Your policy schedule is the starting point for choosing an insurance-required tracker. Look for the category, any named device, installation conditions, an activation deadline and an active monitoring requirement. These details can differ between policies, even for the same vehicle.
The examples below explain wording you may encounter. They are illustrative, not quotations from a particular insurer or a guarantee of cover.
Which tracker types meet insurance requirements?
The tracker that meets your insurance requirements is the exact device and category your insurer accepts for your policy. S7 and S5 are Thatcham Research certification categories. If your policy requires S5, choose an accepted S5 device with Automatic Driver Recognition; S7 is not a substitute. If the wording also requires immobilisation, confirm the complete package and how starting is authorised. Our S5 Plus combines S5 tracking with added immobilisation; it is not a separate Thatcham certification category.
Check the installation conditions, activation deadline and ongoing monitoring requirements as well as the device. Thatcham Research confirms that certification alone does not guarantee insurer recognition, so obtain confirmation for your chosen system before ordering.
Examples of insurer tracker requirements
| Wording to look for | What to check before buying |
|---|---|
| Category S7 tracker | Confirm the exact S7 device and whether its installation arrangement is accepted. Compare our fitted S7 and battery self-fit option. |
| Category S5 tracker | Choose an accepted S5 device with driver recognition. S7 is not a substitute. See our Thatcham S5. |
| S5 with immobilisation, or S5 Plus | Confirm the exact package and authorisation method required. Our standard S5 Plus adds No Tag, No Start protection. |
| A named tracker or approved device list | Check the specific model with the insurer before ordering a different product in the same category. |
| Active monitoring or subscription | Confirm when the service must start, how it must be maintained and what evidence is needed. |
| Installation or activation deadline | Use the date in your own documents. Ask about cover before activation and what to do if fitting cannot be completed in time. |
S7, S5 and S5 Plus: the practical difference
Our S7 provides location tracking and recovery support. S5 adds Automatic Driver Recognition using a driver tag. Our standard S5 Plus adds immobilisation, so an authorised tag is needed to start the vehicle.
S5 Plus is our description of S5 tracking with added start protection. Thatcham Research’s certification categories list S5 and S7; check the exact package when your insurer uses “Plus” wording. An immobiliser by itself does not replace a required tracker.
Compare the features and first-year totals in our S7, S5 and S5 Plus cost comparison. For S7 only, use the S7 fitting and monitoring cost guide.
Five questions to ask your insurer
- Which tracker category and specific devices will you accept for my vehicle?
- Do you require driver recognition, immobilisation or a particular authorisation method?
- Which installation arrangements and certificates do you accept?
- What is the activation deadline, and what cover applies before that date?
- What monitoring service and evidence must I maintain during the policy?
Keep the written answer with your schedule and installation documents. Read the policy booklet that applies to your cover as well as your personal schedule. For example, Admiral’s document library separates policy books from personal documents in the customer account; other insurers have their own document arrangements.
Does the value or type of vehicle decide the category?
Do not choose solely from a vehicle-value threshold or a general rule about a make, postcode or keyless entry. The requirement to act on is the one confirmed for your policy. Check again if your vehicle or policy changes.
If the vehicle is financed or leased, check those documents too and obtain any permission needed for installation. Tell us if there are additional requirements so we can discuss the proposed setup.
From choosing a tracker to providing your certificate
- Confirm the required category and accepted product.
- Provide the vehicle and fitting details when ordering.
- Arrange installation or follow the accepted self-fit process for the chosen device.
- Complete activation and monitoring arrangements.
- Obtain the relevant certificate and send the evidence your insurer requests.
Keep your monitoring contact details up to date. If an appointment will miss your insurer’s deadline, contact the insurer or broker promptly rather than assuming a grace period applies.
Common questions before ordering
Will a certified tracker automatically be accepted?
No. Thatcham Research says certification does not guarantee insurer recognition. Check your chosen device with your insurer.
Will fitting a tracker reduce my premium?
A discount is not guaranteed. It may be a requirement of your policy rather than an additional saving. Ask your insurer before factoring a discount into your budget.
Can I use a manufacturer’s app or a self-fit tracker?
Ask whether the exact system and installation arrangement satisfy your policy. Do not assume acceptance or rejection based only on the words “app” or “self-fit”.
What if my monitoring stops or I miss a condition?
Contact your insurer or broker and the monitoring provider promptly. The effect on cover depends on your policy and circumstances; a general guide cannot decide an individual claim.
Find a suitable tracker
Use Find my protection or send our team your insurer’s wording. We can help match it to the available products and fitting options. For budgeting, our tracker running-cost guide explains the device price and separate £10.99/month monitoring.
Supporting product and fitting details
Use our S7, S5 and S5 Plus specification comparison and installation and immediate digital certificate process when checking the exact device and evidence your insurer requires.
What does the monitoring cost?
Our standard S7, S5 and S5 Plus monitoring is £10.99/month, separate from the equipment price. The same monthly fee applies across those categories. With monthly monitoring, the first month is paid at checkout and further payments are set up separately.
Compare fitted prices and first-year totals, then use the tracker chooser. Keep the insurer’s written confirmation with the completed installation certificate.
Related tracker guides
Explore what Thatcham certification means and how S7, S5 and S5 Plus compare, check whether a tracker could lower your car insurance premium, and read customer experiences and practical checks for insurance-approved trackers.