What insurers look for
Insurers decide individually whether a tracker affects your premium, and what they will accept. For some higher-value or higher-risk vehicles an approved tracker is required as a condition of cover. Where a discount is offered, it normally applies to a device that meets the insurer's own requirements rather than to any tracker.
Insurers commonly refer to Thatcham-approved categories, such as S5 and S7, when they specify a tracker. If your policy mentions a category, you need a device that meets it. A tracker that does not meet your insurer's requirements may be useful for fleet management but will not satisfy that condition.
Questions to ask your insurer before you buy
- Do you require a tracker, or offer a discount for one, on this vehicle or fleet?
- Which approval or category do you specify?
- Does the device need to be fitted by an approved installer, and does it need a particular monitoring or recovery service?
- Will the discount apply to the whole fleet or only some vehicles, and does it apply every year?
- What do I need to send you as proof?
Other ways tracking can help your insurance position
Even where there is no direct discount, a tracker can help after a theft by giving the police a location, and can provide evidence of where a vehicle was and when. Fleet tracking can also help with driver safety and reporting, which some fleet insurers take an interest in. Treat these as possible benefits to discuss with your insurer, not guarantees.
Next step
If your insurer has asked for a tracker, send us the wording from your policy or quote and tell us the vehicles involved, and we will confirm what we can supply. See our stolen vehicle tracking and van tracking pages, or contact Trackmatic.
Frequently asked questions
Do insurers give a discount for vehicle trackers?
Some do, and some require a tracker on higher-risk vehicles. It depends on the insurer, the vehicle and the type of device, so ask your insurer what they offer and what they accept before you buy.
What does a Thatcham-approved tracker mean?
Thatcham is the UK research body that assesses vehicle security for insurers. Insurers often specify Thatcham categories such as S5 and S7 when they require a tracker. Check with your insurer which category your policy needs.
Will any GPS tracker count for insurance?
Not necessarily. Insurers usually accept devices that meet their own requirements. A tracker bought for fleet management may not satisfy an insurance condition, so confirm with your insurer first.
Has your insurer asked for a tracker?
Send us what your policy says and the vehicles involved, and we will confirm what we can supply.
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