Where's your car right now? If itâs parked just outside your window, you probably feel pretty secure knowing itâs safe. But what if youâve lent it to a friend, a coworker, or left it with a valet at the airport? The uncertainty of not knowing where your car is can be really stressful, especially when youâve willingly handed it over. Toss in the fear of theft, and that anxiety can really ramp up.
The best way to keep tabs on your vehicle is with a GPS tracker. These gadgets used to seem like something out of a spy movie, but now you can get one installed in your car for under âč2000. Not only do they give you peace of mind, but they also help you keep track of business mileage or easily locate your car when itâs parked in a place youâre not familiar with.
How GPS Trackers Protect Your Vehicle and Save You Money
Some car insurance companies provide discounts for drivers who have professionally installed trackers. In fact, they might even make it a requirement for certain high-risk vehicles or for drivers who are still gaining experience.
The Most Commonly Asked Questions About Car Trackers
There are two main types of Vehicle Tracking Systems (VTS) that insurance companies might ask for. The first type helps track your vehicle if it gets stolen, while the second type is a "black box" that keeps an eye on your driving habits.
Installing black box trackers is generally a breeze for car owners, but theft recovery trackers usually require a professional installation and come with the necessary certifications. These devices can help lower your theft excess, score you a discount, or make sure your car is protected in case of theft.
Typically, black box trackers are included in your insurance premium, whereas theft trackers come with a one-time purchase fee and an ongoing subscription. Just a heads up: if you forget to pay the subscription, the service might get cut off, which could impact your insurance coverage.
How much do insurance-approved trackers cost?
If you're looking at entry-level S7 trackers, you can expect to pay around âč20,000, plus a monthly subscription fee of about âč1500. S5 trackers are a bit pricier, mainly due to the extra features they offer, which also come with higher subscription costs. On the higher end, trackers equipped with VHF transmitters can set you back around âč60,000. Typically, these prices cover installation and sometimes even include prepaid subscription fees.
What if I donât need a tracker for insurance but want to keep an eye on my car?
If youâre not too worried about insurance requirements but still want to keep tabs on your car, there are some budget-friendly options out there. For instance, a simple Letstrack Bluetooth Tag can be tucked away in your vehicle without drawing attention. It sends out your car's location whenever someone with an Apple device passes by, although it doesnât provide the comprehensive tracking features that professional systems do. While Bluetooth trackers can be handy, theyâre not the best choice for preventing theft, as they might tip off a thief that theyâre being monitored.
If youâre looking for something more robust, consider plug-and-play devices that connect to your carâs OBD port, or even simpler models that wire directly to the battery. These trackers sync with your phone through a dedicated app and can notify you if your car moves, leaves a specific area, or is driven in a reckless manner.
Do modern cars have built-in trackers?
Absolutely! Since 2018, a lot of new cars have been hitting the market with a handy SOS button and a SIM card. This setup can help you track your car's location, but keep in mind that it usually doesn't offer the same level of security as a specialized tracking system.
Iâve found a tracker on my car. Should I be concerned?
If you've recently purchased a used car and discovered a tracker inside, donât panic just yet. Itâs often just a leftover from the previous owner's security setup. The subscription might be inactive, but itâs a good idea to reach out to the company for confirmation. If it makes you uneasy, you can easily get rid of the black box by disconnecting it from the OBD port or the power wires.
Can I activate an old tracker thatâs already in my car?
In general, you can reactivate a tracker by subscribing to the service, but it's important to make sure that your device meets the required standards for insurance. If you're planning to use it for insurance purposes, don't forget to get the certificates of conformity. Just keep in mind that a company probably won't reactivate a tracker if your car has already been stolen.
Do I need to tell others if I have a tracker in my car?
Legally speaking, youâre not required to tell anyone if youâve put a tracker in your vehicle. But honestly, itâs a smart move to give them a heads-up, especially if theyâre employees or family. Being open about it can prevent any confusion and might even promote safer driving habits.
Can I transfer a tracker to my new car?
Absolutely, a professional installer can move your tracker to a different vehicle and provide certification for it. This could be a smart move if you've put your money into a top-of-the-line device. However, if you're dealing with a more budget-friendly âč20,000 unit, it might not make much financial sense. The labor costs for transferring the tracker could end up being nearly as much as buying a new one.
How do thieves bypass trackers?
While itâs wise not to share too many specifics, itâs interesting to note that some thieves have a range of tricks up their sleeves to dodge trackers. They might simply park the car and bide their time until the trackerâs signal goes quiet, or they could stash the vehicle in spots where the signal is weak. Some even go as far as trying to locate and remove the tracker altogether. More tech-savvy criminals might resort to using jamming devices to interfere with the trackerâs signal, though thatâs definitely against the law.
To give your car the best shot at being found if it goes missing, think about investing in a dual-band tracker, like those from Tracker, which are designed to be more resilient against jamming and perform better in tricky spots. And adding an Airtag for that extra layer of security wouldnât hurt either.
For more insights on trackers and tips to keep your car safe, be sure to check out Letstrack.
