Vehicle Trackers

What is a car Tracking system?

It is a device fitted to your Car or Van which sends out a signal to a central point which can then pinpoint the position of the vehicle. There are different approaches to this by the various manufacturers and can use GPS, GSM or VHF.

How could I benefit from having one installed?

As the recovery rates for stolen vehicles are significantly improved with a tracking system fitted you may find it helps to reduce your insurance premium considerably. If you run a fleet of vehicles this may significantly reduce your insurance spend.

Some Contract Hire and Leasing companies will insist on tracking units being fitted to prestige vehicles, again to make sure they have the best opportunity of recovering their asset in the event of the vehicle being stolen. Check with your Contract Hire provider as they may have preferential rates which they could pass on to you.

There are also unforeseen costs if your vehicle is stolen and either not recovered or not recovered quickly. You may have to incur Car Hire costs for a substantial period, you almost certainly will have an excess on your insurance policy. Many larger fleets only have third party as they effectively self insure so significant potential cost there.

If your vehicle is on a Contract Hire or Leasing agreement you may find there is a shortfall between the amount the insurance company pays and the amount the Contract Hire or Leasing Company wants to terminate the agreement. Even with a tracking device fitted you should consider Gap Cover see Gap Insurance.

There is another useful side to tracking systems which can be used to help run your company car fleet. By fitting a suitable device you can run reports which can be used in a variety of different ways. You will be able to verify the details of all journeys the Car or Van makes which can include start stop times, journey distance, duration and stop time.

You can use this data in many ways; make sure the routes taken are the most efficient which can help to reduce fuel costs and driving time. Check drivers expense claims using their time sheets or mileage logs. You can see how many of your vehicles are being used at any time, is there cross over with delivery vehicles that could be eliminated. Ensure your drivers are operating in the most efficient manner and not incurring costs through unnecessary deviations to their journeys. You can monitor out of hours usage, is it excessive, could you begin to charge some drivers for excessive usage.

With all technology based systems there are pros and cons with all of them. Before deciding to get yourself a tracking system check out the market and see which offers you what you want.

To help you here at UK Leasing and Contract Hire we have shortlisted some the manufacturers of tracking equipment.

Tracker - www.tracker.co.uk
Fleetmatics - www.fleetmatics.co.uk
First Alarm - www.firstalarm.co.uk
Eyetek Surveliance - www.eyetek.co.uk