A tracker already fitted to a used car or motorhome may be reusable, but its presence does not confirm that monitoring is active, that you control the account, or that your insurer accepts it. Identify the exact system, speak to its monitoring provider about the change of owner, and confirm the required checks before relying on it. You may not need to buy a replacement.
This guide helps you work out what you have and what to ask next. For choosing a new package, use our insurance tracker chooser; for prices, see our fitted tracker and monitoring costs.
1. Ask the seller for the device and service details
Request the manufacturer, exact model, installation paperwork and monitoring provider's name. Ask whether there is an active subscription and whether the vehicle comes with all driver tags, handover instructions and any relevant service records. A badge, app icon or description such as “Thatcham tracker” does not identify the exact equipment.
Keep device identifiers and installation details private. You do not need to locate or expose a concealed unit yourself: ask the provider or an installer to identify it through the appropriate checks.
2. Confirm what your own insurer requires
The previous owner's insurance arrangement does not establish what your policy accepts. Read your security clause for the tracker category, any named device, fitting conditions, active monitoring and the date by which these must be in place.
- S7: confirm that the exact fitted system is accepted for your vehicle.
- S5: check that the system includes the required driver recognition; an S7 system is not a substitute for a stated S5 requirement.
- Added immobilisation or a named model: confirm the precise specification rather than relying on a package name.
Thatcham Research distinguishes S5 and S7 security certification categories. Our S5 Plus name describes an enhanced S5 package with immobilisation, not a separate certification category. If your policy wording is unclear, follow our guide to what to do when your insurer asks for a tracker.
3. Arrange the ownership and monitoring handover
Contact the existing monitoring provider through its official contact details. Ask what evidence it needs from you, whether the device can be transferred or reactivated, and what checks and charges apply. Do not assume a seller's subscription or a lifetime plan automatically transfers with the vehicle.
Use the provider's ownership-transfer process rather than sharing the seller's login. Ask it to confirm that previous-user access is removed where applicable, your contact details are registered, and you can use the correct app or portal. Keep passwords, PINs and recovery details private.
For example, ScorpionTrack provides a new-owner form with ownership-evidence requirements, while Tracker states that its subscription cannot be transferred to a new owner when a vehicle is sold. These examples show why you should check the provider’s process rather than assume one rule covers every tracker. Provider guidance checked on 2 November 2026.
4. Check the equipment and activation
Ask the provider or installer to confirm the device's status, power supply, connectivity and any servicing it needs. If driver recognition or immobilisation is fitted, arrange a handover explaining the tags or PIN process, lost-tag support and service or transport modes.
A location appearing in an app does not by itself prove that a monitored response service is active. Ask for confirmation of the monitoring start date and the contact process for an alert. Do not simulate a theft, disconnect the unit or test immobilisation yourself.
5. Compare keeping the tracker with replacing it
Get a written total for any transfer, inspection, reactivation or replacement work, plus monitoring over the same period. A new device is not automatically better value than an existing compatible system, and a low reactivation price may exclude ongoing monitoring.
| Check | Existing system | Replacement system |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance requirement | Does your insurer accept this exact device? | Is the proposed device and fitting arrangement accepted? |
| Upfront cost | Transfer, inspection, reactivation and any missing tags | Device, fitting, optional extras and any removal work |
| Monitoring | New-owner rate, renewal terms and activation date | Subscription charge, payment schedule and activation date |
| Support | Continued service availability and equipment condition | Warranty, support arrangements and compatibility |
| Evidence | What updated paperwork the provider can issue | Certificate and activation evidence after installation |
For a new S5 package, our S5 fitted-cost guide separates the device, checkout payment and monitoring totals. Read customer experiences of fitting and support alongside the specifications, rather than treating price alone as the decision.
Extra checks for a used motorhome
Explain how you will store the motorhome, whether its starter battery is isolated and how long it remains unused. Confirm the tracker's power and reporting arrangement, the monitoring requirements during storage, and coverage for any planned overseas travel. These vary by system.
Our motorhome tracker guide covers wired and battery options, storage and fitting. The base vehicle's make, model, year and powertrain help the team check a suitable package.
Before you rely on the system
- Your insurer has confirmed acceptance where needed.
- The provider has completed the ownership and account checks.
- You have confirmation of active monitoring and the correct contact details.
- You understand any tags, PINs and service procedures supplied with the vehicle.
- You have checked the vehicle and device details on the paperwork requested by your insurer.
If any step is outstanding, ask your insurer what cover applies while you resolve it. Buying the vehicle or paying a subscription does not replace confirmation that the required setup is complete.
Common questions
Do I need a new tracker just because I bought a used car?
Not necessarily. The existing device may be suitable if your insurer accepts it and its provider can complete the ownership, monitoring and equipment checks. Compare the confirmed costs before replacing it.
Does the old installation certificate transfer the subscription?
Do not assume so. Installation evidence and the monitoring contract are separate matters. Ask the provider what needs updating for the new owner and what evidence your insurer needs.
Can Thatcham Trackers activate any manufacturer's tracker?
Contact the existing monitoring provider first. We cannot promise to take over an unidentified third-party device. If you need a replacement, contact Thatcham Trackers with your vehicle details and relevant insurer wording so we can discuss a suitable package.