Motorhomes and caravans represent a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. These vehicles offer freedom, adventure and the ability to explore the open road at your leisure all from the comfort of your own home…..on wheels.
However, with this freedom comes responsibility – particularly when it comes to protecting your motorhome from theft.
The number of motorhome and caravan thefts is on the rise in the UK, making it essential to consider installing an insurance-approved motorhome tracker to safeguard your automotive abode. The good news is, you’re in the right place to find the perfect one.
The Growing Problem of Motorhome Theft in the UK
Motorhome thefts in the UK have been a significant concern for both owners and insurance providers in recent years.
While motorhomes offer an appealing and often luxurious way to travel, their high value also makes them an attractive target for criminals. Unfortunately, due to the increasing popularity of these vehicles, theft rates have surged.
According to UK police statistics, motorhome and caravan thefts have spiked in recent years. In 2020, the UK experienced over 2,800 reported cases of motorhome and caravan thefts, with a substantial proportion of these stolen vehicles being never recovered. It doesn’t have to be this way.
In the absence of proper tracking technology, thieves often have enough time to dismantle or hide stolen motorhomes, making them almost impossible to trace.
Additionally, research from Tracker, a leading provider of vehicle tracking devices in our store, shows that motorhomes and caravans account for a significant percentage of stolen vehicles, particularly in rural areas.
Their study revealed that 29% of all stolen leisure vehicles were motorhomes, while caravans made up 19%. Given the value and rarity of these vehicles, losing them to theft can be a devastating blow to any owner.
This alarming rise in motorhome thefts means that owners must take more proactive steps to protect their vehicles.
One of the most effective ways to do this is by investing in a reliable motorhome tracker. Not only can a tracker help you recover your vehicle in the event of theft, but it may also lead to insurance premium reductions and a (hopefully) smoother claims process. In some cases, insurance providers may even require a tracker as part of their coverage conditions.
Why Install a Motorhome Tracker?
Installing a motorhome tracker provides several benefits that extend beyond simple theft recovery. Here’s why we think every motorhome owner should consider equipping their vehicle with an insurance-approved tracker:
- Theft Deterrence: A visible tracker with a sticker indicating that your motorhome is equipped with one can deter thieves from targeting your vehicle in the first place. Knowing that they can be easily located often prompts criminals to move on to a less secure and less risky target.
- Quick Recovery: If your motorhome is stolen, having a GPS tracker installed greatly increases the likelihood of it being recovered quickly. These trackers can pinpoint the exact location of your vehicle in real-time, allowing the Police to retrieve it before it is damaged, stripped or sold off.
- Insurance Benefits: Many insurance companies offer discounts for motorhomes fitted with approved trackers. This can lead to long-term savings on your premiums and may reduce excess amounts in the event of a theft claim.
- Peace of Mind: A tracker can give you peace of mind, knowing that you’ve taken measures to protect your valuable asset. Whether you’re on the road or parked at a campsite, a tracker ensures you have a reliable way to locate your motorhome at all times.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Some advanced trackers come with additional features like geofencing, tamper alerts, and even remote immobilisation. These features can add another layer of protection, making it harder for thieves to steal your vehicle or keep it hidden.
Given the importance of protecting your motorhome, it’s essential to choose a high-quality tracker that meets insurance requirements and offers reliable, real-time tracking capabilities.
Whilst there are quite a few to choose from, we listed below our top three top recommendations that are all insurance-approved and specifically designed for motorhomes.
1. SmarTrack Motorhome Protector S7
The SmarTrack Motorhome Protector S7 is one of the leading options in the market for those looking for an affordable yet effective insurance-approved tracker.
As the name suggests it’s a Thatcham Category S7-approved tracking device, meaning it meets stringent industry-wide insurance standards. This tracker is renowned for its reliability, simplicity and the comprehensive coverage it offers including:
- Real-time GPS tracking with regular updates.
- Built-in battery backup to keep tracking operational, even if the vehicle’s main power is cut.
- European coverage, ensuring your vehicle is tracked across the continent.
- 24/7 monitoring service, with trained professionals ready to respond in case of theft.
- A dedicated Smartphone app for easy access to your motorhome’s location.
The SmarTrack Motorhome Protector S7 offers strong value for money, making it a great choice for motorhome owners looking for effective protection without breaking the bank.
Additionally, SmarTrack offers excellent customer support, ensuring help is always at hand when you need it.
2. Moving Intelligence iTrack S7
The iTrack S7 is another Thatcham Category S7-approved tracking device that is tailored specifically for motorhome owners.
Moving Intelligence (formerly known as Phantom) has a strong reputation for designing trackers that deliver fast, accurate results and the iTrack S7 is no exception. Our customers love it.
Its best features include:
- Real-time GPS tracking with minute-by-minute updates.
- Tamper alerts notify you if the device is tampered with or disabled.
- A dedicated 24/7 UK-based monitoring team will assist in recovering your vehicle.
- Integrated mobile app for tracking your motorhome’s exact location.
- European tracking coverage, ensuring protection while travelling abroad.
The iTrack S7 is particularly notable for its high-level tamper alerts, which notify you immediately if someone attempts to disable or remove the tracker.
This extra layer of protection gives motorhome owners added peace of mind. Plus, with a dedicated team handling your vehicle’s safety, you’ll be in good hands wherever you are.
3. ScorpionTrack S5 Motorhome Defender
If you’re looking for premium protection, the ScorpionTrack S5 Motorhome Defender is an ideal choice.
