Trackers

[ncrossy1980]

Searching the forum returns 52 pages of threads So, might be old ground here.

Can anyone recommend a decent tracker? I'd rather not have to pay an annual subscription but if it's reasonable I guess I would. I wouldn't pay more than ~£150 I don't think, and it would be preferably transferable.

Can anyone verify the cost of the tracker vs the saving in insurance premium? It might have been an anomaly but I once specified a tracker during an online insurance quote, and it actually put the price of the premium up because of it!

I also came across an old forum where someone (think PVR) said all BMWs (~last 10 years) are fitted with trackers, they just need activated and paid for. I'm struggling to find evidence of this though.

Finally, and this is purely down to an individuals opinion, would you even want your car back if it was stolen? Could you be happy with it knowing its been violated, and the HPI mark of doom it will carry along with it for life :thumbsdown:

 

[Stuart Truman]

All Alpinas were fitted with trackers, but not the others. I checked mine with Tracker when I bought it and had one fitted before it was delivered. You can pay annually or for about 3yrs annual fees, get a lifetime subscription.

Trackers aren't cheap, (the branded ones) but they are almost impossible to find in a car and most police cars are fitted with locators so you've a better chance of recovery. The standard ones use vhf (I think) radio so more reliable than gps only cheap units that will lose their location once in a garage.

Don't be under any illusions that you'll get a reduced premium. Some brokers will insist you have one, others will simply add it to your requirements that it has to be active once you've told them you have one fitted. (Bar stewards!)

A question often asked is "do you want it back if stolen or will you simply sell it as a stolen/recovered?" Which is worthwhile to consider. Personally, if I didn't have to have one I probably wouldn't bother

 

[DumfriesDik]

The £150 - is that for fitting AND subscription?

Its going to be a PAYG mobile phone hidden in the car for that money.

I have a Tracker in mine and paid a one off lifetime fee, but its only for the Zed and can not be transferred. It gives me peace of mind, especially if like me your car is garaged elsewhere. I hope it never gets stolen, but if it did, the quicker you can notify the police the better and yes, I would want it back.

I don't think I have told the insurance company - I don't see why it would put the premium up, that's just plain silly. And why would HPI know if someone has stolen and your car returned?

 

[Stuart Truman]

The £150 - is that for fitting AND subscription?

Its going to be a PAYG mobile phone hidden in the car for that money.

I have a Tracker in mine and paid a one off lifetime fee, but its only for the Zed and can not be transferred. It gives me peace of mind, especially if like me your car is garaged elsewhere. I hope it never gets stolen, but if it did, the quicker you can notify the police the better and yes, I would want it back.

I don't think I have told the insurance company - I don't see why it would put the premium up, that's just plain silly. And why would HPI know if someone has stolen and your car returned?

Nope, £150 plus subscription.

Correct, it's not transferable between cars or owners. Sell the car and the new owner needs a new subscription. Did you know that Direct Line owns tracker (or did IIRC) and apparently got into trouble over insisting cars were fitted with one...

It won't put the premium up, but don't expect it to go down and do expect it to be added to the requirements of your policy

The police will notify the relevant people so HPI will know. And as Tracker is owned by an insurance company, athey already know and as soon as you activate it they'll all know the car was stolen. Instant devaluation of your car

 

[Longtallhowie]

I've read on other forum sites that trackers have had their day! Thieves now use a jammer to disable them until they can locate them then disconnect it and then you car is long gone!

Do more research before you get one, is my advice!