GPS Tracker

[Petros]

Following on from my recent thread regarding motorhome alarm systems, I have now been told by my present insurers that I need a GPS tracker fitting to my new motorhome because of its value. Fitting an alarm system would not make any difference to the insurer's requirements. Is fitting a tracker a general insurance requirement, I would have thought an alarm just as important because of the value of the accessories carried on board. I have not looked at other insurers as yet to find out if this requirement is a general thing.

 

[Pilote87]

When I bought a previous motorhome in the UK I had to have a tracker fitted because of the value. I think at the time (2007) my insurer said anything over a value of £45,000 needed to have one fitted. I was given 7 days to get it done.

J

 

[Allanm]

We had to have a tracker fitted too. Do they require a GPS tracker specifically? We got our insurance from C&CC and got a good deal on a GSM Tracker unit from them.
Have a look at THIS
It was sent through the post and I fitted it myself. Its a self contained unit with a rechargeable battery that will last months between charges. The company is great to deal with and are very helpful.
Allan

 

[Badknee]

Well alarms have to be Thatcham class 1 but I don't know about trackers.

 

[sdc77]

My current insurers (stavely head) require a company fitted tracker and copy of paperwork

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[DBK]

Try another insurance company. They don't all insist on alarms or trackers.

My suggestion would be to avoid brokers and websites like Compare the MoorHen and try people like Comfort, Saga, Caravan Club etc. Get a feel for their quotes then look elsewhere if you want but in my experience there is no perfect answer as everyone's history and therefore risk is different. You just have to try them and see what they say.

 

[eddie]

Who is your insurer?

 

[cruiser]

will that make that much difference

 

[eddie]

It makes a huge difference. 70% of ALL vehicle theft is theft OF the vehicle rather than theft from the vehicle. Add to this that's motor caravans aren't stolen for the traditional secondary crime purposes and you get a completely different scenario.

Stealing a motorcaravans for joy riding, to use as a getaway car, or to use for ram raiding is plainly stupid.

This means that motor caravans whilst have a high purchase value, are stolen a lot less than equal value cars.

If you have an insurer that mainly insures cars, they will have less experience and they ask for a tracker where a specialist motorhome insurance company wouldn't

The norm, unless you have a poor rating or live in a dodgy area, is to give you the choice of one or the other. Ideally if money isn't the decision maker, both, but given how effective modern immobilisers are on newer vehicles, and the genuinely low theft rate, you'd get more peace of mind from an alarm system, than a device that will help get your Motorhome back, if it was stolen

I accept that on some high value motorhomes the underwriters insist of both, but this isn't the norm.

Caravan Guard for example offer you 20% discount for having an approved Tracking system fitted or an approved alarm system

Hence my question

 

[cruiser]

thank you eddie. my old m/home is insured with a m/home company but is so old they did not ask for anything like that. but I will get a tracker fitted. thanks again. mike

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[Deleted member 29692]

We had to have a tracker fitted too. Do they require a [you]GPS[/you] tracker specifically? We got our insurance from C&CC and got a good deal on a GSM Tracker unit from them.
Have a look at [you]THIS[/you]
It was sent through the post and I fitted it myself. Its a self contained unit with a rechargeable battery that will last months between charges. The company is great to deal with and are very helpful.
Allan

If it's specified as a requirement by the insurance company they won't accept a DIY fit however good it is - they will want to see a paperwork from an approved installer.

Well alarms have to be Thatcham class 1 but I don't know about trackers.

I believe trackers are either Thatcham Cat 5 or Cat 6 aren't they @eddievanbitz

 

[Deleted member 29692]

When we came to insure ours the insurers specified one and sent me a list of approved makes that they would accept. I then had to use an approved installer and send them a copy of the certificate.

 

[eddie]

I believe trackers are either Thatcham Cat 5 or Cat 6 aren't they @eddievanbitz

Yes, Cat6 is the system is tested and approved, and talks to a 3rd party for monitoring, even if it's a one man band and his Smart phone!

Cat5 is the highest category. The system is evaluated and tested by the Motor Industry Repair & Research Centre (MIRRC) based in....Thatcham

Cat 5 systems can, on command of a Senior Police office shut down the engine. The also have anti hi-jack tags so will only start when the designated driver(s) (you get two tags ) are present

The installers have to be Police certified as well, and there are very strict criteria regarding the infrastructure and the staff at an approved Cat5 monitoring centre.

Costs a lot more as well! Van Bitz retail a Cat6 system from £199 installed Cat5 £750.00 installed!