.

Insurers often require a Thatcham-approved Category S5 or S7 vehicle tracker for cover, but even when not mandatory, having one fitted can lead to discounts of 10–20%depending on the insurer.
These trackers demonstrate proactive vehicle protection, reduce theft risk, and cans peed up claim processing by providing accurate location data in the event of theft. Always inform your insurer after installation to ensure your policy reflects the added security.