In 2024, more motorists than ever have been instructed to install a car insurance tracker to their vehicle(s), You may be here for the same reason, so let's delve into the differences between S7 and S5 trackers.
THATCHAM S5 OR S7 TRACKER?
The S5 Tracker and S7 Tracker (along with the S5 PLUS Tracker) are the most current Thatcham Approved security categories for car insurance trackers.
There are many reasons why these new categories exist. A major focal point on these being developed has been an emphasis on counteracting the concerning increase of relay crime and car key theft.
Differences Between S5 and S7 Trackers
So what are the benefits of these new Thatcham approved trackers and what are the main differences between the S7 and S5 Trackers?
THATCHAM APPROVED S7 TRACKERS
The S7 Thatcham-approved tracker will soon permanently replace the CAT 6 Tracker. We are now nearly 3 years since the introduction of these new categories, so it will become rarer to hear the term CAT 6. However, if you do then you can rest assured that the S7 tracking device will be suitable (and the same thing).
If you have an active CAT 6 tracker installed then this will still remain valid and active if your insurance policy is now requiring an S7.
They are the same level of service and GPS tracking technology, hence why some insurers have not yet changed the terminology for this category.
The S7 Tracker is the standard requirement for theft recovery security systems and is, therefore, the most commonly fitted tracking device.
- 24/7 Control Room Monitoring
In the event of a theft, the fully staffed control room is trained to guide the police directly to the vehicle, using the advanced real-time tracking tech that is a standard feature of the S7 Tracker.
- Global Coverage
Typically, once your vehicle is logged as stolen it will be recovered within minutes. However, just in case, the S7 Tracker has global coverage, so even if the thieves make it out of the country they'll still be found.
This also means that you can use your vehicle abroad with the same level of protection that your S7 Tracker offers you in the UK.
- Motion Alert
Even if your vehicle is moved by thieves without the ignition starting, they won't get far. Any attempt to tow your vehicle will raise an instant alert in the control room.
View the S7 Trackers
THATCHAM APPROVED S5 TRACKERThe S5 Tracker has quickly become the standard bearer in Thatcham accredited vehicle security - due in part to a 96%+ recovery rate.
The S5 tracker has all of the benefits of an S7 with the addition of the below:
ADR (Automatic Driver Recognition)
The Automatic Driver Recognition system is the most effective proactive alert against key theft/cloning.
As the owner of your vehicle, you are provided with a small ADR fob (and one spare) to identify you as an authorised driver.
This is just kept with you whenever you use your vehicle but does not attach to your car key.
If your vehicle is moved, whether by starting the ignition with or without your key, and the fob is not present in the vehicle, a silent alert is instantly raised in the Control Room.
The Control Room will quickly determine if a theft is taking place and work directly with the police to recover the vehicle.
This means, even if your car key is stolen or you are a victim of relay crime, the thieves will not get very far.
Take a look at the S5 Trackers
Which Is Better S5 or S7 Tracker?
As you can see from above the best insurance approved tracking system option for security is the S5. With the Automatic Driver Recognition as standard, it leads to a rapid and highly successful recovery rate.
There is an additional category, which allows for an optional extra security feature.
S5 PLUS TRACKERS
The S5 Plus Tracker is the highest level of Thatcham approved theft recovery tracker and is the upgraded version of the CAT5 Tracker.
Again, if you have an active CAT 5 tracker installed then this will still remain valid and active if your insurance policy is now requiring an S5 Plus Tracker.
In addition to the above features, the S5 Plus Tracker also has:
Either
a) Remote driver controlled immobilisation
This is an upgrade on your ADR system, where the fob itself acts as an immobiliser.
This means that you cannot drive your vehicle without the fob present (this can be overriden and also controlled through your app).
Or
b) Remote Police Authorised Immobilisation
This is where the attending police officers can give authorisation to the control room to temporarily immobilise the vehicle.
This means that the thieves will not be able to drive the vehicle any further, allowing the police and recovery team to attend to the vehicle on the spot.
See the S5 Plus Trackers
As Thatcham-approved trackers become more common, motorists are finding that installing one of these car insurance trackers will be a standard requirement going forward.
The reason for this is because they are highly effective at protecting your most expensive assets, saving you the heartache, inconvenience, and costs involved in dealing with having a vehicle stolen and not recovered.
Do you already know which Thatcham-approved device you require? View the full range of Car Insurance Trackers
If you still have some questions or would like to book your S7 or S5 tracker installation over the phone then you can call our team on 0330 055 2777.
