The Best Thatcham & Insurance Approved GPS Car Trackers in the UK

When it comes to protecting a prestige or high-performance car, not all trackers are created equal. While budget GPS devices might help you check where a vehicle is parked, they won’t always satisfy your insurer—or stand up against professional thieves. That’s why the smart choice is to fit a Thatcham-approved, insurance-recognised tracker.

With car thefts rising sharply in the UK—over 130,000 vehicles stolen in 2024 according to Home Office data—owners of luxury SUVs, sports cars, and keyless models are increasingly required to install an accredited tracking system as part of their insurance policy.

So, which is the best option for your car? Here’s our expert breakdown.

Smartrack S5

The Smartrack S5 is one of the UK’s most popular Thatcham-approved trackers, trusted by insurers and drivers alike. It offers:

• 24/7 control room monitoring

• Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR) tags to detect unauthorised movement

• Global coverage with multi-network SIMs

• Instant alerts if your vehicle is moved without authorisation

For Range Rovers, BMWs, Audis, and other prestige cars, the S5 remains a top-tier choice.

Smartrack S5 iMob

The S5 iMob takes protection one step further. In addition to all S5 features, it adds automatic immobilisation: if the ADR tag isn’t present, the vehicle simply won’t start. This proactive defence is highly effective against relay theft, a growing issue highlighted in recent reports by BBC News, where gangs target keyless cars on suburban driveways.

Smartrack S7

A more affordable but still Thatcham-approved solution, the Smartrack S7 is ideal if your insurer requires accreditation but not the full S5 spec. It includes 24/7 monitoring, GPS tracking, and movement alerts, making it suitable for everyday vehicles as well as fleets.

Meta Trak S5 Deadlock

For those who want layered protection, the Meta Trak S5 Deadlock combines live GPS tracking with a secure immobiliser. Owners can “deadlock” their car remotely from the app—an added barrier if thieves try to tamper with the system.

ScorpionTrack S5

Praised for its intuitive app and reliability, the ScorpionTrack S5 gives drivers easy access to journey history, location tracking, and theft alerts. It’s Thatcham-approved and insurer-friendly, making it a strong option for owners of Jaguars, Mercedes, and Teslas.

Trackstar S5

Well-known within the UK insurance industry, the Trackstar S5 provides round-the-clock monitoring and direct police integration. Many insurers specifically recommend or mandate Trackstar on certain prestige marques, particularly BMW and Land Rover.

Autowatch Ghost-II (Immobiliser)

While not a tracker, the Autowatch Ghost-II is worth mentioning. This discreet immobiliser requires a unique PIN code sequence before the engine will start, preventing even cloned keys from being used. Paired with a Thatcham S5 tracker, it creates one of the most secure setups available.

Why Thatcham Approval Matters

Thatcham is the UK body that tests and certifies vehicle security devices. A Thatcham S5 or S7 certificate gives insurers confidence your car is protected to the highest standards. For drivers, it means your investment is backed by independent testing and professional monitoring.

Our Verdict: Which is the Best?

If you’re looking for the best overall GPS car tracker, we recommend the Smartrack S5 for its proven balance of features, recovery success rates, and insurer approval. For the ultimate peace of mind, pairing it with S5 iMob immobilisation or the Ghost-II creates a defence that’s almost impossible for thieves to bypass.

At gps-cartrackers.com, we supply and professionally install all of the above, ensuring your vehicle is protected and your insurance requirements are met.

👉 Explore our full range of Thatcham-approved GPS trackers here.