- Trackstar offers Thatcham-approved vehicle tracking for police recovery across the UK and Europe. It includes GPS hardware, a 24/7 monitoring centre, and an owner app, with S5 and S7 categories meeting different insurer requirements. Confirm your insurer’s preferred category before purchasing to ensure coverage and potential premium benefits.
Trackstar is a Thatcham-approved vehicle tracking and stolen vehicle recovery service used across the UK and Europe. It combines GPS hardware fitted to your vehicle, a 24/7 monitoring centre, and the MyTrackstar owner app to locate and recover stolen vehicles. For UK drivers of high-value cars, motorhomes, and fleets, or where an insurer specifically requires a Thatcham-approved tracker, Trackstar is a credible, independently certified option worth considering.
Table of Contents
- What does Trackstar include and who is it for?
- How does Trackstar work?
- What does Thatcham approval mean, and how do S5 and S7 differ?
- Which Trackstar model suits your vehicle?
- What happens when your vehicle is stolen?
- What does Trackstar cost to buy and install in the UK?
- What can you do with the MyTrackstar app?
- How do you verify that a Trackstar device is genuinely Thatcham-approved?
- A note from Thatcham Trackers
- Thatcham-approved Trackstar devices, supplied and installed nationwide
- Useful sources
- FAQ
What does Trackstar include and who is it for?
Trackstar is a product category within the Thatcham Security Certification framework, independently assessed by Thatcham Research, the UK’s central automotive risk intelligence organisation. Thatcham Research tests tracking devices against defined security criteria covering design, performance, and reliability. Devices that pass are listed on Thatcham’s certified product database, which insurers use to assess theft risk and set premium conditions.
The service is built from several components working together:
- In-vehicle hardware: a GPS/GNSS tracking unit professionally fitted and concealed within the vehicle
- SIM/communications layer: cellular connectivity that transmits location data to the monitoring centre and to the owner app
- 24/7 monitoring centre: a staffed response team that verifies alerts, contacts the owner, and liaises with police and recovery operators
- MyTrackstar app: owner-facing mobile application for live tracking, alerts, and driver tag management
- Optional immobilisation: remote capability to prevent the engine from restarting, available on S5-category devices
Common use cases include prestige and high-value cars where insurers mandate a Thatcham S5 device, motorhomes and campervans that spend long periods unattended, commercial vans and fleets requiring asset visibility, and any vehicle where the owner’s insurer specifies Thatcham certification as a condition of cover.
When purchasing, a buyer typically receives the tracking hardware unit, professional installation, a Thatcham digital certificate accepted by UK insurers, and access to the monitoring and app services.
How does Trackstar work?
The system operates as a chain from the device in your vehicle through to a recovery team on the ground. Understanding each link helps set realistic expectations about response times and what the monitoring centre can and cannot do.
- GPS/GNSS positioning: — the tracker unit acquires satellite position data and transmits it via cellular SIM to Thatcham-approved monitoring infrastructure. Most units include fallback communication modes to maintain contact even when primary cellular signal is disrupted.
- Owner app visibility: — throughout the process, the owner can view live location, share tracking data with recovery teams, and receive status updates via the MyTrackstar app.
Driver recognition tags are a key security layer on S5 devices. Each authorised driver carries a small tag; if the vehicle moves without a recognised tag present, the system treats the journey as potentially unauthorised. This directly counters relay theft, where criminals amplify a key fob signal to start a vehicle without the physical key. The anti-relay protection guide on Thatcham Trackers explains the immobilisation and driver tag workflow in detail.
Pro Tip: Keep your driver tag in a separate location from your vehicle keys. If both are stolen together, the tag cannot trigger an unauthorised movement alert. Also, update your registered contact details at the monitoring centre whenever you change your phone number — an outdated number delays the verification call and slows the recovery process.
What does Thatcham approval mean, and how do S5 and S7 differ?
Thatcham Security Certification is the independent benchmark UK insurers rely on when assessing whether a tracker genuinely reduces theft risk. Thatcham Research tests devices against predefined criteria and periodically reviews certified products throughout their certification lifetime. A device on the certified list has passed those tests; one that has not is unverified regardless of how it is marketed.
For tracking devices, the two relevant categories are S5 and S7. The RAC’s guidance on Thatcham categories notes that lower category numbers generally indicate higher security standards, which is why S5 carries more requirements than S7.
| Category | Core requirements | Typical use case |
|---|---|---|
| S5 | 24/7 monitoring, driver recognition tags, remote immobilisation capability | High-value cars, prestige vehicles, insurer-mandated installations |
| S7 | 24/7 monitoring, GPS location and recovery focus, no mandatory immobilisation | Everyday vehicles, motorhomes, fleets where location tracking is the priority |
The practical difference matters most at the point of an insurance claim or renewal. Some insurers, particularly for high-value or high-risk vehicles, specify S5 as a condition of cover. Others accept S7 for standard vehicles. Thatcham certification provides the objective technical benchmark, though manufacturers and insurers still negotiate commercial acceptance terms separately, so it is worth confirming your insurer’s specific requirement before purchasing.
