What is a Thatcham Category Vehicle Tracker?

The Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre is more commonly known under the name Thatcham, which is where they are based geographically. The M.I.R.R.C is a non-profit organisation, set up by insurance groups in the late 1960s and is responsible for setting and testing the high levels of security and safety features required for non-factory fitted vehicle security units.

Insurance approved trackers are designed with the most effective security in mind. The functions and features are geared around raising an instant response to theft and a fast recovery via live GPS tracking. The trackers are monitored 24/7 by fully staffed control centres, who will respond to any instant alerts raised by the vehicle's tracking system.

The success rate for this method of protection far outweighs any other factory or post-manufacturing security devices currently available, which is why they are now such a common method of security. Learn more about our range of Insurance Approved Trackers.

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The UK's Leading Provider of Thatcham Approved Vehicle Trackers

At Trackershop, we understand that securing your vehicle quickly and efficiently is paramount. That's why we offer the fastest mobile installation service in the UK for insurance-approved trackers.

Our priority is to ensure your vehicle is protected as soon as possible, recognising that insurance companies may only give you a few days to organise installation.

With our prompt and professional service, you can have peace of mind knowing your vehicle is secured without delay. Our highly skilled engineers will visit your vehicle at your convenience, whether it's at your home, workplace, or even at the dealership before you collect your vehicle.

You don't even need to be present for the installation; as long as someone is available to provide our engineers with access, we can take care of the rest. If you are available during the installation, our engineers will provide you with a comprehensive product demonstration, ensuring you are fully informed about your new security system.

Once the installation is complete, you will receive your certificate for your insurers via email within a few hours, ensuring you meet all necessary requirements. At Trackershop, our commitment to customer satisfaction and security is unwavering. Trackershop ensures your vehicle is protected with the best insurance-approved trackers available. Quickly, effectively and professionally.

Why not speak to our team for advice on the best insurance approved tracker for you 0330 055 2777

What is an S7 Tracker?

The S7 car tracker was launched at the start of 2019 and will be eventually replacing the CAT 6 tracker. Both of these categories offer the same level of service and there is currently a transitional process where both names may be used.

The S7 Tracker is a fully monitored tracking device. This means that there is a control room service in place 24/7. If your vehicle is stolen they are ready to log in to the real-time tracking information to liaise directly with the police and guide them straight to the vehicle. They also deploy a recovery team to retrieve your vehicle for you. It is worth noting that the control room ONLY monitors your GPS tracker if an alert is raised or your vehicle is reported stolen. They do not monitor any driver behaviour, this is purely for vehicle theft recovery.

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What is an S5 Tracker?

S5 car trackers are the newest and highest level of vehicle theft recovery categorisation. As well as the same service as the S7, the S5 tracker also includes advanced features such as tow-away alerts and A.D.R (Automatic Driver Recognition). The ADR instantly identifies you as the authorised driver of the vehicle, due to the proximity app that you have on your phone. The reason for this is to protect you against key theft and relay crime. If the vehicle is moved by anyone other than the authorised driver then an instant alert is triggered in the control room. The S5 has also been introduced to ensure full protection for hybrid vehicles also.

As an additional option, you can also upgrade your S5 Tracker to the S5 Plus tracker. The S5 Plus also includes police authorised immobilisation feature. This is used when the thieves still have possession of the vehicle but have turned off the ignition. The immobilisation can then be implemented to ensure the vehicle can then not be moved any further by the thieves.

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What is a CAT 5 Tracker?

The CAT 5 tracker will soon be replaced by the S5 Plus tracker. Some insurers may still ask for a CAT 5 tracker for the remainder of this year.

With advanced features such as police authorised immobilisation, tow away alerts, and D.R.S (Driver Recognition System). There’s no official rule as to what vehicle makes/models require a CAT 5 tracker (or any other accreditation). External factors such as location, level of vehicle use, and your insurance provider's own criteria contribute to the categorisation. The vehicle value is the most common reason for a CAT 5 necessity. It is almost certain that a vehicle with a value of £70,000 or more will require a CAT5. However, other factors such as if the vehicle is a model highly targeted by thieves (such as all Range Rover models) will also be factors.

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Looking For Even More Vehicle Security?

Some insurers are now also asking for additional immobilisers or dash cams to be fitted in line with vehicle security policies.

Take a look at our comprehensive vehicle security packages, combining your insurance approved trackers with additional security - at a discounted price!

