South Africa is well-known for its high crime rates, particularly when it comes to car theft. According to a recent report by the South African Police Service (SAPS), there were over 56,000 cases of car theft reported in 2020 alone. This means that on average, over 150 vehicles are stolen every day in South Africa.
This is where car trackers come into play. Car trackers are an essential tool for both individuals and businesses in South Africa looking to protect their vehicles from theft and increase their chances of recovery in case they are stolen.
Car trackers work by using GPS or GSM technology to track the movement of a vehicle and transmit that information to a central monitoring system. This enables the owner or the authorities to quickly locate and recover the stolen vehicle.
I’ve written a lot about car trackers in the past and have often referred readers to Track My Stuff (this is an affiliate link) so they can use the service to get car tracking quotes from some of the biggest names in the market including Beame, Ctrack, Matrix, and Netstar. Today rather than look at specific car tracker brands this post will be a general guide to car trackers, how they work, how to choose one for your vehicle and so on.
That said if you’re not looking for general advice but rather want help on choosing a car tracking company – then this is not the right article so please head on over to the one I’ve linked.
Let’s get going!
The benefits of having a car tracker installed in your vehicle cannot be overstated. Not only does it provide a sense of security knowing that you can track your vehicle’s movements at any time, but it can also help lower insurance premiums by reducing the risk of theft.
Additionally, many car insurance companies require customers to have a tracker installed as part of their policy requirements. In short, having a car tracker is an investment that can provide peace of mind and save you money in the long run.
The benefits of car trackers in South Africa
Increased security and theft prevention
South Africa has one of the highest rates of car theft in the world. In fact, according to the latest statistics by Tracker, a leading car tracking company in South Africa, a vehicle is stolen every 32 minutes.
Installing a car tracker significantly reduces the chance of your vehicle being stolen. Most car trackers come equipped with an alarm that notifies you immediately when someone tries to steal your vehicle or tamper with it.
Additionally, many modern trackers have features that allow you to remotely immobilize your vehicle using your smartphone or computer. This means that even if the thief manages to start your car, they won’t be able to drive away.
Ability to locate stolen vehicles
If your vehicle is stolen despite having a tracker installed, you can quickly locate it using GPS technology. GPS trackers transmit real-time location data to a central monitoring station which can pinpoint the exact location of your stolen vehicle on a map. This makes it easier for law enforcement officials to recover your vehicle before it’s stripped down or sold for parts.
Lower insurance premiums
Having a car tracker installed means you’re less likely to make an insurance claim due to theft or damage caused by criminals. As such, most insurance companies offer lower premiums for vehicles installed with trackers than those without them.
In some cases, having a tracker installed could mean saving up to 20% on annual premiums! This not only saves you money but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your investment is always protected against theft and damage.
Installing a car tracker in South Africa comes with numerous benefits that make it an essential investment for anyone who values their safety and peace of mind while driving on the country’s roads. From preventing theft and recovering stolen vehicles quickly to enjoying lower insurance premiums, car trackers provide a plethora of benefits that make them indispensable accessory for every car owner in South Africa.
Types of car trackers available in South Africa
GPS trackers
GPS trackers are the most commonly used type of car tracker in South Africa. They use satellite technology to pinpoint the exact location of a vehicle and report it back to the owner or monitoring service.
GPS trackers can be very accurate, with some models having a margin of error as small as a few feet. One advantage of GPS trackers is that they can be used anywhere, even in areas without cellular coverage.
However, they do require an uninterrupted view of the sky to receive signals from satellites. Additionally, GPS trackers can be relatively expensive compared to other types.
GSM trackers
GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) trackers use cellular networks to transmit location data. They work by transmitting location data from the tracker to a server, which then relays it back to the owner or monitoring service.
GSM trackers are often less expensive than GPS trackers and are easier to install since they don’t require an uninterrupted view of the sky. However, their accuracy can vary depending on cellular coverage in the area and may not work well in remote or rural locations with poor signal strength.
