What is a Thatcham approved tracker?

What is a Thatcham approved tracker?

When looking into vehicle tracking, you’ll have come across the term “Thatcham approved” – or you may have specifically been asked to install a Thatcham tracker.

A Thatcham approved tracker is a vehicle security device that has been certified to meet the strict standards of the Thatcham Research organisation. This research institute is dedicated to improving the safety and security of vehicles with comprehensive testing.

Any vehicle tracker, alarm, or immobiliser that has been certified by Thatcham is categorised according to its functions and guaranteed to be fit for purpose.

These Thatcham trackers are designed to help prevent vehicle theft and assist in vehicle recovery. They work by using the data SIM network and GPS triangulation to monitor the vehicle’s location, which is relayed to a control room and the owner’s app.

Thatcham approval is a recognised benchmark for automotive security systems, and with tens of thousands of vehicles stolen in the UK every year, it’s no surprise that insurance companies prefer the quality and reliability of Thatcham approved trackers.

Whether you’re opting to install a Thatcham approved tracking device or it’s required by an insurance provider, here’s what you should know about this vehicle tracking technology.

What tests must trackers complete to become Thatcham approved?

To earn Thatcham approval, a product must undergo rigorous performance tests that evaluate its capabilities compared to Thatcham Research’s predefined criteria.

These tests assess a tracker’s effectiveness in real-world theft scenarios to ensure the functionality of security measures such as:

➡️Accurate GPS tracking – Providing real-time location data to accurately locate the vehicle.

➡️Tamper alerts – Triggering immediate alerts when detecting unauthorised movement.

➡️Control room monitoring – Offering 24/7 professional support to aid with vehicle recovery.

➡️Durability and reliability – Withstanding tampering and environmental conditions.

➡️Immobilisation – Remote car immobiliser that stops the vehicle if it moves without driver authorisation.

Thatcham also categorises trackers according to their security features, with S7 being the entry level category and S5 or S5 Plus being the higher levels (offering more advanced features like driver recognition and remote immobilisation).

If a vehicle tracker passes the organisation’s tests and meets its categorisation criteria, it will earn the official Thatcham Security Certification – reassuring vehicle owners and insurers alike.

Do I need a Thatcham vehicle tracker?

Thatcham approved trackers aren’t mandatory for all vehicles, but insurance providers may require them in certain situations. For example, vehicles that are at a higher risk of theft include luxury cars or company vans that may contain valuable equipment.

Even if you aren’t required to install a Thatcham tracker, there are plenty of good reasons to invest in one. The many benefits of installing a Thatcham approved tracker include:

⭐ Additional security for your vehicle – Meeting high standards, Thatcham approved trackers provide greater security and help to prevent theft and vehicle loss.

⭐ Real-time vehicle tracking – Knowing the exact location of your vehicle at any time, with immediate alerts for unauthorised movement, offers peace of mind.

⭐ Round-the-clock monitoring – Relaying real-time data to a 24/7 monitoring centre, the tracker will prompt an immediate response in the event of vehicle theft.

⭐ Faster vehicle recovery – Pinpointing the location of the vehicle for the police, the live tracking data will facilitate a swift recovery if your vehicle is stolen.

⭐ Potential remote immobilisation – Preventing the vehicle from starting or being driven without driver authorisation (available with higher level trackers).

Offering essential security features, Thatcham trackers are the ideal solution for vehicle owners searching for cost-effective theft protection – which is why insurance companies often require at least an S7-graded tracker to qualify for coverage.

Can a Thatcham approved tracker help reduce insurance costs?

At the forefront of vehicle safety for decades, approval by Thatcham Research is the gold standard for manufacturers and insurers. Therefore, insurance companies will usually expect you to have a stolen vehicle recovery tracker certified by Thatcham.

Recognised by dozens of insurers, fitting a Thatcham approved tracker can help to lower your insurance costs, as discounts are often available for vehicles with approved trackers.

These security devices significantly reduce the risk of vehicle theft and improve the chances of recovery, but for an insurance provider to offer lower premiums, the tracker must be fitted by an approved installer and meet the insurer’s categorisation requirements.

In some cases, if a vehicle has a lower risk of theft, a non-approved tracker may be sufficient. Some insurers may still offer a discount if a non-Thatcham tracker relays real-time GPS tracking information to a cloud-based data centre.

This is a less widely recognised circumstance, but it’s still worth discussing your vehicle tracking system with your insurance provider to see if reduced premiums with vehicle tracking are available.

How much does a Thatcham tracker cost?

The cost of a Thatcham vehicle tracker depends on the type you choose. The quoted price should include the cost of installation, but ongoing subscription fees may also apply.

Prices for entry-level S7 trackers start from around £200, with a monthly fee of about £15 for ongoing monitoring services. Higher-level S5 trackers tend to cost more due to their extra features, starting from about £379, with slightly more expensive subscription fees.

If your insurance provider stipulates that you must have an S5 tracker, then you need to meet this requirement, or it will invalidate your insurance policy if your vehicle is stolen.

However, if your insurer hasn’t stipulated the tracker category you must install, then you’re free to choose between the S7 and S5 according to your security needs and budget.

An S5 tracker would be the best choice for a high-value or high-risk vehicle due to its driver recognition and immobilisation features. Otherwise, an S7 tracker offers reliable theft recovery, even without these additional services.

Get a Thatcham approved tracker for your vehicle with Fleetsmart

While theft from vehicles is declining, according to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, theft of vehicles has seen an increase in recent years.

This means your vehicle is more likely to be stolen than simply broken into – making a high-quality tracker an essential investment.

When you choose a Thatcham tracker with industry-leading technology, you’re choosing high security standards and efficient theft recovery, plus potential insurance benefits.

With our partner company, you can buy a Thatcham approved tracker from a trusted supplier and have it fitted in your vehicle by a qualified installer.

If you have any questions about our vehicle tracking solutions, get in touch with the Fleetsmart team and we’ll be happy to provide more information about our reliable trackers.