Thatcham, also known as the Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre, is an independent organisation that is dedicated to the maintenance and development of road vehicle safety in the UK. Established in 1969, Thatcham aims to increase vehicle safety and security while reducing the cost of insurance premiums. To achieve this, Thatcham tests, categorises, and approves vehicle trackers submitted by manufacturers, using strict criteria to ensure they are of the highest quality. It’s important to note that Thatcham trackers are not produced by Thatcham themselves but are approved by the organisation according to their stringent safety and security criteria. Here at Crystal Ball, all our insurance-approved vehicle trackers have been certified by Thatcham.

Yes, Thatcham-approved S7 trackers can be installed and used for your personal vehicles. The high level of security these trackers provide, alongside their relative affordability, makes them an excellent additional security measure for both mid-range and high value personal vehicles.

If you want to protect your vehicle from theft or vandalism, the S7 tracker is a robust and cost-effective solution.

As the very first Thatcham Category, the S7 has significantly fewer features than the S5. The S7 trackers are not hardwired into the vehicle but instead are simply battery powered. The tracker is also only accurate within a few hundred yards, communicating via its RF frequency. If you’re looking for a reliable and high security tracking system, we highly recommend installing the S5 tracker.

The category S7 has fewer features than the S5, offering a more budget-friendly solution. While both models offer advanced tracking technology, tow and tamper alerts, connectivity to a 24/7 monitoring station, and an easy-to-use free smartphone app, the key difference is that the S5 has the additional feature of automatic driver recognition technology. This means that if a driver operates the vehicle without presenting their authorised driver ID tag, an instant alert will be sent to the owner and the vehicle monitoring centre.

While both the S5 and S7 trackers are insurance-approved, the choice between the two models will depend on your individual needs and budget. The Thatcham S7 tracker costs less as it has fewer features, while the S5 adds a level of extra protection through the unauthorised driver alert feature. If you’re not sure which vehicle tracking device would be best for you, chat to our team and we’ll be happy to advise you.