Hybrid trackers
Hybrid trackers combine both GPS and GSM technologies into one device. This allows for more accurate tracking than GSM alone while also providing backup communication through cellular networks when GPS signals are weakened or lost.
Hybrid trackers tend to be more expensive than GSM-only options but offer better reliability and accuracy than either technology alone. They’re particularly useful if you plan on using your car tracker outside urban areas where cellular network coverage may be spotty.
Overall, choosing between different types of car trackers will depend on your budget, specific needs, and where you plan on using them most often. It’s important to research brands and models thoroughly before making a purchase decision so you can be sure you’re getting the best value for your money.
Features to consider when choosing a car tracker in South Africa
Real-time tracking: Always keep an eye on your vehicle
One of the most important features to consider when choosing a car tracker in South Africa is real-time tracking. This feature allows you to monitor your vehicle’s location at all times, so you always know where it is and can take action if necessary.
With real-time tracking, you can track your vehicle’s movements and even set up alerts for when it leaves or enters certain areas. Real-time tracking is particularly useful for businesses that need to keep an eye on their fleet of vehicles.
It allows business owners to monitor driver behaviour and ensure that vehicles are being used efficiently. For personal use, real-time tracking helps you keep an eye on your car’s location while parked or when someone else is driving it.
Geofencing capabilities: Set boundaries for your vehicle
Another important feature to consider when choosing a car tracker in South Africa is geofencing capabilities. Geofencing allows you to set virtual boundaries around specific locations and receive alerts when your vehicle enters or exits those areas.
This feature can be particularly useful for businesses that need to monitor delivery routes or service areas. Geofencing also offers peace of mind for personal use by allowing parents to monitor their children’s driving habits or ensuring that employees are not using company vehicles outside of designated areas.
Panic button functionality: Instant alerts when you need them
Panic button functionality is another feature worth considering when choosing a car tracker in South Africa. This feature allows drivers or passengers to quickly send an alert with just the push of a button in case of emergency situations such as accidents, thefts, or medical emergencies.
In addition, some panic buttons come equipped with audio recording capabilities which could help identify any suspects if there was ever a break-in or carjacking. Panic button functionality is highly recommended for personal use, especially for people who often drive through high-crime areas or travel with children.
Installing a car tracker in South Africa
In order to enjoy the benefits of a car tracker, one must install it in their vehicle. Fortunately, installing a car tracker in South Africa is not a difficult process. The first step is to choose the type of tracker that best suits your needs and budget. Most installation companies provide GPS, GSM and Hybrid trackers.
The installation process
After selecting the ideal tracker for your vehicle, the next thing you should do is to get it installed by a professional. Most reputable installation companies will send an expert technician to install the device for you. The technician will start by finding an ideal location for the device, which should be hidden from view and inaccessible to unauthorized individuals.
The next step is wiring up the device’s power source, which could be either directly connected to your vehicle’s battery or through an ignition wire. While direct connection ensures that your car tracker always has sufficient power supply; using an ignition wire means that it only activates when your engine starts and minimizes battery drain when parked.
Tips for finding a reputable installer
When searching for an installation company in South Africa, it is essential to research and compare different providers before making any decisions. A reliable company will have technicians who are knowledgeable about different types of trackers and can help you choose one that suits your unique needs. Additionally, reputable installers should have proper documentation proving their legitimacy in business operations such as licenses from recognised authorities like PSIRA (Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority).
Always check out reviews from customers who have used their services before making any final decisions. Installing a car tracker in South Africa is easy as long as you find a reputable installer that can help you pick the right type of tracking system for you while providing top-notch installation services.
Cost of car trackers in South Africa
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a car tracker is the cost. The price range for car trackers in South Africa varies depending on several factors, including the type, brand, and features of the tracker. It is important to note that although cheaper options may seem attractive, they may not offer all the necessary features for optimal security.
