Thatcham Tracker Categories Explained
S7, S5 or S5+? Understand the differences before choosing your vehicle tracker.
- Thatcham-approved solutions
- 24/7 monitoring
- Nationwide installation
Each level builds on the one before it
What are Thatcham tracker categories?
Thatcham tracker categories rate vehicle trackers by the level of theft protection they provide. A Thatcham S7 tracker gives GPS tracking and stolen vehicle recovery. A Thatcham S5 tracker adds Automatic Driver Recognition (Driver ID) to detect unauthorised use. Rewire S5+ is an enhanced S5 solution that also adds immobilisation for maximum protection.
Core tracking and stolen vehicle recovery.
- 24/7 Monitoring
- GPS Tracking
- Tow Alert
- Tamper Alert
- Theft Recovery
Everything from Rewire S7 plus Driver ID / authorised-driver recognition.
- Driver ID Tag
- Unauthorised Driver Alert
- ADR Protection
Enhanced
Rewire enhanced S5 protection plus immobilisation.
- Driver Recognition
- Key Theft Protection
- Immobilisation
What happened to the old Thatcham Category 5, 6 and 7 trackers?
The older numeric tracking categories were discontinued and replaced by the S5/S7 classification from January 2019.
What is a Thatcham S7 tracker?
A Thatcham S7 tracker is the essential level of insurance-approved protection. It focuses on locating and recovering your vehicle if it is stolen.
- Core GPS tracking
- Stolen vehicle recovery support
- 24/7 monitoring
- Tow-away and tamper notifications
- No Driver ID layer
What does an S5 tracker add?
An S5 tracker builds on S7 tracking with a separate Driver Identification layer, also known as Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR).
Real-world scenario: A thief obtains, clones or relays a vehicle key. Because the S5 system uses a separate Driver ID tag, the vehicle can tell whether a recognised driver is present. If the authorised Driver ID is not detected, unauthorised use can be flagged to the monitoring centre.
What is Rewire S5+?
S5 protection with an added immobilisation layer.
No Driver ID detected security alert
No Driver ID detected security alert + immobilisation protection
Driver Recognition
Key Theft Protection
Immobilisation
S7 vs S5 vs S5+: What’s the difference?
A full feature-by-feature comparison of the Rewire S-Series range.
| Feature | Rewire S7 | Rewire S5 | Rewire S5+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | |||
| Thatcham standard | Thatcham S7 | Thatcham S5 | Thatcham S5 based |
| Protection level | Essential | Advanced | Maximum |
| Tracking & recovery | |||
| GPS tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GPSLive app/web | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Theft recovery support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tow-away alert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tamper alert | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Driver identification | |||
| Driver ID tag | No | Yes | Yes |
| Unauthorised driver alert | No | Yes | Yes |
| Immobilisation | |||
| Key theft protection | No | No | Yes |
| Immobilisation | No | No | Yes |
| Fitting & price | |||
| Nationwide installation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Product price | £149.99 | £199.99 | £349.99 |
Which Thatcham tracker do I need?
Why Driver ID matters for key theft and keyless vehicle theft
Keyless and relay attacks defeat the key, not the driver. A separate Driver ID tag is what lets the vehicle tell the two apart.
Vehicle key compromised
A thief steals, clones or relays your key so the vehicle can be started.
Driver ID independently checked
The tracker checks for your separate authorised Driver ID tag — not just the key.
Monitoring/security response
If the recognised Driver ID is missing, unauthorised use is flagged for a security response.
What happens if your vehicle is stolen?
Detection
Movement, tow-away or tamper activity triggers an alert.
Verification
The monitoring team verifies the alert with you and confirms the theft.
Live Tracking
The vehicle’s location is monitored in real time.
Police Liaison / Recovery Support
The team liaises with police to support recovery efforts.
Recovery outcomes and police response depend on individual circumstances and cannot be guaranteed.
Installation and monitoring explained
Professional Installation
Every Rewire tracker is professionally fitted by an approved engineer, with nationwide coverage so your device is installed correctly and discreetly wherever you are.
Monitoring Subscription
Actively monitored services require the appropriate subscription. Current pricing and subscription options are displayed on each product page so you can choose the plan that suits you.
Thatcham Tracker FAQs
What is a Thatcham-approved tracker?
A Thatcham-approved tracker is a vehicle tracking device that meets the security standards set by Thatcham Research. Approval is graded by category — such as S7 or S5 — reflecting the level of theft protection the device provides.
What is the difference between S5 and S7 trackers?
An S7 tracker provides GPS tracking and stolen vehicle recovery. An S5 tracker includes everything in S7 and adds Automatic Driver Recognition (a separate Driver ID tag) so unauthorised use can be detected even if the key is compromised.
Is S5 better than S7?
S5 offers a higher level of protection than S7 because it adds Driver ID recognition. Whether it is “better” for you depends on your needs and what your insurer requires — some vehicles and policies only call for S7.
What is Rewire S5+?
Rewire S5+ is an enhanced S5 solution. It builds on S5-level protection with additional security functionality, including immobilisation. It is not a separate official Thatcham category — it is S5 protection with an added immobilisation layer.
Does an S5 tracker have immobilisation?
A standard S5 tracker focuses on tracking and Driver ID recognition and does not include immobilisation. For immobilisation, Rewire S5+ adds that extra layer on top of S5 protection.
What does a Driver ID tag do?
A Driver ID tag is a small device carried separately from your key. The tracker checks for the recognised tag when the vehicle is used. If the authorised tag is not present, unauthorised use can be flagged to the monitoring centre.
Do I need an S5 or S7 tracker for insurance?
It depends on your insurer, policy and vehicle. Some require S5, others accept S7. Always check the specific tracker requirement stated by your insurer before choosing. Thatcham certification does not automatically guarantee insurer acceptance.
What happened to old Cat 5 and Cat 6 trackers?
The older Category 5, 6 and 7 tracking classifications were discontinued and replaced by the S5/S7 classification from January 2019.
Can a Thatcham tracker reduce my insurance premium?
Some insurers may offer benefits for fitting an approved tracker, but this is not guaranteed and varies by insurer and policy. Check directly with your insurance provider to confirm any impact on your premium.
Do Thatcham trackers require professional installation?
Yes. Rewire trackers are professionally fitted by an approved engineer, with nationwide coverage, to ensure correct and discreet installation.
Is a monitoring subscription required?
Actively monitored services require the appropriate subscription. Current pricing and options are shown on each product page.
Can I track my vehicle from my phone?
Yes. Rewire trackers work with the GPSLive app and web platform, so you can view your vehicle from your phone or computer.
Still unsure which Thatcham tracker you need?
Compare the Rewire S-Series or speak to our team before choosing your vehicle protection.