An insurance-approved vehicle tracker is a GPS device that has been tested and certified by Thatcham Research. It meets the security standards set by the UK insurance industry. For motorhome and campervan owners in particular, these devices are frequently a mandatory requirement of your policy.
Insurers apply this condition because of the high values involved and the fact that leisure vehicles are often stored away from the owner’s home. They can also reduce your premium by up to 20% where fitted voluntarily. Here’s everything you need to know.
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What makes a tracker “insurance approved”?
The key is Thatcham Research certification. Thatcham Research is the UK motor industry’s primary vehicle security testing body. It’s funded by insurers to set and test security standards. A tracker is only considered insurance-approved if it has passed Thatcham’s testing process and carries a recognised certification.
Certification matters for two reasons. First, it tells your insurer the device has been tested against modern theft techniques, including relay attacks and signal jamming. Second, it allows insurers to legitimately offer a discount or make coverage dependent on the device being fitted. This is something insurers can only do with products that meet a defined, verifiable standard.
A GPS tracker bought cheaply online without Thatcham certification will not satisfy your insurer. The Thatcham certification is non-negotiable.
The Thatcham categories explained
Thatcham uses a category system for vehicle trackers. The two most relevant to insurance are Category S7 and Category S5. You may also see older references to Category 6 and Category 5 — these are the previous names for S7 and S5 respectively. The categories are now called the S-series, though the old terminology is still used in the industry and by some insurers.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the three main categories:
Category S7 (formerly Cat 6)
The baseline insurance-approved standard. It provides stolen vehicle tracking and 24/7 monitoring by a Secure Operating Centre. When a theft is reported, the monitoring centre uses the GPS data to locate the vehicle and liaise with police for recovery. S7 does not include a Driver ID tag. This means the device can’t tell the difference between an authorised driver and a thief until after the vehicle has been reported stolen. S7 is a reactive system — it tracks and recovers after the theft has begun.
Category S5 (formerly Cat 5)
A more advanced standard that adds Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR). The driver carries a small tag or fob. If the vehicle’s engine starts without that tag nearby, an immediate silent alert goes to the monitoring centre. This happens before you’ve even noticed the vehicle is gone. S5 is a proactive system. The monitoring centre can start a response the moment the theft begins, rather than waiting for you to report it.
Category S5+
An enhanced version of S5 that adds automatic remote immobilisation. If a theft is confirmed without the driver tag present, the vehicle can be remotely prevented from restarting. This is the highest level of Thatcham-certified tracker protection available.
Who needs an insurance-approved tracker?
There are two distinct situations that bring owners to this topic.
Required as a condition of cover. Many insurers require a Thatcham-approved tracker before offering motorhome or campervan cover, or before they’ll pay out on a theft claim. This is particularly common for leisure vehicles. The reasons are straightforward — high vehicle values, storage away from home, and long periods sitting unattended all increase the risk for an insurer. For cars, similar requirements apply to vehicles over £40,000 in value or those on a high-theft-risk list, such as certain Land Rover, BMW, and Range Rover models. If your insurer requires a specific Thatcham category and you don’t fit one, or you fit an uncertified device, your theft cover may be void.
Chosen voluntarily for a premium discount. Even where it isn’t required, fitting an approved tracker can reduce your annual premium by up to 20%. Insurers offer this discount because vehicles with approved trackers are more likely to be recovered quickly if stolen, which reduces the cost of claims. For motorhome and campervan owners — where vehicle values can reach well into six figures — the discount and peace of mind can both be significant.
How does a tracker reduce your insurance premium?
Insurers price risk. The faster a stolen vehicle is located and recovered, the lower the cost of a theft claim. An approved tracker with 24/7 monitoring and Level 1 police response significantly improves the chances of a quick recovery. That reduces the insurer’s exposure on a theft claim, and they pass some of that saving back to you as a discount on your premium.
The size of the discount depends on the Thatcham category. S5 devices typically unlock a larger discount than S7, because the driver ID tag and proactive alert add a greater level of protection. S5+ devices attract the highest discounts of all.
Always check with your insurer before assuming a discount applies. Not all insurers offer tracker discounts, and those that do have their own lists of accepted devices.
