Did you know that 129,159 vehicles were stolen between April 2023 and March 2024 according to the Office of National Statistics, meaning that car theft is unfortunately part of our everyday lives.
So how do you protect your pride and joy? If you’re left unsure what to do about protecting your vehicle from theft or fear you may live in a theft hotspot, a car tracking device, also known as car trackers, could help you to stop criminals in their tracks, along with other deterrents of course.
Here’s what you need to know about the latest car tracking technology:
Contents
- What is a car tracker?
- Why would you need a car tracker?
- What do car trackers look like?
- How much are car trackers?
- Will your car go off the radar?
- How do you put a tracking device on your car?
- Are tracking devices worth the money?
What is a car tracker?
From electric energy, to keyless cars, to automated driving, new car technology has advanced to make our modern driving experience a futuristic reality.
But while driving a desirable car is a positive experience, being targeted by thieves is a sad reality UK drivers are increasingly subject to – for both new and old car owners.
Fitting your car with a car tracking device can help protect car owners from being without our cars, by tracking a stolen vehicle and helping police to recover it.
Just like your in-car navigation system, GPS tracking works by using a set of satellites to emit a signal from your car to determine the physical location based on the distance from the satellites, keeping a record of your route and live location.
Why would you need a car tracker?
It goes without saying that we are dependent on our cars, and living without it from any period of time disrupts not only with your plans, but your finances and sense of security for your most valuable possessions.
The true cost of vehicle theft is about more than simply losing a vehicle, there are both financial and emotional consequences to deal with. When you are unable to recover your car, you are faced with making an insurance claim and may face losing your insurance excess and no claims' bonus, as well as potential increased premiums and car hire costs. Not to mention the personal inconvenience and distress.
In such an unfortunate event, you want to make sure you quickly get it back, or put thieves off. A little sticker which is sometimes provided with trackers, which can be placed on the car informs would be thieves that the car is protected.
What do car trackers look like?
Car trackers are typically small square boxes, usually around four inches long and two inches wide, that can be integrated into a car, usually within the wiring, or can be placed in various areas of the car, such as the windscreen, glovebox or centre console.
They tend to be dark colours, to blend in with car interiors, but can also be white or grey. They are usually made of plastic, with wiring and electronics comprised within them.
How much are car trackers?
Car trackers can vary in price, depending on the complexity and quality - as with many products. You can get some for as little as £30, whilst other more comprehensive ones can cost ten times this amount, and even further.
Some more complex versions may be cheaper to buy, but could also incur a monthly subscription, but it's possible to find car trackers without a subscription, too. There are so many on the market, meaning it should be easy enough to find one that one is right for your budget, type of car and the lifestyle you lead.
Will your car go off the radar?
The latest and most sophisticated trackers can even detect GPS signals from underground, meaning if your car or vehicle has been taken underground, hidden in a metal container for transport, or even taken across Europe, a tracking device will ensure your car remains visible to the police.
How do you put a tracking device on your car?
This really depends on the sophistication of the device and where you purchase the device. Generally speaking, if you purchase a device from a reputable tracking company/provider, they will send an engineer out to install the tracker somewhere in the car.
If you purchase a less sophisticated device, it may be magnetic and can be self-installed. Whichever you choose, ensure it’s up to the job and provides the type of tracking you’re after.
Are tracking devices worth the money?
There is no doubt, having a tracking device installed in your car is one of the best ways to protect it from theft and the complications that come with that.
The investment in one of these devices will also lower your car insurance premium, and in the long run could even save you money – as well as the hassle and heartbreak should the worst happen.
Protecting your car is important, and the more you spend, the more likely it is you’ll consider tracking. Whatever you choose for your tracking solution, always do your research first and make sure your tracking device is up to the job.
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