S5, S5+ vs S7 Trackers: Which One Do You Need?

What Are Thatcham Tracker Categories?

Thatcham Research is the UK's independent body that tests and categorises vehicle security products. Their category system (S7, S5, and S5+) tells you — and your insurer — exactly what level of protection a tracker provides.

When your insurance company requires a "Thatcham-approved tracker," they'll specify which category. Understanding the difference ensures you fit the right one first time and avoid having to upgrade later.

S7 Trackers: The Essential Level

S7 is the entry-level Thatcham category for GPS trackers. It's the most commonly required tracker for standard insurance policies.

What S7 Includes

• GPS tracking via satellite with real-time location
• Movement alerts — notifies you if the vehicle moves without the ignition on (e.g. towed or transported)
• Battery disconnect alerts — warns if the vehicle battery is disconnected
• European coverage with roaming SIM for reliable tracking abroad
• Smartphone app for live location monitoring
• 24/7 monitoring centre that contacts you on movement alerts

Who Needs S7?

S7 is typically sufficient for:

• Standard family cars
• Vehicles valued under £50,000
• Most standard insurance requirements
• Owners wanting theft recovery without driver recognition

S5 Trackers: Driver Recognition

S5 adds Driver Recognition System (DRS) on top of everything S7 offers. The key addition is a small card you carry that the tracker detects.

What S5 Adds Over S7

• Driver Recognition System (DRS) — if the vehicle moves without the card present, an alert is triggered immediately, even if the engine has been started
• Automatic alert on unauthorised movement — no waiting for ignition-off movement; the tracker knows the authorised driver isn't present
• All S7 features included — GPS, movement alerts, battery alerts, app, monitoring

Who Needs S5?

S5 is typically required for:

• High-value vehicles (typically £50,000+)
• Prestige and luxury brands (BMW M-series, Mercedes AMG, Audi RS, Range Rover, Porsche)
• Vehicles with a high theft risk
• Insurance policies that explicitly require S5 category
• Finance and lease agreements on premium vehicles

S5+ Trackers: The Highest Level of Protection

S5+ (S5 Plus) is the highest Thatcham tracker category available. It takes everything S5 offers and adds remote immobilisation — the ability to remotely disable the engine.

What S5+ Adds Over S5

• Remote engine immobilisation — the 24/7 monitoring centre can remotely disable the engine if the vehicle is stolen or moved without authorisation
• Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR) with encrypted driver ID tags for enhanced security
• Combined tracker + immobiliser — S5+ systems integrate GPS tracking with engine immobilisation in one unit
• All S5 and S7 features included — GPS, DRS, movement alerts, battery alerts, app, monitoring

Who Needs S5+?

S5+ is the recommended choice for:

• The highest-value vehicles and supercars
• Vehicles where insurers require the maximum category of protection
• Owners who want the ability to remotely immobilise the engine, not just track it
• Combined tracker and immobiliser requirements in a single system
• Lease and finance agreements that mandate the highest category

Key Differences at a Glance

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose S7 if:

• Your insurer requires a "Thatcham-approved tracker" without specifying S5 or S5+
• Your vehicle is valued under £50,000
• You want reliable theft recovery at the best price

Choose S5 if:

• Your insurer explicitly requires an S5 category tracker
• Your vehicle is high-value or high-risk
• You want the added security of driver recognition
• Your finance or lease agreement mandates S5

Choose S5+ if:

• You want the highest level of Thatcham-approved protection available
• You want the ability to remotely immobilise the engine, not just track the vehicle
• Your insurer requires the maximum tracker category
• You want a combined tracker and immobiliser in a single system

Tip: Always check your insurance policy wording before purchasing. Some policies specify the exact category required. If unsure, call your insurer and ask.

Scorpion Trackers at Bailey's Auto Solutions

As approved Scorpion installers, we fit S7, S5 and S5+ category trackers across Leeds and Yorkshire. All installations are:

• Covert — hidden wiring, no visible components
• Certified — Thatcham-approved with certificate provided for your insurer
• Warranted — full manufacturer warranty
• Mobile — we come to you at home or work

Get the Right Tracker Fitted

Not sure which category you need? Call 07387 719207 with your vehicle details and insurance requirements, and we'll advise you on the right tracker — then come to you anywhere in Yorkshire to fit it.

Get a free quote online →