Category S7 in detail
S7 is the most widely fitted insurance-approved tracker in the UK. It’s the right choice for most vehicles where the insurer hasn’t specified a higher category.
The key features are 24/7 monitoring by a Secure Operating Centre, GPS location tracking, tow-away and tamper alerts, and Level 1 police response once a theft is confirmed. The monitoring centre will contact you if suspicious movement is detected and coordinate with police on your behalf.
The main limitation of S7 is that it has no driver ID system. It can’t tell the difference between you driving and a thief driving. A response only begins once you report the vehicle stolen. This is why it’s described as reactive rather than proactive.
Popular S7 devices include the SmarTrack S7, which is widely accepted by insurers and represents good value for owners whose policy requires baseline coverage. Annual monitoring subscription fees for S7 devices typically range from around £130 to £170 per year.
Category S5 in detail
S5 is the recommended standard for higher-value vehicles. It is often mandatory for motorhomes and campervans above a certain value threshold. The ADR tag system is what sets it apart from S7.
The ADR tag is a small device you carry with your keys or on your person. When you get into the vehicle, the tracker detects the tag and recognises you as an authorised driver. If the vehicle starts moving without the tag being detected, the monitoring centre receives a silent alert straight away. A response can begin before you’ve even had a chance to call the police.
This is particularly effective against relay attacks. In a relay attack, thieves use signal amplifiers to copy your keyless entry signal and start the vehicle without your physical key. Without an S5 tracker, the vehicle can be driven away and out of the area very quickly. With an S5, the monitoring centre is alerted the moment it moves.
S5 devices also usually include battery tamper alerts. If a thief tries to cut the vehicle’s power to disable the tracker, the device’s internal backup battery keeps it running and sends an alert.
Well-known S5 devices include the ScorpionTrack S5, SmarTrack S5, Meta Trak S5, Trackstar S5, and the Vodafone Protect & Connect system. Annual monitoring subscriptions for S5 devices typically run between £150 and £220 per year.
Category S5+ in detail
S5+ builds on S5 by adding remote immobilisation. An S5 tracker alerts the monitoring centre when the vehicle moves without a driver tag. An S5+ goes further — once the theft is confirmed, the vehicle can be remotely prevented from restarting. This stops the thief from driving it any further.
S5+ is typically required for the highest-value vehicles, or those included in manufacturer-approved security programmes. Some premium manufacturers fit an S5+ device as part of their standard security package.
Why professional installation is non-negotiable
A Thatcham-approved tracker is only insurance-approved when installed by a Thatcham-accredited engineer. DIY installation does not qualify. Your insurer will ask for a certificate of professional installation before applying any discount or accepting the tracker as satisfying a condition of cover.
There’s a practical reason for this too. A professional engineer hides the device deep within the vehicle’s wiring, in a location that’s hard for a thief to find and disable quickly. A poorly installed device tucked somewhere obvious offers far less real-world protection.
Most tracker suppliers include nationwide professional installation as part of the package price. It typically takes between one and two and a half hours and can be arranged at your home, workplace, or storage site. For motorhome and campervan owners who store their vehicle away from home, installation at the storage location is a useful practical option.
After installation you’ll receive a Thatcham-recognised installation certificate. Keep this document — your insurer will need it.
Annual subscription fees — what to budget for
Every genuine insurance-approved tracker requires an ongoing subscription. This funds the Secure Operating Centre monitoring that makes the device insurance approved in the first place. Any tracker claiming to be Thatcham-approved without a subscription fee is not what it claims to be.
As a guide for 2026 subscription costs:
- S7 devices: typically £130 to £170 per year
- S5 devices: typically £150 to £220 per year
- S5+ devices: typically £200 or more per year, depending on the provider
Many providers offer multi-year or lifetime subscription options that reduce the annual cost. For motorhome and campervan owners who tend to hold their vehicles for a long time, a longer subscription is often better value overall.
Can trackers be jammed?
This is a common concern, particularly as signal jamming equipment has become more widely available. The short answer is that genuine Thatcham-certified S5 and S7 trackers cannot be effectively jammed.
