What Is the Best Vehicle Tracking Device to Buy? 

If you’re looking for the best vehicle tracking device to buy, you’ve probably already discovered there are plenty of options. 

GPS trackers, S7 trackers, S5 trackers, Driver Detection, immobilisation, knowing which level of protection is right for your vehicle can quickly become confusing. 

The simple answer is that the best tracking device is one that matches your vehicle, your insurance requirements, and the level of security you want. 

For maximum protection within the SmarTrack range, S5+ iMOB provides tracking, Driver Detection and automatic immobilisation, making it our most comprehensive option. 

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone needs it. 

For some motorists, an S7 tracker may provide exactly the protection they are looking for. Others may require an S5 system for insurance purposes, while owners of high-value or frequently targeted vehicles may want the additional security provided by immobilisation. 

So, which vehicle tracker should you buy? 

Let’s take a look. 

What Should I Look for When Buying a Vehicle Tracker? 

There is a big difference between simply being able to see where your vehicle is and having a professionally monitored vehicle security system. 

When comparing vehicle trackers, we’d recommend considering: 

• Thatcham certification 

• 24/7 monitoring 

• Driver Detection 

• Immobilisation options 

• Battery tamper and movement alerts 

• Mobile app access 

• Professional installation 

• Stolen vehicle recovery support 

• Your insurer’s requirements 

SmarTrack offers Thatcham S7 and S5 tracking systems, with options ranging from professionally monitored tracking through to Driver Detection and immobilisation. 

What Is the Best SmarTrack Tracker? 

There isn’t one answer for every driver, so here’s the simple version: 

S7 – best for effective, cost-conscious monitored tracking. 

S5 – best for drivers wanting advanced tracking with Driver Detection. 

S5+ – best for drivers wanting S5 tracking with the additional benefit of remote immobilisation, which can be activated on police request during a theft. 

S5+ iMOB – best for drivers wanting SmarTrack’s most comprehensive combination of tracking, Driver Detection and automatic immobilisation. 

Let’s look at each in more detail. 

Is an S7 Tracker Worth Buying? 

For many motorists, an S7 tracker is an excellent way to add professionally monitored vehicle tracking without needing the additional features of an S5 system. 

SmarTrack offers a range of Thatcham S7 certified tracking systems, with features varying between products. 

An S7 system can be a good choice if: 

• You want a professionally monitored vehicle tracker. 

• Your insurer requires an S7 tracker. 

• You want additional protection against vehicle theft. 

• You don’t require S5 Driver Detection. 

• You want a more cost-conscious option. 

SmarTrack S7 devices are monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by the Global Telemetrics Secure Control Centre. 

For many everyday vehicles, an S7 system provides a great balance between cost and protection. 

Should I Buy an S5 Tracker? 

If you’re looking for another level of protection, SmarTrack S5 adds Driver Detection to vehicle tracking. 

Driver Detection helps determine whether an authorised driver is present with the vehicle. 

If the vehicle moves without the required Driver Detection device being present, this can identify potentially unauthorised movement and allow the appropriate action to be taken. 

S5 could be the right choice if: 

• Your insurer requires an S5 tracking system. 

• You own a high-value, prestige, or performance vehicle. 

• You want Driver Detection alongside vehicle tracking. 

• You want a higher level of vehicle security than an S7 system. 

SmarTrack describes S5 as its highest vehicle tracking accreditation, making it particularly relevant for vehicles where insurers or owners require increased protection. 

What About SmarTrack S5+? 

SmarTrack S5+ goes a step further by combining S5 tracking and Driver Detection with remote immobilisation. 

During a confirmed vehicle theft, the immobilisation feature can be activated on police request, helping to provide another tool in the recovery of the stolen vehicle. 

This makes S5+ particularly attractive for motorists who want more than tracking alone but don’t require the automatic No Tag, No Start functionality offered by S5+ iMOB. 

Is S5+ iMOB the Best Vehicle Tracker? 

If by “best” you mean the most comprehensive level of protection available within the SmarTrack range, then S5+ iMOB is the standout option. 

S5+ iMOB combines: 

• Thatcham S5 certified tracking 

• Driver Detection 

• 24/7 monitoring 

• Automatic immobilisation 

• No Tag, No Start protection 

• Battery backup 

• Battery monitoring 

• Secure online account 

• Global Telemetrics app access 

The key difference is immobilisation. 

When the ignition is switched off, the vehicle is immobilised. The system then requires the authorised Driver Detection card or tag to allow the vehicle to be mobilised again. 

