How to Choose the Best Car Tracking Device
If you’re looking for the best car tracking device, you’re likely thinking about more than just tracking. You want peace of mind. To know that your car is protected, help is close in emergencies, and that your insurer gives you the nod.
Whether navigating the bustling streets of Johannesburg or taking a coastal drive along the Garden Route, the right GPS locator can make all the difference between stress and serenity.
Let’s break it down so you can confidently pick a vehicle tracker that ticks all the right boxes.
Why You Need an Insurance-Approved Vehicle Tracker in South Africa
In South Africa, where car theft is still a real concern (about 40,000 cars are stolen annually, according to this report), choosing the right car tracking device is one of the smartest moves you can make.
Most insurance companies now require an approved vehicle tracker as a condition for comprehensive coverage. GPS is often insufficient, which is why insurers have preferred tracking providers that meet their certification standards.
Matrix devices are vetted and certified by the Accreditation Bureau for Security and Safety (ABS) and the Vehicle Security Association of South Africa (VESA). As such, they are insurance-approved. So, you’ll likely qualify for reduced premiums depending on your insurer.
However, modern vehicle tracking goes far beyond simple theft protection. Today’s advanced systems offer features that protect your car, you, and your loved ones.
With so many options, how do you know what actually works for you?
What Makes the Best Car Tracking Device?
It’s not just about slapping a GPS on your car and hoping for the best. The best car tracking device is one that works with you—not just when your vehicle’s in trouble, but every day. Here are the key features to look for.
Real-Time GPS Tracking and Proven Recovery Technology
The operative word here is “and”: tracking and recovery. It’s essential to know where your car is and that it can be recovered.
Look for systems that offer:
- Real-Time GPS Tracking: Pinpoint your vehicle’s location at any moment.
- Advanced Wireless Technology: Aiding in recovery in the unfortunate event of theft or hijacking.
- Recovery Statistics: Some providers, like Matrix, back their services with impressive recovery rates. On average, we recover more than 90% of stolen vehicles with our technology.
If you want to kick it up a notch, look for smart alerts—push notifications you can customise to suit your lifestyle. Think GeoLoc Advanced Alert, get notified if your car moves without your consent or Power Down, an anti-tampering alert.
Matrix’s advanced GPS locator gives you this in real-time via the Matrix App.
National Response Infrastructure
Our beautiful country is vast. Ensure the tracking service you choose boasts comprehensive coverage across South Africa. You also want to check the provider’s response capabilities:
- 24/7 Control Room: Staffed by trained professionals ready to respond to emergencies.
- National Response Network: The ability to dispatch assistance anywhere in South Africa.
“Border Alert” is particularly relevant in South Africa, where authorities are embroiled in anti-smuggling efforts. This Matrix feature proactively alerts you when your vehicle is approaching or crossing national borders, providing an early warning in potentially risky situations.
Personal Safety Features
The best car tracking device will protect your car and its occupants. That means you and your family.
Consider these vital safety features:
- Crash Detection: Automatic alerts are sent to response teams.
- SOS Emergency Buttons: Instant help at your fingertips to send a silent panic signal and request emergency medical and roadside assistance.
- Family Protection: Safety features that function regardless of which family member is driving.
Matrix offers Crash Alert, an automatic crash detection feature that instantly contacts our 24/7 response team, even if you cannot call for help.
User-Friendly Mobile Application
In today’s connected world, having an intuitive mobile app should be non-negotiable.
Your vehicle tracking app should offer:
- Easy Activation Of Safety Features: Simple controls you can access on your phone, fast.
- Instant Notifications: Keeping you informed with immediate alerts for swift response.
- Trip History: Accurate records of your journeys for personal review and mileage tracking.
The Matrix app gives you complete control from your phone, providing visibility and intelligence.
Power Backup Systems
EV or ICE, you need to know your tracker is always transmitting even when there’s power loss.
These features are often overlooked, yet they can impact your protection significantly:
- Low-Power Alerts: Notifications when your device’s battery is running low.
- Power Tampering Detection: Alerts if someone attempts to disable your vehicle battery.
- Internal Backup Batteries: Ensuring your GPS locator works even if the car’s battery is disconnected.
Practical Value-Adds
We believe a vehicle tracker should offer you more than just security. While the device is there, tracking and monitoring—why not use the data to add value and improve your lifestyle.
- Tax Logbook: Automatically record your trips for hassle-free, timesaving, audit-proof tax claim submissions!
- Driver Behaviour Monitoring helps to identify risky habits before they lead to accidents. This is especially useful if you share your car or have a young driver at home.
Service That Goes Without Saying
After comparing features and value-adds, some things should simply come standard.
Look for providers with:
- Quick Installation: Professional fitting at convenient locations sets the tone for the rest of your relationship.
- Readily Available Customer Support: Don’t be left in the lurch when you have questions.
- Continuous Innovation: A commitment to constant improvement and adopting the latest tech means your provider will be ahead of evolving threats.
The best car tracking device isn’t just about features—it’s about fit. Do you have peace of mind leaving your car parked overnight? Does it keep your family safer on the roads? Does it help if the worst happens?
With Matrix, you’re not just getting a GPS locator. You’re getting a partner in safety, a support team in emergencies, and tech that puts you in control. And yes, it’s insurance-approved—so you can tick that box too.
Explore Matrix’s personal vehicle tracking solutions here and find the device that fits your lifestyle, car, and peace of mind.
