TrackManager S5 Tracker

What Is the TrackManager S5?

The TrackManager S5 is a Thatcham Category S5 insurance-approved vehicle tracking system, certified under TSC 528. It combines live 4G GPS tracking, round-the-clock monitoring from a UK control room, and Automatic Driver Recognition — a small Driver ID tag that has to be present in the vehicle when it’s driven.

That tag is the whole point of an S5, and it’s what separates it from a cheaper tracker. If your vehicle moves without a tag on board — or is towed, lifted or moved without the ignition being used — the monitoring centre knows within seconds and starts calling. It doesn’t matter that the thief is holding your actual key. As far as the system is concerned, no tag means no authorised driver, and the recovery process begins there and then.

You’ll also see it written as an S5 car tracker, a Cat S5 tracker or an S5 VTS. They all describe the same Thatcham category. If your insurer has written to you asking for a Category S5 device, this is what satisfies it — and if you’re not sure whether your policy wants S5 or S7, read our guide on whether your insurance requires an S5 or S7 tracker.

TrackManager S5 Price

There are two parts to the cost of any S5 tracker, and it’s worth understanding them separately rather than comparing on one headline number.

The hardware and installation — the unit itself, plus fitting. We fit at your home or workplace, and mobile installation is included in our price rather than added at the end. A straightforward car isn’t the same job as a motorhome, an EV or a piece of plant, so tell us the vehicle and we’ll give you a firm figure.

The monitoring subscription — this pays for the 24/7 UK control room, the multi-network SIM and the police liaison service, and it’s what keeps the Thatcham approval valid. It needs to stay active for as long as your insurer requires the tracker. Monthly, annual, multi-year and lifetime plans are all available, and the longer terms bring the effective cost per year down considerably.

Be wary of comparing suppliers on the fitted price alone — a cheap unit on an expensive subscription usually costs more over three years than the other way round. Call 03330 129 028 and we’ll give you the fitted price and the subscription options together, so you can see the real cost.

If you want tracking and immobilisation together, our Immobiliser & S5 Tracker Package pairs an approved S5 with a PIN-code CANbus immobiliser at a package price.

TrackManager S5, S7 or Lockout?

Three tiers, and the right one depends on what your insurer has asked for and how the vehicle is targeted.

TrackManager S7 — approved tracking, no tags

Thatcham-approved tracking without Driver ID tags. It picks up a vehicle being towed or moved with the ignition off, but it won’t flag a vehicle driven away on its own keys — to the system, that reads as a normal journey. The right choice where your policy asks for an approved tracker but hasn’t named S5.

TrackManager S5 — approved tracking with driver recognition

Everything the S7 does, plus the Driver ID tags that let the system spot an unauthorised driver. This is the tier most insurers specify on prestige, keyless and higher-value vehicles, and it’s the one most people asking us about an insurance tracker actually need.

TrackManager Lockout — tracking plus immobilisation

S5 tracking with immobilisation built in — TrackManager’s answer to what the trade calls an S5 Plus. Rather than only telling you the vehicle is being stolen, it stops the theft working at all. Our usual recommendation on cars actively targeted for relay and keyless attacks, where the budget allows. There are dedicated EV Lockout and Hybrid Lockout versions, because electric and hybrid vehicles need the immobilisation approached differently.

Not sure TrackManager is the right brand for you? We’re not tied to one manufacturer — compare it against MetaTrak, SmarTrack or ScorpionTrack, or see the full tracking systems range. The full TrackManager range and fleet platform is covered on its own page.

TrackManager S5 FAQs

Is the TrackManager S5 Thatcham approved?

Yes — it’s certified to Thatcham Category S5 under TSC 528, which is the standard insurers refer to when they ask for a Category S5 device. We issue your insurance certificate on completion of the fitting.

Do I need a subscription?

Yes, and it’s what makes the system worth having. The subscription funds the 24/7 UK monitoring centre, the multi-network SIM and the police liaison service, and the Thatcham approval is only valid while it’s active. Monthly, annual, multi-year and lifetime options are available — call us for current pricing.

What happens if my vehicle is stolen?

The monitoring centre is alerted the moment the vehicle moves without a Driver ID tag on board, or is moved without the ignition. They’ll contact you to confirm whether it’s a genuine theft, and once you’ve reported it and have an incident number they liaise directly with the police to recover the vehicle.

What if I forget my Driver ID tag?

The vehicle still starts and drives normally — a standard S5 tracks and alerts, it doesn’t immobilise. You’ll simply get a call from the monitoring centre checking the vehicle hasn’t been taken. Two tags come as standard, so most people keep one on the keyring and one spare. If you want the vehicle to actually refuse to move without a tag, that’s the Lockout system.

Can it be moved to my next vehicle?

In most cases yes — the unit can be removed and refitted to a new vehicle, with the subscription transferred across. Give us a call when you change vehicles and we’ll arrange it and update your certificate.

Will it work on an electric or hybrid vehicle?

Yes, but the install has to be approached differently. EVs have a different electrical architecture and sleep far more deeply when parked, and hybrids switch between engine and battery power constantly — both can produce false alerts or a flat 12V battery if the unit is fitted like a petrol car. Tell us the make and model and we’ll confirm exactly what suits it.

How quickly can you fit one?

Often within a day or two, sometimes same day depending on where you are. We’re mobile across Essex, Hertfordshire and North London, so we come to your home or workplace — send us your registration and postcode and we’ll confirm a slot.