In 2025, more motorists than ever have been instructed to install a car insurance tracker on their vehicles. The main difference between S7 and S5 car trackers lies in their features and security levels:
• S7 Trackers: These are entry-level devices offering essential vehicle tracking features. They use GPS technology to monitor your car's location and provide alerts in case of theft. They are suitable for basic insurance requirements and general vehicle security.
• S5 Trackers: These provide advanced security features, including driver identification via unique ID tags to prevent key cloning thefts. Some S5 trackers also include remote immobilisation, allowing the vehicle to be disabled if stolen. They are ideal for high-value or luxury vehicles and are often preferred by insurers for their comprehensive protection.
For more details, you can explore the car trackers collection.
What are Thatcham-Certified Trackers?
Before we dive into the specifics, let's clarify what "Thatcham-certified" means. Thatcham Research is a not-for-profit organisation established by the motor insurance industry in 1969. They are the UK's leading experts in vehicle security, and their certifications are the gold standard for insurers.
A Thatcham-certified tracker has been rigorously tested to ensure it meets high standards for performance and reliability. Insurance providers often require a Thatcham-approved device, particularly for high-value or high-risk vehicles, as it significantly increases the chances of recovery after a theft. The two main categories you'll encounter are Category S7 and the more advanced Category S5.
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.
Would you prefer to just view the best insurance approved tracker option? Take a look at the S5 Trackers
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 have 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
Understanding the Category S7 Tracker
The Category S7 tracker is the entry-level insurance-approved standard, replacing the older Thatcham Category 7 and Category 6 classifications. It provides a robust and reliable level of security that satisfies the requirements of many insurance policies.
Top Recommended S7 Trackers
- ScorpionTrack S7: A popular and reliable choice known for its user-friendly app and solid performance.
- SmarTrack S7 Protector Pro: Offers excellent features, including an optional immobiliser for added security.
Pros and Cons of S7 Trackers
Pro: Cost-Effective Security
S7 trackers are generally more affordable than their S5 counterparts, both in terms of the initial hardware cost and the ongoing subscription fees. They provide excellent, insurance-approved security without the premium price tag.
Con: No Automatic Driver Recognition
The main drawback of an S7 tracker is the lack of automatic driver recognition. This means the system cannot automatically tell if the person driving your car is an authorised user or a thief who has stolen your keys.
Who is this a problem for? This could be a concern for vehicle owners who want the highest level of protection against modern theft methods like "relay attacks" or key cloning. If a thief gains access to your keys, they can start the car and drive away without triggering an immediate alert. If this is a worry for you, upgrading to an S5 system is the logical next step.
When you're looking for a dependable and approved security solution, the S7 range is a fantastic starting point. You can explore the full collection of car trackers on our website, and remember that Trackershop offers nationwide installation within 1-3 working days.
THATCHAM APPROVED S5 TRACKER
The 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 that even if your car key is stolen or you are a victim of a relay crime, the thieves will not get very far.
Understanding the Category S5 Tracker
The Category S5 tracker is the highest level of Thatcham-certified vehicle security available. It includes all the features of the S7 system but adds a crucial layer of protection: Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR). This was designed specifically to combat the growing threat of key theft and keyless entry hacks.
Top Recommended S5 Trackers
- Scorpion S5: A top-tier system offering ADR and remote immobilisation, providing the ultimate peace of mind.
- SmarTrack S5 D-iD: Renowned for its reliability and advanced features, this is a preferred choice for owners of high-value vehicles.
Pros and Cons of S5 Trackers
Pro: Superior Protection Against Key Theft
The ADR feature is a game-changer. It means that even if a thief steals your keys or uses a relay device to mimic your key fob, they cannot simply drive away undetected. The moment the car moves without the ADR tag present, the security protocol is initiated. This makes the S5 system a powerful deterrent against sophisticated criminals.
Con: Higher Cost and Potential for False Alerts
S5 trackers command a higher price for both the unit and the subscription. Additionally, the ADR system requires you to always remember your tag. Forgetting it can lead to a false alert and a call from the monitoring centre.
Who is this a problem for? The higher cost might make it less appealing for owners of lower-value vehicles where an S7 provides sufficient security. For the forgetful driver, managing the ADR tag could become a minor inconvenience. However, for anyone with a high-value, desirable, or keyless-entry vehicle, the protection against modern theft techniques far outweighs the cost and the small effort of carrying a tag. It's a small price to pay for unparalleled security.
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 Automatic Driver Recognition as the 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.
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 that 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.