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If you have any further questions or need to book in an insurance approved tracker fitting, then call the Trackershop team any time on 0330 055 2777

Ready to book in your insurance-approved tracker

Call us on 0330 055 2777 or email info@trackershop-uk.com

Why do I need to install a vehicle tracking device?

It is becoming increasingly common for car insurance providers to request that you install an insurance-approved vehicle tracking device. This is due to the significant increase in specific theft techniques. With simple remote devices, thieves can override factory-fitted security - particularly on keyless entry vehicles. Techniques like Relay Attack allow thieves to steal vehicles quickly and covertly, meaning your car could be out of sight within 60 seconds! The good news is that an insurance-approved vehicle tracking device is the very best security at both counteracting thefts and recovering stolen vehicles quickly.

Will fitting an insurance-approved vehicle tracker reduce my insurance?

It’s highly possible that installing an insurance-approved vehicle tracker will lead to a reduction in the cost of your insurance policy. Insurance providers tend to reward motorists who are proactive about the security of their vehicle. However, due to a combination of escalation in vehicle theft and how effective tracking devices are at securing your vehicle, many insurance providers will NOT actually insure a vehicle for theft unless a tracking device has been installed. It’s best to discuss this with your provider and to see if they favour any particular Thatcham category GPS tracker.

Which is the best vehicle tracking device for insurance?

The Meta S5 Deadlock is currently the best vehicle tracking device available. This is because it has an S5 Thatcham accreditation but also has additional immobilisation security. The immobilisation is controlled by you, meaning that nobody can drive your vehicle without your permission.

How long does it take to install a vehicle tracking device?

The S7 car tracker will take approx 45-60 minutes to install, with the installation for an S5 tracker being approximately 90 minutes. Our engineers are mobile and cover every UK postcode. They will visit you at home, work, dealership, or any other location where the vehicle is located.

What’s the best car tracker without a subscription?

All vehicle tracking devices will require some kind of subscription in order to operate. The reason for this is because there is a fully staffed monitoring service in place, 24/7. If you would prefer a one-off payment though, you can opt for the Duration of Ownership subscription through Smartrack. This is a one-off payment of £399 (S7) or £499 (S5). This is a one-off payment, that covers you for the entire time you own the vehicle - whether this is 3, 10, or 15 years!

How can I find out if my car has a tracker?

It’s possible that your vehicle is already fitted with a GPS tracker of some kind. This will be a factory-fitted device, and although you may be able to track your vehicle, your insurance provider will not recognise these types of devices as acceptable security. This is because these factory-fitted tracking devices are typically all installed in the same location - meaning thieves will know where they are. With Thatcham-approved trackers, there are multiple locations where the device can be installed, as well as tamper alerts set up to further protect the device. This absolutely minimises the chance of a thief being able to intercept the security.

I’ve never needed a Car Tracker for my insurance. So why now?

Over the last few years, a more sophisticated generation of tech-savvy car thieves have been emerging. Targeting popular and high-value vehicles, these thieves are able to counteract the factory-fitted security, using basic hacking equipment purchased online. With the advances in GPS/GSM technology development in the last decade, using location-based security as well as instant theft alerts has become highly effective in theft recovery.

Although this may be the first year that you have been required to install a Categorised tracker, this procedure is going to become a standard requirement in the immediate future. This is simply because this method of security really does work. The monitored Thatcham-approved trackers (such as the S5 trackers) are designed to both deter thieves and ensure quick and effective vehicle recovery if the worst does happen.

Although this may be the first year that you have been required to install a Categorised tracker, this procedure is going to become a standard requirement in the immediate future. This is simply because this method of security really does work. The monitored Thatcham-approved trackers (such as the S5 trackers) are designed to both deter thieves and ensure quick and effective vehicle recovery if the worst does happen.

So what are the different categories? And what do they do? 

Can trackers be jammed? 

GPS/GSM jammers emit a signal at the same frequency as GPS satellites.
Insurance-approved vehicle trackers are tested to the highest level and are designed to counteract and detect any common theft techniques.

However, if you would like a vehicle tracking system that does not emit a signal that can be detected, then take a look at the S7 Tracker Monitor. This uses VHF technology, which cannot be blocked and can also be detected in containers, concrete structures, and underground.

Is Land Rover InControl insurance approved?

Land Rover's Incontrol tracking system is a level CAT 6 tracker. However, due to the fact that these are factory-fitted, it is unlikely your insurance provider will accept this in line with your policy. This is due to the fact that all factory-fitted devices will typically be installed in the same location on the vehicle. Therefore, thieves will very quickly be able to locate, access, and remove it.