Factors that affect the cost of car trackers
The cost of a car tracker can be influenced by several factors such as:
- Type: As mentioned earlier, there are different types of car trackers available in South Africa such as GPS trackers, GSM trackers, and hybrid trackers. Each type has unique features hence their different prices.
- Brand: Different brands offer varying levels of quality and performance. High-end brands like Tracker and Netstar generally offer more advanced features at a higher cost.
- Features: the more advanced features a car tracking system offers such as real-time tracking and geofencing capabilities, the higher their cost will be.
Average cost range for different types and brands
In general, GPS car tracking systems tend to be more expensive than GSM systems due to their accuracy and real-time updates. However, hybrid systems that combine GPS and GSM technologies tend to have an average price range compared to pure GPS or GSM systems.
The average cost range for popular car tracker brands such as Tracker and Netstar can vary between R1000 – R3000 per unit plus installation fees depending on the type of system selected. There are also budget-friendly options available with prices ranging from R500 – R1000; however, they may not offer all the advanced features of higher-end systems.
It is important to do extensive research before purchasing a car tracking system to ensure that you get the best quality for your budget. It is also vital to remember that having a car tracker installed can actually save you money in the long run due to decreased risk of theft and lower insurance premiums.
Frequently asked questions about car trackers
Do car trackers drain the battery of my vehicle?
This is a common question that many people have when it comes to installing a car tracker. The truth is that most car trackers use very little power and will not drain your vehicle’s battery.
However, if you have an older vehicle with a weaker battery, it may be worth consulting with your installer to ensure that your battery can handle the additional load. Additionally, some car trackers come with battery-saving features such as sleep modes or motion detection so that they only activate when necessary.
Can car trackers be detected and disabled by thieves?
While it is possible for experienced criminals to detect and disable certain types of car trackers, most modern devices are designed with anti-tamper features to make this difficult. For example, many GPS-based trackers are installed in hard-to-reach areas of the vehicle and require special tools or knowledge to remove them. Some models also come equipped with motion sensors or geofencing capabilities that can alert you if the device has been tampered with.
Do car insurance companies offer discounts for having a car tracker?
Yes! Many insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles equipped with tracking devices since they can reduce the risk of theft and increase the likelihood of recovery in case of theft.
It’s worth reaching out to your insurer to find out if this is an option for you and how much you might be able to save on your premiums each year. Keep in mind that some insurers may require specific types or brands of trackers in order to qualify for a discount, so be sure to check their requirements before making a purchase.
Overall, having a car tracker installed can give you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is protected from theft and can aid in its recovery if necessary. It’s important to do your research and choose a device that meets your specific needs and budget, but with so many options available in South Africa, there’s sure to be a tracker out there that fits the bill. If you want to compare offers for free, using Track My Stuff could help you do that (link shared at the top of this article).
So, what’s the key takeaway here?
Car theft and hijacking are unfortunately common occurrences in South Africa, and having a car tracker installed can be an effective way to prevent or recover a stolen vehicle. Not only do car trackers offer added security measures, but they can also lower insurance premiums and provide peace of mind for drivers. One of the major benefits of having a car tracker is the ability to locate a stolen vehicle.
With real-time tracking and geofencing capabilities, drivers can pinpoint the exact location of their car and notify authorities immediately. This increases the chances of recovering the stolen vehicle before it’s damaged beyond repair or stripped for parts.
Another advantage of having a car tracker is lower insurance premiums. Many insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles with installed trackers, as they are seen as less risky to insure.
Over time, this discount can add up to significant savings for drivers. Ultimately, having a car tracker in South Africa is an essential safety measure that can protect both your vehicle and your personal well-being.
While no device is foolproof, investing in a reliable tracker from reputable brands like Tracker or Netstar can go a long way in deterring criminals and keeping your valuable asset safe. So don’t wait until it’s too late – consider installing a car tracker today!