Economical and easy to fit tracker advice please?
I have posted elsewhere on this site indicating that I have just acquired an LHD 2007 Hobby T500 mainly for European touring. Ihave the V5 in my name and the MH is on SORN and still with the dealer near Barton on Humber as I have no time to use until next month. I am collecting on 03.05.24.
I am likely to go with Caravan Guard for insurance cover. Being new to all this my insurance premium Year 1 is a little eye watering especially when coming on top of the purchase of the van!!
My question: I can gain an insurance premium reduction of a little over a £110 if I fit a tracker within 28 days. I already have a man coming to fit a four camera trucker system as soon as the van arrives with me. I might ask him to fit a tracker if it beyond my skills.
Caravan Guard list their approved trackers here:
https://www.caravanguard.co.uk/motorhome-insurance/tracking-devices.php
Can someone recommend an inexpensive tracker system that is at the bottom end of the cost range and economical to fit and maintain please?
Given that my MH is a "toe in the water" modest value purchase I do not need a "bells and whistles" system.Just something that is reliable and will pay for itself given year on year insurance premium renewals.
Thank in advance for your replies!
Chris
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Chris - welcome to CT and good luck with your new MoHo. I'm afraid, what you are proposing, doesn't exist. Although I haven't followed through with your link, I'm sure it's going to tell you that only Category 6 or 7 (Thatcham approved) trackers are going to be acceptable to your insurer. They are not at the 'cheap end of the market' so you will not make any financial saving by fitting one.
If, on the other hand, you want to fit one anyway - just for your own peace of mind - I fitted a Rewire Security tracker to my caravan - costs about £35 for the tracker and the monthly subscription is about £8 - but even if that were acceptable to insurers (which it isn't!), you're only saving a few £s. It's simple to fit and works well - very accurate and sends you an alert if the vehicle is moved etc and has lots of other features.
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The term economical is relative and I have been on a steep learning curve in the last 48 hours. I was looking for Thatcham approved to get the benefit of premium reduction. So that means S5 or S7. Curiously S7 is lower spec and cheaper than S5!
Assuming the capital cost is acceptable the problem with most products is that the premium saving gets cancelled out by the phone subscription. Surprisingly the best deal I have found so far is with Vodafone:
https://www.trackershop-uk.com/vodafone-protect-connect-asset-and-vehicle-tracker.html#:~:text=The Vodafone Protect and Connect is the newest,and the first year’s subscription. ... More items
This Vodafone S7 system costs £310 including 1 year's subscription and fitting and thereafter £45 p.a. So a saving of circa £65 on next year's premium following this year's outlay. That has some attraction! I might just get it done.And a bit of good news for me today. The van MOT'd with no advisories so no obvious extra expenditure there. Every little helps!
Chris
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I stand corrected Chris. Hadn't come across that one before and as you say, if you accept the initial capital expenditure, the annual subscriptions are very attractive compared with most others.
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Hi
I have used "tracker" for the last 15 years. I purchase the pack which is a self contained battery which they install somewhere in your vehicle. The reason I Like Tracker is it is a one off payment for 5 years and more importantly it is the the only device that links into the police for prompt action and recovery of you caravan/ motorhome.
I would contact Tracker direct by phone as they are much cheaper that going through dealers; they also have an at home fitting service. Our 5 year contract was circa £400.
ps this system is highly regarded by insurers; and will enable you to get a discount on your annual insurance premium.
regards
Brian
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Just a thought for you, we had Phantom tracker fitted as standard when the caravan was purchased. After six years we gave up the £124. per annum cost, disconnected it and purchased an Apple Air Tag which we have hidden in the van. it advises if the van moves, and at £35 we are well pleased.
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What is the point of a tracker if it is not aligned to call centre and is not proactive? By proactive I mean that if someone interferes with the unit, the call centre and yourself are alerted. The other question is why harp about finding the cheapest tracker when you have just spent tens of thousands on the vehicle? Seems weird?
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"The other question is why harp about finding the cheapest tracker when you have just spent tens of thousands on the vehicle? Seems weird?"
The words "research" and "getting value for money" come to mind! Hence my post I did not "harp" about it.
Your post also assumes an inexhaustible supply of money (not to mention time to do everything!)
My van is now stored on my drive. The risk of it being stolen is limited given its age, the fact it is clearly visible through my front window and has a Milenco steering wheel lock fitted.
For less effort than it would take to steel mine with an electric box of tricks a thief could steel a van worth three times its value with keyless ignition etc!
The primary purpose of fitting a tracker would be to reduce my insurance premium. To achieve that, based on research to date would require an outlay of £310 and commitment to £45 p.a. subscription (but knowing Vodafone that will be £55 next year!). So total outlay over 5 years of at least £490. Not bad!! Best guess at reduction in premium achieved on that outlay £110 x 5 = £550. So no substantial saving.
I have chosen, short term, to buy a Safefill 10kg gas bottle for £195 giving an estimated saving on gas annually of £50. So over 5 years £195 - (5 x £50 - £195/2). Total net cost to me (with the value of the bottle amortised over 10 years) - £45.00.
P.S. As my insurers know my son lives in Switzerland in close proximity to two farms and a few houses. I may well leave the van there between visits but it will be next year before I do that. I may well go with a tracker at that time. I know risks are very low parked at his home but I cannot expect him to take primary responsibility for its safety and an ability for me to check it is still safely parked up will be an attractive proposition at that point in time. I will also know by then whether my "toe in the water" purchase of this campervan suits me or whether to sell taking a modest loss and put EasyJet on speed dial!!!
Chris
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