GPS vehicle trackers are a great and discreet contingency if ever your vehicle is taken. But are there any rules that may get in the way of you tracking your car?
In this blog, we will be exploring the question ‘Can I put a GPS tracker on my car?’
At Car Specialist Customs, we are proud to offer a wide variety of options when it comes to making your car a unique expression of who you are, alongside security options that can protect your vehicle. We are excited to share with you the option of our vehicle trackers.
The UK automotive aftermarket industry is thriving, ranking fourth in Europe and ninth in the world in terms of size, and turning over an annual £21.1 billion.
The sector supports 345,600 jobs and contributes £12.2 billion each year to the economy. And it is growing: the sector’s value is set to rise to £28 billion by 2022.
The basics of a vehicle tracker
A vehicle tracker is a small device, varying in shape and size depending on the brand and model you choose. These devices emit a signal which can allow you to view your vehicle’s location, through your phone or computer (this again varies with the brand and model you select.)
There are two types of trackers, monitored, in which location is shared live. And unmonitored, where location is stored on the device and viewable when the device is in the hands of its user.
Trackers can be installed within the vehicle so it is undetectable, whereas others may not need installing, it is subjective to the brand and model you select.
Can I put a GPS tracker on my car?
Yes, you can put a GPS tracker on your car. As long as you own the vehicle, there is no ruling against installing a tracking device to reassure the security of your car.
Complications may occur if you are renting or leasing a car, although you would be allowed a tracker that does not require any dismantling of the car to install. Be sure to speak to the provider prior to making any arrangements in regard to installing a tracker.
Can I put a GPS tracker on someone else’s vehicle?
No you can not. If you have not been given permission to do so, you are not allowed to put a GPS tracker on a vehicle that is not yours. You can be subject to criminal charges if you are proven to be doing this to someone.
What to do if someone tracks your vehicle without permission
This is a serious offence, so make sure you have proof of this before accusing someone. The best proof of having your vehicle tracked can come in the form of finding the tracker in your vehicle. Alternatively, having evidence of someone applying the tracker to your car can also be considered as proof.
If you are renting or leasing a vehicle, and the provider hasn’t stated the vehicles are tracked either during conversation or within the paperwork, you are within your rights to launch a formal complaint.
Though it is understandable as to why rented/leased vehicles would require trackers, if this is done without the driver’s knowledge, it can be seen as spying/ breaching data protection.
There are devices available that can help you detect whether or not your car has a tracker on it. Though there are manual methods of finding out, here are some helpful tips below.
Signs of a tracker in your vehicle:
- A small box or rectangle (usually with wires coming from it)
- Any abnormalities in or outside your car
- Wiring that you can physically see
Where to find a tracker in your vehicle:
- In the wheel-well of your car
- Around your front and back bumpers
- Any crevice or space outside car that is not subject to heat or direct weather.
- In and around the dashboard, including the glove compartment
- Underneath, behind and on the sides of seats
- In your boot and in the spare tire storage.
What is a good car tracker?
As an established provider of car trackers, we thought it would be beneficial to share with you two examples of reliable and established car trackers.
Scorpion Track S5 Plus Tracking System – £449.99
The Scorpion Track S5 Plus responds to all known methods of vehicle theft including techniques used by the modern day thief such as ‘relay theft’, ‘key cloning’ or various means in which the vehicles’ on-board computer is hacked.
The immobillisation features of this system ensures any potential thieves will struggle to escape.
- Automatic Immobilisation* – The vehicle will only start when the authorised driver possessing the ADR tag is present. This feature can be armed and disarmed within the mobile app.
- Remote Immobilisation* – In the event of a vehicle theft with the ADR tag, the ScorpionTrack Monitoring Team can remotely immobilise the vehicle. Preventing the engine from being restarted if automatic immobilisation has not engaged.
Additional features
- Insurance Approved
- Thatcham approved installers
- 24-hour control centre
- European Coverage
- Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR) tags
- No tag / No start
- Remote Immobilisation via Command Centre on Police Request
- Police Supported
- Multi-vehicle Tracking
And more.
Meta Trak S7 – £299.95 – £549.95
Looking for a system that can meet the requirements of your insurance policy? The Meta Trak S7 Tracker is the perfect vehicle tracking system for you.*
*Price variation is subject to add-on features.
The Meta Trak S7 tracker is equipped with a range of useful everyday features as standard. The Meta Trak S7 is well equipped allowing you to use real-time tracking either via the dedicated web portal or your smartphone via the Meta Trak app. Look at your driver history, live google traffic updates as well as your driver score profile via the app.
Other features include the battery monitoring alerts and tow alert notifications on your vehicle.
Additional Features
- Insurance Approved
- 24 Hour Control Room Monitoring
- European Coverage
- Battery Backup
- Journey History & Score (up to 30 days)
- Instant Alerts
- Low Battery, Tamper and Geo-Fence Alerts
- Motion Alerts
- App & Web Access
- Transferable
- 12 & 24 Volt Compatible
- 1-Year Warranty
Invest in a car tracker today
Our team members at Car Specialist Customs are extremely passionate and proud of the multiple services and products we provide for the people of Greater Manchester and beyond.
As a fully insured and approved installer, catering to the needs of vehicle owners of Greater Manchester and beyond, we are proud to let you know that we offer services for the following:
Personalisation:
Protection/Security:
Featuring the brands, Pandora, ScorpionTrak, Meta Trak & SmarTrack, we’ve included affordable, and premium products to suit the needs of our customers. With finance options available, and the option of installation, head to our website to get your quote!
We always will go above expectations to make your car feel special to you. With even more services and options becoming available in the future, Car Specialist Customs is the home of making any car unique, secure and special.
See what we can do for you today, we aim to have provided what you need to know before considering purchasing a vehicle tracker.
We hope to have answered the question ‘Can I put a GPS tracker on my car?’ whilst providing supplementary information that can help you make an informed choice when it comes to investing in security systems for your vehicle.
Want to get in touch? You can find us here:
WORKSHOP:
Unit 30
Caldershaw Centre
Ings Ln
Rochdale
OL12 7LQ
OPENING TIMES:
Monday – Wednesday – 10 AM – 7 PM
Thursday – Closed
Friday – Sunday – 11 AM – 7 PM
TELEPHONE:
07523 971347 (Mon – Fri: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm)
EMAIL:
info@carspecialistcustoms.co.uk