Fitting a tracker on a camper van is a decision that relies on several factors, including the value of the vehicle, the risk of theft in areas you frequently visit, insurance requirements, and personal peace of mind. Here’s a breakdown of the key considerations that can help you determine whether it’s worth fitting a tracker on your camper van:
Theft Deterrent and Recovery
For many people, their motorhome is like a home extension. They are often filled with personal and sentimental items. In the UK approximately 4,000 caravans, campervans and motorhomes are stolen each year. When the worst happens, and motorhomes are stolen the outcome can be expensive and emotional.
- Deterrent: Visible signs indicating the presence of a tracker can deter potential thieves. Knowing that a vehicle can be tracked in real-time significantly reduces its attractiveness as a target.
- Recovery: In the event of theft, a tracker significantly increases the chances of recovering your camper van. Modern tracking devices offer real-time location tracking, which can be invaluable in locating and recovering the vehicle.
Insurance Benefits
It’s worth noting that fitting a tracker might qualify you for a discount on your motorhome insurance, which can offset some of the costs of the tracker and its subscription fees.
- Reduced Premiums: Companies like Caravan Guard offer a 25% discount on insurance when you have an approved tracking device.
- Compliance: Some insurers may require the installation of a tracker as a condition for insuring high-value camper vans or for those stored in areas with a high theft rate.
Peace of Mind
Having a tracker installed can benefit you as much as protecting your camper van. Due to the importance of camper vans for their owners, having a solution to theft provides:
- Security: Knowing that your camper van is equipped with a tracker can provide peace of mind, especially if you store valuables inside or the vehicle itself has significant sentimental or financial value.
- Convenience: Our trackers come with additional features, such as geofencing alerts (notifying you if the vehicle moves out of a designated area).
Cost vs Benefit Analysis
When considering a tracker for your campervan, motorhome or caravan, it is crucial to work out the value, both emotional and financial. This can help you decide if you want to invest into a tracker.
- Initial and Ongoing Costs: Consider the upfront cost of purchasing and installing a tracker, as well as any ongoing subscription fees for the tracking service. For our Scorpion Defender S5 tracker, the unit price is £949.00. Our subscription cost is as follows:
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- 1 Year subscription – £155
- 2 Year Subscription – £255
- 3 Year Subscription – £345
- 4 Year Subscription – £425
- 5 Year Subscription – £495
- Value of the Camper Van: For high-value camper vans, the cost of a tracker is often justified by the enhanced security and potential insurance savings. For less expensive models, weigh the cost against the risk of theft.
Usage and Storage
A tracker, compared to other security options, has unique qualities. For campervans specifically, tracking works well with the nature of these vehicles. Due to the amount of relocation, trackers are the ideal solution.
- Frequency of Use: If you use your camper van frequently and park it in various locations, a tracker can offer reassurance and security no matter where you are.
- Storage Locations: Vehicles stored in areas known for higher rates of theft or in secluded areas can benefit from the added security of a tracker.
In summary, the decision to fit a tracker on a camper van is often influenced by the balance between the cost of installation and the potential benefits in terms of security, insurance savings, and peace of mind. For many owners, particularly those with high-value camper vans or those who frequently travel to or through areas with higher theft rates, the investment in a tracking system is considered worthwhile. To learn more about our trackers and alarms, visit our dedicated motorhome security page.
If you’d like to improve your vehicle security, but don’t know where to start, get in touch and one of our expert advisors will talk you through the process, as well as helping find the best products for you and your vehicle within your budget.
