Insurance Approved Vehicle Trackers: Thatcham S5, S5 Plus and S7 Explained
Insurance approved trackers are often required by insurers, particularly for high-value or high-risk vehicles, as a condition of cover against theft. Understanding the difference between the Thatcham S7, S5 and S5 Plus categories makes it far easier to specify the right device for a policy. This guide explains what insurance approval means, how the categories compare and what to consider before fitting.
Key takeaways
- An insurance approved tracker meets standards set by independent bodies such as Thatcham Research or TASSA.
- Thatcham S7 covers stolen vehicle tracking with 24/7 monitoring; S5 adds Automatic Driver Recognition; S5 Plus typically adds remote immobilisation.
- Insurers may mandate a specific category as a condition of cover, and failing to comply can invalidate a policy.
- Approved trackers can attract premium discounts of up to 20 per cent with some insurers.
- Certified professional installation is usually required, and insurers often ask for proof of fitting.
What are insurance approved trackers?
Insurance trackers are tracking devices that meet the standards required by UK insurers for certain vehicles. They are most commonly fitted to high-value or high-risk cars, vans, motorhomes and motorbikes. To be considered insurance approved, a tracker must meet standards set by independent organisations such as Thatcham Research or TASSA. These standards ensure the device is reliable, secure, professionally installed and fit for purpose.
Approved trackers are monitored 24 hours a day by a secure control centre. If the vehicle is stolen or tampered with, the control centre can respond quickly, often contacting police and helping to recover the vehicle in real time. This monitored response is what separates an insurance approved tracker from a basic consumer GPS device.
Why insurers require approved trackers
Theft recovery
Approved trackers provide real-time GPS tracking and round-the-clock monitoring, enabling authorities to locate and recover a stolen vehicle quickly, often within hours of a theft. A rapid response minimises loss, prevents further damage and reduces the disruption that follows vehicle theft.
Lower premiums
Many UK insurers offer reduced premiums for vehicles fitted with insurance approved trackers. Because these devices lower the risk of theft and improve recovery rates, insurers are often willing to pass savings on to policyholders, with discounts as high as 20 per cent in some cases.
Condition of cover
For certain vehicles, particularly high-value cars or those considered at higher risk of theft, insurers now often mandate an approved tracker as a condition of coverage. Failing to comply can mean the policy is not valid, leaving the owner unprotected in the event of a claim.
What Thatcham approval means
Thatcham approved trackers are devices that have passed strict, independent testing by Thatcham Research, a not-for-profit organisation founded by British insurers that has played a key role in vehicle security since 1969. Approval confirms that a device meets insurer security requirements and has been properly assessed for real-world use.
The two core tracker categories are:
- S7: provides stolen vehicle tracking, tamper alerts and 24/7 control centre support.
- S5: all of the above, plus Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR), which detects when an unauthorised person attempts to drive the vehicle.
S5 Plus is an enhanced specification of S5 that typically adds remote immobilisation and advanced recovery protocols for the vehicles most at risk.
S7, S5 and S5 Plus compared
The table below summarises how the three categories differ and where each one fits.
| Feature | Thatcham S7 | Thatcham S5 | Thatcham S5 Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPS tracking, tamper alerts and 24/7 monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Remote immobilisation | No | No | Typically included |
| Protection approach | Recovery after theft | Proactive, detects unauthorised drivers | Most proactive, advanced recovery protocols |
| Typical use case | Standard cover or lower-value vehicles | High-value or high-performance vehicles where insurers require it | Prestige vehicles or those most at risk |
Choosing the right category
The starting point is always the insurance policy. If the insurer specifies a category, that requirement decides the minimum specification; fitting a lower category will not satisfy the policy, while fitting a higher one adds protection but also cost.
Where there is no mandated category, weigh the vehicle’s value and theft risk against the total cost of ownership, which includes the hardware, installation and any ongoing subscription for the monitoring service. An S7 device focuses on recovery after theft and suits standard cover. An S5 adds proactive protection because ADR detects unauthorised drivers before the vehicle disappears. An S5 Plus goes furthest, with remote immobilisation making it much harder for thieves to keep a vehicle even after taking it. Always confirm the exact requirement with the insurer before purchasing, as terms vary between policies.
Installation and certification
Professional installation is an essential part of insurance approval. Most insurers require proof that the device has been fitted by a certified installer, and a poor installation can lead to wiring problems or invalidate the policy altogether.
A competent installer will fit the device discreetly so it cannot be found and defeated by thieves, protect the vehicle’s interior and electrics during fitting, and provide the certification documentation the insurer needs. When specifying trackers for a fleet or for onward supply, factor certified installation into the plan from the outset rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Source insurance approved trackers at wholesale prices
Approved fleet operators, telematics providers and trade customers can apply for a Wholesale Telematics trade account to access the full catalogue and wholesale pricing.
