What a tracker actually changes
A tracker does two separate jobs: it improves the odds of recovering your vehicle after a theft, and — increasingly — it satisfies a condition your insurer has attached to your policy. These are not the same thing, and it's easy to have one without realising the other applies to you.
- Recovery: live location data helps recovery teams and police locate a stolen vehicle, often within hours rather than days.
- Policy compliance: some insurers require proof the tracker was active and reporting at the time of the incident before they'll settle a claim.
- Premium impact: a monitored tracker can reduce your premium on higher-risk vehicles, sometimes meaningfully.
Signs your current setup might not be enough
A tracker that isn't on a monitored, subscribed plan — or one that hasn't been serviced in years — may not meet what your policy actually requires. If you're not sure whether your device still reports correctly, that's worth confirming before you need it, not after.
Do I need a tracker if I already have comprehensive insurance?
Possibly — some comprehensive policies specifically require one for hijacking or theft cover on certain vehicles. Check your policy schedule, not just the marketing brochure.
What's the difference between a tracker and a tracking subscription?
The hardware only works if the monitoring subscription behind it is active. A device with a lapsed subscription generally won't help a claim.