This means S5+ iMOB isn’t simply designed to help locate a vehicle following a theft, it adds an additional security layer designed to help prevent an unauthorised driver from starting the vehicle. 

For owners of prestige, performance, high-value or frequently targeted vehicles, that can make S5+ iMOB a particularly attractive choice. 

S7 vs S5 vs S5+ vs S5+ iMOB: Which Should I Buy? 

The important thing isn’t simply choosing the system with the most features. It’s choosing the system that suits your vehicle and requirements. 

Which Tracker Is Best for a High-Value Car? 

For high-value, prestige and performance vehicles, we’d recommend considering an S5 system. 

These vehicles can be particularly desirable to thieves, so combining tracking with Driver Detection provides another level of protection. 

For motorists wanting to go further, S5+ and S5+ iMOB introduce immobilisation into the equation. 

S5+ iMOB provides the most comprehensive solution of the options discussed here by combining tracking, Driver Detection and automatic immobilisation. 

Which Tracker Do I Need for My Insurance? 

This is an important question and one you should ask your insurer. 

Depending on the vehicle and policy, an insurer may specify that an approved tracking system must be installed as a condition of cover. 

You may be asked for an S7 or S5 system, particularly when insuring higher-value vehicles. 

Always check the exact requirement with your insurer before arranging installation rather than assuming that a particular tracker will satisfy your policy. 

Is a Professionally Monitored Tracker Better Than a GPS Tracker? 

A basic GPS tracker can tell you where a vehicle is, but stolen vehicle security is about much more than putting a dot on a map. 

SmarTrack’s stolen vehicle tracking systems benefit from professional monitoring through the Global Telemetrics Secure Control Centre, operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

In the event of a confirmed theft, Global Telemetrics can also deploy its dedicated Repatriations Team. 

The Repatriations Team can attend the location of the stolen vehicle, secure it and work closely with the police to assist with its safe recovery. 

This combination of technology, monitoring and physical recovery support is an important consideration when choosing a vehicle tracking system. 

So, What Is the Best Tracking Device to Buy? 

If you’re choosing purely on the highest level of protection, SmarTrack S5+ iMOB is our most comprehensive option, combining Thatcham S5 tracking, Driver Detection and No Tag, No Start immobilisation. 

But the best tracker for you may be different. 

Choose S7 if you want professionally monitored tracking and don’t require Driver Detection. 

Choose S5 if you want tracking combined with Driver Detection or your insurer requires an S5 system. 

Choose S5+ if you want S5 protection with the additional capability of remote immobilisation on police request during a theft. 

Choose S5+ iMOB if you want the most comprehensive combination of SmarTrack tracking, Driver Detection and automatic immobilisation. 

Ultimately, the right system depends on your vehicle, your insurer and how much protection you want. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the best car tracker in the UK? 

The best car tracker depends on your vehicle and requirements. For motorists wanting maximum protection within the SmarTrack range, S5+ iMOB combines Thatcham S5 tracking, Driver Detection and automatic immobilisation. 

Is S5 better than S7? 

S5 provides additional functionality through Driver Detection and represents a higher tracking accreditation. However, an S7 tracker may be perfectly suitable if you don’t require S5 functionality or your insurer only requires an S7 system. 

Does S5+ immobilise the vehicle? 

S5+ includes remote immobilisation capability which can be activated on police request during a confirmed theft. 

What is the difference between S5+ and S5+ iMOB? 

Both provide S5 tracking and Driver Detection, but their approach to immobilisation differs. S5+ provides remote immobilisation on police request during a theft, while S5+ iMOB provides automatic No Tag, No Start immobilisation controlled through Driver Detection. 

Does S5+ iMOB stop the vehicle every time I park? 

The immobilisation activates when the vehicle’s ignition is switched off. An authorised Driver Detection card or tag is then required to mobilise the vehicle. 

Do I need an S5 tracker for insurance? 

Possibly. Your insurer may specify S5 or S7 security depending on your vehicle and policy. Always confirm the exact requirements with your insurance provider before installation. 

Are SmarTrack trackers monitored 24/7? 

SmarTrack stolen vehicle tracking systems are supported by 24/7 monitoring through the Global Telemetrics Secure Control Centre. 

Protect Your Vehicle with SmarTrack 

From S7 monitored tracking through to S5+ iMOB with No Tag, No Start immobilisation, SmarTrack offers different levels of protection to suit different vehicles and owners. 

If you’re still wondering which vehicle tracking device is best for your car, speak to SmarTrack or one of our approved installers to find the right system for your vehicle. 

Because the best tracker isn’t necessarily the one with the longest feature list. 

It’s the one that provides the right protection when you need it most.