If you have either renewed or taken out a new car insurance policy, it’s very likely that your insurance provider has asked you to install a monitored stolen vehicle recovery tracker.
This is possibly the first time you have needed to do this, and maybe even the first time you have heard of Thatcham-approved trackers!
You'll, therefore, have a few questions that you would like answered before booking your Thatcham-approved tracker installation.
We’ll do our best to answer these below, including ‘What’s the difference between a CAT5 and CAT6 tracker?
In 2025, choosing an insurance-approved tracker will be slightly more confusing. This is because CAT 5 Trackers have been renamed S5 Trackers. CAT 6 Trackers are now S7 Trackers. Some insurers will still use the old terminology, so it is important to understand what these terms mean.
However, if you would like to skip to the most popular option that will ensure you have met your insurer's needs, then please choose an S5 Tracker.
Really, the question we should now be asking is...
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN S5 TRACKER AND AN S7 TRACKER?
Either way, by the end of this article, you will know with confidence which Thatcham Accredited tracking device to choose for your insurance. And if you don't, our expert team is here and ready to take your call 7 days a week. 03300552777
But what makes them so reliable? Why are insurers suddenly insisting that they are fitted? And what is the difference between them?
For the last few years’ vehicle thefts have continued to rise amongst vehicles that do not have a car tracker installed. In contrast to this, theft prevention and recovery have improved significantly for car owners with a car tracker fitted.
These will be specific vehicle security devices approved and categorised by Thatcham.
Thatcham is the leading organisation that tests security products and systems for the automotive industry.
Having a Thatcham tracker installation means that you have the best form of security for your vehicle in relation to both theft protection and theft recovery.
Thatcham categorises security devices based on their security features.
Regardless of the category of the Thatcham tracker that you need, your car will be protected in several impenetrable ways.
24/7 monitoring centre. This means that any unauthorised activity on your vehicle (such as moving whilst the ignition is turned off) will be detected as soon as it happens.
Battery disconnect alarm. Many thieves know that disconnecting the battery may render any security features immobile. However, the control centre will receive an instant alert if the battery is tampered with. Your car tracker also has a reserve battery, so it will continue tracking even if the car battery is disconnected.
Professional installation. We arrange for your car tracker to be installed by a Thatcham-approved engineer at a time, date, and location convenient to you.
Certificate of authenticity. Once installed, you can provide this certificate to your insurance company. This may lead to a discount on your insurance policy.
Installing a GPS tracking device is now quicker, easier, and more affordable than it has ever been.
Escalating car theft statistics lead to an overall increase in the costs of motorists' insurance policies.
However, installing more vehicles with car trackers improves the theft prevention and recovery rate.
This should lead to motorists saving more money in the long term.
If an insurance provider is asking for a monitored tracker to be installed, then they are giving you the choice of all categories, and as long as the tracker is Thatcham-approved, then they will be satisfied.
Below we will explain what the different Thatcham tracker categories provide.
WHAT IS A CAT 5 CAR TRACKER?
CAT 5 Trackers do not strictly exist any more. However, if an insurer asks for a CAT 5 Tracker, they are most likely referring to an S5 Tracker.
However, when CAT 5 was its own category, it was the highest-categorised tracking device and provided the most comprehensive security for your vehicle or asset.
Amongst other features, your CAT 5 tracker included Level 1 police response, motion sensors, automatic driver recognition (ADR), key theft protection and, the main difference to CAT S5 trackers - remote immobilisation.
Due to some customers still liking the option of immobilisation, the product still exists and is now referred to as S5 PLUS Trackers. This is because they meet the full criteria to qualify as an S5 device - but also have the extra security of an immobilisation feature included.
Stealing the actual car keys or replicating keys has become very common among car thieves. Therefore, the Keyguard system gives you the added feature of 2 Advanced Driver Recognition (ADR) cards. This means that, if your vehicle is started without the driver carrying one of these cards (even if they have stolen your keys) an instant alert will be sent to the control centre. They will then be able to take swift and immediate action.
Typically, you would select a CAT 5 car tracker for high-value and luxury vehicles. However, they are compatible with any vehicle and may be recommended for areas with a particularly high car crime rate.
WHAT ARE CAT S5 TRACKERS?
S5 trackers are the newest categorisation and provide the same level of features and protection as the CAT5. The only difference is that the S5 does NOT have police-authorised immobilisation. Some insurers no longer see this as an essential security feature, due to the high recovery rate of stolen vehicles that did not need the immobilisation implemented.
WHAT IS A CAT 6 CAR TRACKER?
The CAT 6 Tracker has now officially been renamed the S7 Tracker. The S7 category provides exactly the same features, coverage, and level of service as the CAT6 tracker, however, some insurance providers may still have the CAT 6 listed on their recommended products.
You can reference both CAT 6 and S7 whenever referring to this category, and anyone issued with a CAT6 completion certificate will still be valid indefinitely.
The S7/CAT 6 is the entry-level Thatcham-approved tracker category and is the most popular.
You receive a full 24/7 monitoring service, as well as battery tamper alerts,
Cat 6 trackers provide exceptional protection for your vehicle and you can rest assured knowing that your vehicle will be protected.
Take a look at further benefits and our full range of car insurance trackers .
We hope this info helps. If you would like to speak to one of our team about which car insurance tracker is best for you, then you can call us any time on 03300552777
