Tracker Showdown: S5 vs S7 vs S5+ – Which One Is Right for You?

Car thefts in England and Wales rose by 84% from 70,053 in the year ending March 2014 to an alarming 129,127 in 2024, and this problem extends well beyond these parts of the UK.

But protecting your vehicles from theft isn’t only a matter of sparing yourself the inconvenience and upset of being a victim of crime. It’s also generally an insurance requirement. Crystal Ball’s S5, S5+, and S7 Thatcham trackers provide a unique level of security that can help protect your vehicles. They’re designed to meet various needs and budgets, but how do you know which one is best for you?

In this guide, we break down the key features, security levels, capabilities, and insurance considerations to help you choose the most appropriate Thatcham tracker for your fleet or individual vehicles.

What are Thatcham-Approved Trackers?

Thatcham trackers are vehicle tracking systems approved by Thatcham Research. Recognised by the automotive and insurance industries, this organisation is dedicated to enhancing vehicle security and repair. All our Thatcham trackers meet the organisation’s stringent standards, assuring you of vehicle tracking technology that you can trust.

The three basic categories include S5, S5+, and S7. These categories help customers and insurance providers to identify the level of protection they offer:

• S5 Thatcham trackers: This higher-end tracking system with automatic driver recognition (ADR) is often required by insurance providers for high-value or performance vehicles.
• S5+ Thatcham trackers: A premium option, this tracking system offers all the features of the S5 and adds an extra layer of security — the vehicle cannot be started without a recognised Driver ID Card.
• S7 Thatcham tracker: This entry-level tracking system with GPS and GSM technology is ideal for vehicle monitoring and stolen vehicle recovery.

Tracker Showdown: S5 vs S5+ vs S7

Let’s take a closer look at how these three categories of Thatcham trackers compare.

S5 Thatcham Tracker

Best For:

Crystal Ball’s S5 Thatcham tracker is best for high-value vehicle owners and businesses requiring additional security. A step up from the more basic S7 tracker, this tracking system adds ADR technology to the features. This feature means that only authorised drivers with a designated fob can drive the vehicle without triggering an alert.

Key Features:

• GPS and GSM tracking
• 24/7 monitoring by a secure operating centre linked to the police and emergency services
• Live tracking and journey history
• Tow and tamper alerts
• ADR Cards for automatic driver recognition
• Instant alert if the vehicle is moved without a recognised Driver ID Card

Security Level:

The S5 Thatcham tracker provides a high level of security. Thanks to ADR technology, the tracking system knows exactly who is driving the vehicle. If the car is moved without an authorised Driver ID Card, the system alerts you and the monitoring centre immediately. The centre will then alert the police.

Insurance Considerations:

Insurance providers usually require Thatcham S5 trackers for high-performance, luxury, performance, or prestige vehicles. Choosing one of these trackers can satisfy policy conditions for coverage.

S5+ Thatcham Tracker

Best For:

Our most advanced Thatcham-approved tracking system, the S5+ Thatcham tracker is best for businesses and individuals who need maximum protection. This vehicle tracking system offers all the features of the S5, with an additional safeguard: the vehicle cannot be started without a recognised Driver ID Card present.

Key Features:

All the S5 features plus:

• Engine start prevented unless Driver ID Card is present
• Highest level of theft deterrence
• Full Thatcham S5+ compliance

Security Level:

Ideal for high-risk vehicles or valuable fleets, it ensures that even if a thief gains access to the vehicle, they cannot start the engine without the corresponding Driver ID Card — offering protection that goes beyond tracking and alerts.

Insurance Considerations:

Some insurance providers in the UK recommend or require S5+ systems for specific vehicles or business use cases. The added ignition lock functionality can offer extra peace of mind for drivers and fleet managers alike.

S7 Thatcham Tracker

Best For:

Reliable and cost-effective, Crystal Ball’s S7 Thatcham tracker is ideal for businesses and individuals who want basic location tracking, theft recovery features, and insurance compliance on lower-risk vehicles.

Key Features:

• GPS and GSM tracking
• Tow and tamper alerts
• 24-hour monitoring by a secure operating centre linked to the police and emergency services
• Live tracking and journey history
• Fully compliant with Thatcham S7 category requirements
• Suitable for Thatcham S7 insurance requirements

Security Level:

Our S7 Thatcham tracker provides a basic level of security. While this tracking system doesn’t offer driver recognition or ignition lock features, it’s strong enough for individuals, commercial vehicles, and fleet managers who want to track vehicle movements while protecting against theft.

Insurance Considerations:

Many UK insurance providers accept S7 Thatcham trackers for standard vehicles, making this tracking system a good option if you want to meet insurance requirements without overspending.

Which Thatcham Tracker Should You Choose?

Here are a few pointers to help you choose the right Crystal Ball Thatcham tracker for your needs:

• Choose the S5 Thatcham tracker if you have higher-value vehicles or want automatic alerts when someone uses your vehicle without authorisation.
• If security is your top priority, go for the S5+ Thatcham tracker. This tracking system is ideal for high-risk fleets, prestige vehicles, or businesses that want the highest level of driver authentication, making it impossible to start the vehicle without an authorised ID tag.
• Choose the S7 Thatcham tracker if you’re looking for cost-effective protection that satisfies basic insurance requirements or you want to track standard commercial vehicles.

Protect Your Vehicles with Thatcham Trackers

When it comes to protecting your vehicles, choosing the right tracker can save you more than money. It can prevent the loss of important assets. At Crystal Ball, all our Thatcham trackers are installed professionally and backed by dedicated customer support and 24-hour monitoring.

Contact us today for help choosing top-quality technology for complete peace of mind.