This Thatcham Category S5-approved tracker includes advanced features like immobilisation, making it one of the most secure trackers available. It offers:
- GPS tracking with updates for precise location monitoring.
- Automatic immobilisation if your motorhome is stolen.
- Driver ID tags to ensure only authorised drivers can operate the vehicle.
- Real-time tamper alerts and motion detection.
- Nationwide 24/7 monitoring service with direct contact with the Police.
What sets the ScorpionTrack S5 apart, we think, from other trackers is its driver ID feature.
The system will only allow your motorhome to start if the authorised driver has the proper identification tag, meaning that even if the vehicle is stolen, the thief won’t be able to drive it away.
This tracker provides the ultimate security for your motorhome.
Choosing the Right Tracker
If these trackers aren’t suitable, then it’s important you know what you’re looking for. When selecting a motorhome tracker, it’s equally important to assess your individual needs and budget. If buying a tracker is new to you, then here are some other key factors to consider:
- Insurance Requirements: Make sure the tracker is approved by your insurance company to ensure you qualify for any discounts or reduced excess amounts. You may also require that the tracker is fitted by a professional installer (like us) for the insurance to be valid.
- Coverage Area: If you frequently travel abroad, opt for a tracker with European coverage.
- Response Time: The faster the tracker updates its location, the easier it will be to recover your motorhome.
- Additional Features: Decide if you need extra features like immobilisation (as offered by the ScorpionTrack S5+ (With Immobilisation) or driver ID tags (like the iTrack Ultimate Motorhome Tracker), which can provide enhanced protection but may come at a higher cost.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Investment
For anyone with one will tell you, a motorhome is more than just a vehicle – it’s a mobile home, it’s an investment and it’s a fantastic source of freedom. As such installing an insurance-approved motorhome tracker is one of the best ways to ensure that your investment is protected.
The rise in motorhome thefts across the UK makes it imperative for owners to take proactive steps, and a reliable tracker is one of the most effective solutions to keep it safe.
Whether you choose the SmarTrack Motorhome Protector S7, the iTrack S7, or ScorpionTrack S5 Motorhome Defender (or any of the other fantastic trackers we supply and fit), each of these devices offers excellent protection, peace of mind and potentially lower insurance premiums.
Don’t leave your motorhome’s security to chance – invest in a high-quality tracker and enjoy your adventures with confidence.
If you’re in the market for a tracker for your motorhome, car, motorbike or van, then we are here to help. If you need help or advice or to book an installation, just give our dedicated customer service team a ring on 0330 043 3993 between 9am and 6pm (Monday to Friday) are we’d be delighted to assist you.
Embarking on a motorhome adventure is a thrilling experience, but ensuring the safety and security of your mobile haven is paramount.
Fortunately, with advancements in technology, motorhome trackers have become an indispensable tool for both security and peace of mind on the road.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the realm of motorhome trackers and explore three of the best options available on the market today.
From real-time location monitoring to advanced security features, these trackers offer a range of functionalities to safeguard your cherished motorhome investment.
1. ScorpionTrack S5 Motorhome Defender
The first one we’d recommend as one of the better motorhome trackers is the S5 Motorhome Defender from ScorpionTrack.
This insurance-approved device comes with Thatcham’s highest security category, which means you’ll get one of the most advanced motorhome trackers available.
As well as the now expected dedicated smartphone app and all the power that gives you, being an S5 system, you also get Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR) tags.
These powerful little devices mean that, without them being close to the vehicle, it simply won’t start. This is especially useful given the nomadic nature of the motorhome.
Whilst you’re out exploring the countryside with the tags safely stored on your person, you can rest assured that your motorhome is going nowhere. Also, if you eventually upgrade your motorhome for another, you can easily transfer it from one vehicle to another.
2. Phantom iTrack Ultimate
Whilst there are several trackers within Phantom’s (aka Moving Intelligence) iTrack range, as the name suggests, the Ultimate is top of the list.
Insurance-approved and meeting Thatcham’s strict S5 criteria, unlike others in the range, it includes built-in immobilisation as standard.
Thanks to the Driver ID tags, the iTrack Ultimate features ‘no tag, no start’ technology allowing the vehicle to be remotely immobilised by the Control Centre in the event of a theft.
In addition, thanks to the dedicated MiPhantom smartphone app and web portal, you can also immobilise the vehicle temporarily via the Valet Mode.
This portal and app also provide you with easy access to important information and reports about your vehicle in real-time, including viewing your vehicle’s location, battery life, mileage and other insights at the simple touch of a button.
3. ScorpionTrack S5+
When it comes to trackers, whether it’s for your motorhome or car, there are few better than the ScorpionTrack S5+.
As you might have guessed by the name, the ‘plus’ really gives it the edge. It already comes with a host of features you’ll need, but, like the Phantom above, it also features ‘No Tag, No Start’ immobilisation technology as standard.
If you’re one of those people who have their smartphone with them wherever you go, then you’ll love this system. Why? Because it includes the option to use a smartphone instead of the physical tags.
All that on top of the long-list of incredible features that come with it including a wealth of notifications and alerts including battery backup, low battery, tow away & tamper alerts, geofencing, journey history and automatic health checks. It is truly a tracker worth of the name, the price and reputation.
Whether you’re looking for a tracker for your motorhome, car, van or motorbike, we have a host of incredible trackers in our store to suit any vehicle, budget or circumstance. If you need any help or advice, please give our dedicated customer service team between 9 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday, on 0330 043 3993 and we’d be more than happy to assist you.