Standard GPS signals can be disrupted by jammers. But Thatcham-approved trackers don’t rely on GPS alone. They use a combination of GPS, GSM mobile network data, and in many cases VHF (Very High Frequency) technology. VHF operates on a frequency that commercially available jamming equipment cannot block. It also penetrates solid structures — useful for locating vehicles hidden inside buildings, compounds, or shipping containers. This matters particularly for motorhome and campervan owners whose vehicles may be stored inside.
Even if a thief uses a jammer, the tracker continues to transmit through an alternative channel.
Well-known brands and what to expect
Insurd doesn’t sell or install trackers, but it’s worth knowing the most widely recognised brands.
- ScorpionTrack is a UK-based manufacturer with a strong reputation across both S5 and S7 categories. Their devices use multi-network roaming SIMs to maintain connectivity in areas with poor signal. A popular choice for motorhome and campervan owners who want reliable monitoring regardless of where the vehicle is stored.
- SmarTrack covers both S5 and S7 and is particularly good value at the S7 level. The SmarTrack S5 D-ID uses your smartphone as the driver ID instead of a physical tag, which suits owners who don’t want to carry an extra fob.
- Meta Trak is popular with owners who want detailed control through an app. It provides live tracking, journey history, and a privacy mode. The hardware is small and discreet, making a concealed installation straightforward.
- Trackstar is the preferred choice of several vehicle manufacturers and main dealers, particularly for premium brands.
- Vodafone Protect & Connect uses Vodafone’s global mobile network for pan-European coverage. A strong option for motorhome and campervan owners who travel regularly in Europe.
Before purchasing any device, confirm with your insurer that the specific product and its Thatcham category meet their requirement. Most insurers maintain a list of accepted devices.
Tracker vs immobiliser — understanding the difference
Trackers and immobilisers serve very different purposes, though they’re often discussed together.
A tracker is a recovery tool. It locates your vehicle after it’s been stolen and helps police get it back. It doesn’t stop the theft from happening.
An immobiliser prevents the vehicle from being started without the correct code or signal. It stops the theft at the source but offers no help with recovery if the vehicle is somehow taken anyway.
The most effective approach combines both. A Ghost Immobiliser requires a secret PIN code sequence entered through your own steering wheel or dashboard buttons. Even if a thief has cloned your key or bypassed the factory immobiliser, they can’t start the engine without the code. It works silently and emits no radio signal that can be detected.
The Ghost Immobiliser doesn’t currently carry Thatcham approval and won’t satisfy a tracker requirement on its own. But it’s widely considered one of the most effective complementary security layers you can add alongside an approved tracker.
How to know which category your insurer requires
If your insurer specifies a tracker, the required Thatcham category should be stated clearly in your policy documents. If it isn’t, ask directly before buying anything.
When you contact your insurer, ask:
- Is a Thatcham-approved tracker required as a condition of cover for this vehicle?
- If so, which category — S7, S5, or S5+?
- Does the insurer have a list of accepted devices or brands?
- What discount applies if I fit an approved tracker voluntarily?
- Will the insurer need a copy of the installation certificate?
Getting clear answers to these questions before you commit to a device avoids the frustration of fitting the wrong category or an unrecognised brand.
Protecting your investment
An insurance-approved vehicle tracker is a Thatcham-certified GPS device, monitored 24/7 by a Secure Operating Centre, with a Level 1 police response available in the event of theft. For motorhome and campervan owners it is frequently a condition of cover rather than a choice. Even where it isn’t required, the premium savings and the genuine security benefit make it well worth considering. S7 is the baseline standard for most vehicles. S5 adds proactive driver identification and is often required for higher-value leisure vehicles. S5+ adds remote immobilisation for the highest level of protection.
Whatever category applies to your vehicle, professional installation by a Thatcham-accredited engineer is essential — both for the policy to be valid and for the device to actually work as intended.
If you’re arranging or reviewing your motorhome or campervan insurance and want to understand whether a tracker is required or how fitting one might affect your premium, get a motorhome insurance quote or get a campervan insurance quote from insurd today.
If you drive a high-value car and are wondering whether a tracker might reduce your premium, the same principles apply — get a car insurance quote and we’ll help you find the right cover.
