Do You Need a GPS Tracker for Car Insurance in Australia?

For years, a GPS tracker was something fleet managers and owners of expensive cars thought about. That is changing. More Australian insurers are now asking drivers of high-theft vehicles, such as popular utes, 4WDs and keyless-entry cars, to fit a tracker or an immobiliser, or are taking security devices into account when they quote.

If your insurer has mentioned a tracker, or you're wondering whether one could help, this guide explains what is usually involved and how to choose a device that suits your policy. At TechMonkey we stock a range of insurance recognised GPS trackers, so we get asked about this a lot.

Why insurers care about trackers

A stolen vehicle that is never found is a full claim for the insurer. A vehicle that can be located quickly is often recovered, sometimes before it is stripped or damaged. That is why insurers view a working tracker as a genuine reduction in risk, particularly for models that are frequently targeted by thieves.

In practice, insurers handle this in different ways:

• As a condition of cover: some policies for high-risk vehicles require an approved security device to be fitted before cover applies.
• As a factor in the premium: some insurers consider security devices when pricing a policy.
• As a recommendation: others simply encourage it, without changing the price or terms.

Requirements vary between insurers, policies and vehicles, so the first step is always to read your policy documents or ask your insurer exactly what they need.

What insurers typically look for

When an insurer asks for a tracker, the questions are usually practical. Can the vehicle be located in real time? Will the device keep working if someone disconnects things? Is it installed properly? Common expectations include:

• Live location over a mobile network, not just Bluetooth or a "last seen" position.
• Permanent power, often a hardwired connection rather than a loose battery device.
• Alerts for movement, ignition or power disconnection.
• Journey history, which helps police establish where a vehicle has been.
• Professional or secure installation, where the policy specifies it.
• For some vehicles, immobilisation: the ability to stop the engine being restarted.

Choosing an insurance recognised tracker

The GPSBob trackers we sell are backed by a UK vehicle security brand and are recognised by insurers. Three models are particularly well suited to insurance requirements:

• Two-Wire 4G GPS Tracker: hardwired to constant power and easy to hide. This is the most popular choice for everyday cars, utes and vans.
• Immobilisation 4G GPS Tracker: tracking plus remote immobilisation, for vehicles where the insurer wants the engine to be disabled as well as located.
• OBD 4G GPS Tracker: plugs into the diagnostic port for the quickest setup. Check first whether your policy requires a hardwired device.

All three use a built-in multi-network 4G SIM, so there is no separate SIM card to manage, and you can view live location, history and alerts in the GPSBob app.

What about the cost?

Traditional insurance tracking systems often combine expensive hardware with an ongoing monitoring subscription. Our prepaid GPSBob bundles include up to five years of tracking service, with no monthly fees during the included period. That makes it straightforward to meet an insurer's requirement without adding another monthly bill.

A quick checklist before you buy

• Ask your insurer whether a tracker is required, recommended or reflected in the premium.
• Check whether they specify a hardwired, professionally installed or immobilising device.
• Choose a tracker with live 4G location, alerts and journey history.
• Keep proof of purchase and installation details in case your insurer asks.
• Test the app and alerts once the tracker is fitted.

Not sure which tracker suits your policy? Contact the TechMonkey team with your vehicle and insurer's requirements and we'll help you choose.