Vehicle tracking systems have been available for nearly 20 years now, and work using GPS to pinpoint the cars location. Once the system is activated upon the car being stolen, the system sends the location of the car to the tracking company, who notify the police of its location for retrieval of the car.

Several systems are available from different companies, some of which require you to report the car stolen first before the tracker is activated, other more advanced systems are connected to sensors built into the cars alarm and immobiliser. and notify the company, who check with you to see if you are aware of your car moving. some systems even require you to carry some form of smart card, so if the car is active without the smart card present the tracker is automatically activated and the police called.

Whilst it may seem like a good idea to advertise the fact that you have a tracking system installed to warn off potential thieves, it is best not to do so, as if the thief knows about its fitment, they could find and remove the system, leaving them undetectable with the car. Only the installer and yourself should know if it is fitted, and whereabouts on the car. 

Tracking systems usually require a fitment and equipment cost, followed by some form of subscription to an annual monitoring service. Occasionally the package includes lifetime monitoring included on the initial purchase price, but it is best to check beforehand. Some systems may also get you a discount on your car insurance, and high end models sometimes need trackers fitted as a minimum requirement before insurers will provide cover.

Finally a big thank you to the guys at Orangewheels.co.uk who supply new Volkswagen UK Cars who gave up their time for free to help us put together this information site.

Posted: 11|3|09 at 4:58 pm.