If your insurer has asked for a Thatcham-approved tracker, it helps to know what the term means before you pay for one. Not every tracker you can buy online is approved, and not every approved tracker suits every insurer.
Who Thatcham are
Thatcham Research is the UK motor insurers' research centre. It tests vehicle security products and gives approval to those that meet its standards for a particular category.
What approval means
An approved tracker has been tested against a defined standard, including how it reports its position, how it is monitored and how it resists tampering. A tracker with no approval has not been through that process.
Categories
Approved trackers are grouped into categories, such as S5 and S7. Insurers specify the category they will accept for a vehicle. Ask your insurer, rather than assuming, which one your policy needs.
Monitoring
Approved trackers are usually monitored by a control room that can act on an alert and contact you or the police. This usually needs an ongoing subscription, and the fee varies by provider.
What to check before buying
Confirm the category your insurer asks for, check the unit and provider are on Thatcham's approved list, find out the monitoring fee, and ask who will fit it.
Common questions
Is every tracker Thatcham-approved?
No. Many consumer trackers have no approval. If your insurer requires an approved unit, check the exact model.
Do I have to use a specific installer?
Some insurers and providers have rules about installation. Check with them before booking a fit.
Can I buy a tracker and fit it myself?
For insurance purposes, a unit may need to be installed in a specific way. Check with your insurer first.
Do you fit approved trackers?
Yes. Tell us what your insurer requires and we will quote the matching unit.