Many new cars are now fitted with a tracking device as standard. Some car owners also choose to fit a tracking device to their car.
If you’re unsure whether your car has a tracking device, in this post we’ll discuss how you can find out – whether you’ve bought your car brand new or second hand.
Why Do Some Cars Have Trackers?
There are legitimate security reasons for fitting a GPS tracker to a car. If your car gets stolen, a tracking device can help you and the police track down and recover the car.
GPS trackers are also common in the fleet industry, where fleet managers use them to keep track of all of their vehicles on the road. Some parents use car trackers to ensure their kids stay safe on the road as part of a safe driving agreement.
Yet some people take issue with the idea that they’re being tracked without their knowledge. And if you’ve bought a car second hand, a tracking device could raise serious privacy concerns: What if the previous owner is still able to track your movements?
Does My Car Have a Tracking Device?
If you don’t know whether your car has a tracking device, and you want to know for sure, there are some things you can do to check.
- Ask Your Dealership or Seller If Your Car Has a Tracking Device
If you’ve bought the car brand new, ask the dealership about any GPS tracking technology. If they can’t tell you straightaway, they will be able to find out.
If you’ve bought your car second hand, you could always ask the person who sold it to you. If they aren’t able to tell you, there are other ways of finding out.
- Check the Car’s Manual
The car’s manual will outline all of the key features for your specific make and model.
However, this will only tell you whether your car’s got a tracking device fitted as standard. It will not tell you whether or not an aftermarket tracking device has been fitted.
- Check the Car’s Onboard Systems
If your car does have GPS tracking as standard, then you should be able to interact with it using your car’s onboard systems.
Check your settings, for example, for any options to activate or deactivate GPS systems.
- Get a Professional Inspection
A trained mechanic would know exactly where to look for an onboard tracking system. They’ll be able to verify whether your car has a GPS system, and they could even tell you how to make the most of it if you’re not doing so already.
If you’re concerned that a tracking system’s been fitted to your car surreptitiously, then other specialists can use RF scanners and “bug trackers” to scan both the inside and outside of your car for GPS devices. They may also be able to advise you on actions you can take if they find any suspicious devices on your car.
Just search for “car tracking device check” to find specialist services near you.
Should I Fit a Car Tracker?
If your car does not currently have GPS tracking, you might consider installing a device yourself or enlisting a professional fitter. Some insurers may require an insurance-approved tracking device for high-risk or high-value vehicles. Additionally, you may need to pay a subscription, but this depends on the type of tracker and its function.
As we mentioned above, a GPS tracker can help you or the police to locate and recover your car in the event of a theft. This could help you save money on the cost of your car insurance.
Read our full guide to steps you can take to keep your car secure.
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