Insurers use these categories because they reflect real security capability. An S5 device can immobilise a vehicle remotely, making it harder for a thief to move it after detection. An S7 device tells you where the vehicle is; it cannot stop it moving. For a prestige car, that distinction shapes which category an insurer will accept.
Which Trackstar model suits your vehicle?
The Trackstar range covers three main models, each mapped to a Thatcham category and a different security profile. The Thatcham Trackers product selector can help narrow the choice for your specific vehicle.
| Model | Thatcham category | Key security features | Best for | Monitoring & response | Extra features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secure S7 | S7 | GPS location, tamper alerts, 24/7 monitoring | Everyday vehicles, motorhomes, entry-level fleet | 24/7 monitoring centre, police liaison | MyTrackstar app, pan-European tracking |
| Secure S5 | S5 | Driver recognition tags, remote immobilisation, relay attack protection | High-value cars, insurer-mandated S5 requirement | 24/7 monitoring, priority recovery response | MyTrackstar app, geofence alerts |
| Secure S5 iPRO | S5 | All S5 features plus dashcam integration, remote live view | Prestige cars, fleet managers needing visual evidence | 24/7 monitoring, enhanced recovery data | Remote live view, dashcam footage, pan-European tracking |
Choosing the right model:
- High-value or prestige car: the Secure S5 or S5 iPRO is the appropriate choice. Most insurers for vehicles in this category require S5 certification, and the immobilisation and driver tag features provide the strongest protection against relay theft.
- Motorhome or campervan: the Secure S7 covers the core need — knowing where the vehicle is and having a monitoring team ready to act. If your insurer specifies S5, step up accordingly.
- Fleet or commercial van: the S7 suits most fleet tracking needs, while the S5 iPRO suits fleets where dashcam evidence and remote live view add operational value. Fleet managers with taxi or private-hire vehicles should also review compliance requirements for their operator licence.
What happens when your vehicle is stolen?
The monitoring centre is the operational core of the Trackstar service. When a theft alert triggers, the sequence moves quickly.
- The monitoring centre receives the alert and attempts to verify it is genuine, not a false alarm caused by a flat battery or accidental trigger.
- Operators call the registered owner. If the owner confirms theft or cannot be reached, the recovery protocol activates.
- Live GPS position data is passed to the relevant police force. The monitoring centre maintains contact with police throughout.
- Contracted, security-vetted recovery operators are deployed. On locating the vehicle, police arrange removal to a secure location pending owner or insurer collection. Reasonable removal and storage fees may apply.
- The owner is updated via the MyTrackstar app and by phone.
There are practical limits to be aware of. If a vehicle is moved to a location with no cellular coverage before the alert triggers, position data may be delayed. Cross-border recoveries in Europe are possible with pan-European tracking models but involve additional coordination. False alarms do occur and consume monitoring centre resource, so keeping firmware updated reduces their frequency.
If you notice suspicious activity before a confirmed theft, contact the monitoring centre immediately rather than waiting for an automatic alert. Early notification gives recovery teams the best possible window.
What does Trackstar cost to buy and install in the UK?
Prices vary by model, vehicle complexity, and whether monitoring is included as a subscription or a one-off fee. The figures below reflect typical market bands rather than fixed retail prices, which change with promotions and vehicle-specific requirements.
- Secure S7: entry-level Thatcham tracking; typically the most affordable option in the range, covering hardware and standard installation
- Secure S5: mid-range pricing reflecting the additional driver tag hardware, immobilisation wiring, and higher certification requirements
- Secure S5 iPRO: the premium tier, with dashcam integration and remote live view adding to both hardware and installation cost
Installation must be carried out by an accredited professional to satisfy Thatcham certification requirements. DIY fitting is not recommended and may invalidate the Thatcham certificate, which in turn may void the insurer’s acceptance of the device. Thatcham Trackers provides nationwide mobile installation, meaning a qualified installer comes to your location rather than requiring a garage visit. The S7 installation guide covers what the fitting process involves.
Ongoing running costs depend on the monitoring model chosen. Some devices include a monitoring subscription period in the purchase price; others operate on an annual renewal basis. Confirm the subscription terms at the point of purchase.
Insurance documentation checklist:
- Thatcham digital certificate (issued after professional installation)
- Installation report confirming the fitting date, installer credentials, and device serial number
- Confirmation of monitoring centre accreditation
- Proof of Thatcham category (S5 or S7) matching the insurer’s requirement
Insurers typically require all four items before accepting the tracker as a condition of cover or applying a premium reduction. The insurer requirements guide on Thatcham Trackers explains what each document proves and why insurers ask for it.
What can you do with the MyTrackstar app?
The MyTrackstar app gives owners direct visibility of their vehicle without calling the monitoring centre. Its core functions cover:
- Live location: real-time GPS position on a map, accessible at any time
- Geofence alerts: set a virtual boundary around a location; the app notifies you if the vehicle leaves it
- Driver tag assignment: register authorised drivers and their tags within the app; the system flags any movement without a recognised tag
- Historical routes: review past journeys for personal or fleet management purposes
- Location sharing: send a live tracking link to recovery teams or police during an active theft incident
Fleet owners can manage multiple vehicles and users within a single account. Access controls allow administrators to assign different permission levels, so a driver can view their own vehicle without seeing the full fleet.
Keep the app and device firmware updated. Outdated firmware is one of the most common causes of false alerts and missed notifications. Store driver tags separately from vehicle keys, and ensure every authorised driver knows where their tag is kept.
How do you verify that a Trackstar device is genuinely Thatcham-approved?
Independent verification is straightforward. Thatcham Research maintains a certified product database where any device can be checked by name or model number. Certification is reviewed periodically, so a device that was certified at purchase should still appear on the current list unless it has been withdrawn.
When buying, ask the supplier for:
- The Thatcham certificate for the specific device model
- The installation report from the accredited fitter
- The digital certificate issued post-installation, which is the document insurers accept
The vehicle tracker certification guide explains what each document contains and how to confirm monitoring centre accreditation. For prestige vehicles, the approved tracker guide for prestige cars covers the additional standards that apply.
Thatcham certification provides an objective technical benchmark, but it does not automatically guarantee that every insurer will accept every certified device. Manufacturers and insurers negotiate commercial acceptance terms separately. Confirm your insurer’s specific approved device list before purchasing, particularly if your policy specifies a named product or category.
A note from Thatcham Trackers
The most common mistake buyers make is purchasing a tracker without first confirming which Thatcham category their insurer requires. An S7 device fitted to a vehicle whose insurer mandates S5 provides no premium benefit and may not satisfy the policy condition. The certification categories exist precisely to give insurers and owners a shared, objective language for security capability. Thatcham Trackers recommends checking your policy schedule or calling your insurer before selecting a model, then choosing the right Thatcham tracker based on that confirmed requirement. The certificate issued after professional installation is the document that closes the loop with your insurer.
Thatcham-approved Trackstar devices, supplied and installed nationwide
Thatcham Trackers supplies the full range of Thatcham-approved trackers including S7, S5, and S5 Plus devices, each with the digital certificate your insurer requires. Every order includes nationwide mobile installation by an accredited fitter who comes to your location, so there is no need to book a garage or take time off work.
Buyers receive Thatcham-certified hardware, a post-installation digital certificate, access to 24/7 monitoring, and the MyTrackstar app. S5 devices include driver recognition tags and remote immobilisation. If your insurer requires number plate protection alongside a tracker, Protect A Plate offers UK number plate cloning protection as a complementary measure.
To get started, browse the Thatcham-approved tracker range and select the category your insurer specifies. Installation can be booked at the same time.
Useful sources
The following official sources can be used to verify certification status, understand recovery procedures, and confirm insurance implications:
- Thatcham Security Certifications — Thatcham Research: the certified product database and programme overview; use this to confirm a device is currently listed
- Thatcham Security Certification category definitions — Thatcham Research: defines S5 and S7 requirements and expected product functionality
- Vehicle Security Product Definitions Guidelines (PDF) — Thatcham Research: the technical document manufacturers and certifiers use; confirms test criteria for alarms, immobilisers, and tracking devices
- Recovering stolen vehicles — PSNI: explains the police recovery process, contracted operators, and storage fee procedures after a vehicle is located
FAQ
What is Trackstar and is it safe to use?
Trackstar is a Thatcham-approved vehicle tracking and stolen vehicle recovery service used across the UK. It is independently certified by Thatcham Research, making it a recognised and insurer-accepted security system.
How does Trackstar work?
A GPS unit fitted to your vehicle transmits location data via cellular SIM to a 24/7 monitoring centre. If theft is detected, the monitoring centre verifies the alert, contacts the owner, notifies police with live location data, and coordinates recovery.
How much does Trackstar cost?
Prices vary by model (S7, S5, or S5 iPRO), vehicle complexity, and monitoring subscription terms. Hardware and installation costs differ across the range; confirm current pricing with your supplier and check whether a monitoring subscription is included or charged separately.
How do I know if a Trackstar installer is legitimate?
Ask for the installer’s accreditation credentials before the fitting. After installation, a legitimate accredited fitter will provide a Thatcham digital certificate and an installation report confirming the fitter’s credentials, the device serial number, and the fitting date. You can cross-reference the device against Thatcham’s certified product database to confirm it is currently listed.
Does Trackstar reduce my car insurance premium?
A Thatcham-approved tracker can reduce premiums or satisfy a policy condition, but the outcome depends on your specific insurer and the category they require. Confirm with your insurer whether S5 or S7 is needed and what documentation they require before purchasing.