Checklist for Choosing Van Trackers

Explore essential factors for selecting van trackers, from fleet needs and security features to costs and compliance with UK regulations.

Michael Bar

07 Jul 2025 • 16 min read

Van trackers are an essential tool for fleet management, offering protection against theft, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring compliance with UK regulations. With vehicle theft rising by 19% in 2022–23, businesses face growing risks, and insurance providers increasingly require trackers for coverage. Choosing the right system involves evaluating your fleet's needs, security features, costs, and compliance requirements.

Key Takeaways:

Fleet Needs: Consider fleet size, vehicle types, and operational priorities (e.g., route optimisation or asset security).
Security Features: Look for GPS tracking, geofencing, remote immobilisation, and dual-tracker systems for theft prevention and recovery.
Costs: Include hardware, installation, and subscription fees. Savings on fuel, insurance, and maintenance often provide ROI within months.
Compliance: Ensure systems meet UK standards (e.g., Thatcham-approved) and follow GDPR for data protection.
Ease of Use: Prioritise systems with user-friendly interfaces, real-time alerts, and reporting tools.

Quick Tip: Test systems through free trials or demos to ensure they align with your business needs. Focus on long-term value, not just upfront costs.

Top 4 Best GPS Trackers (2025) | Features & Installation

1. Check Fleet Needs and Compatibility

Before deciding on a van tracker, it's crucial to understand your fleet's specific requirements. This step ensures you choose a system with the right features, avoiding potential mismatches between your business needs and the tracker’s capabilities. Here's how to align a tracker’s features with what your fleet actually demands.

1.1 Review Fleet Size and Operating Requirements

The size of your fleet plays a key role in determining the most suitable tracking solution. A small business managing just a few delivery vans will have vastly different needs compared to a logistics company overseeing dozens of vehicles across multiple regions.

Start by assessing both your current fleet size and any planned growth. For example, a system that scales from 10 to 25 vehicles can save you from needing a costly upgrade later. Look for trackers offering scalability without requiring a complete system overhaul.

For mixed fleets, choose trackers that can adapt to different power requirements and installation setups. This is especially important for modern vehicles with advanced engine management systems.

Your operational priorities also shape the features you’ll need. Delivery services, for instance, often prioritise route optimisation and providing customers with accurate ETAs. On the other hand, construction companies might focus more on geo-fencing and securing valuable assets. According to a Teletrac Navman study, 40% of drivers adjust their behaviour after receiving their first safety warning, making driver monitoring an essential feature for businesses prioritising safety.

"When selecting a GPS tracker, it's important to consider the specific needs of your fleet. Factors such as fleet size, types of vehicles, and operational requirements will influence the features you need. Customising your GPS tracking solution to match these needs ensures you get the most value from your investment." - Fleetsmart

Fleet tracking systems can save businesses an average of £152.50 per vehicle each month. However, these savings are only achievable if the system’s features align closely with your actual operational needs.

1.2 Verify Vehicle Compatibility and UK Standards

Compatibility with your vehicles and compliance with UK standards are non-negotiable when choosing a tracker. An incompatible system could void your insurance or fail when you need it the most.

Ensure the tracker meets UK standards, such as Thatcham approval and TASSA verification. Thatcham-approved systems are widely recognised as the benchmark for vehicle security in the UK. Depending on the value and type of vehicle, insurers often require specific Thatcham categories like S7, S5, or S5+.

TASSA (Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association) verification is also vital. It guarantees proper installation and ensures the tracker connects to secure national databases used in police investigations. For businesses operating internationally, Thatcham-approved trackers are particularly useful, as they are accepted abroad and endorsed by leading car manufacturers.

1.3 List Special Business Needs

Your industry and operational model may demand features that go beyond what a generic tracker can offer. Tailoring your system to meet these specific needs can make all the difference.

For instance, a tracker that integrates seamlessly with your existing software can prevent data silos and improve overall efficiency. Additionally, consider the costs of installation, training, and ongoing support alongside any subscription fees. Research shows that 36% of organisations report lower fuel costs after implementing fleet tracking, but only when the system is well-suited to their operations.

The goal isn’t to choose the tracker with the most features but to find one that addresses your unique challenges while staying within your budget. By aligning the tracker with both operational and compliance needs, you’ll be well on your way to making an informed and effective decision.

2. Review Key Security Features

Strong security measures are essential, especially when you consider the numbers: in 2024, over 11,000 vans were stolen across the UK, resulting in losses exceeding £50 million. Below, we break down the critical security features that a dependable van tracker should include.

2.1 Advanced Security Options

Today's van trackers are equipped with multiple layers of protection to deter theft and ensure recovery. Some standout features include:

Dual-tracker technology: This adds an extra layer of security by providing a backup tracker if the primary one is disabled through methods like RF scanning or GPS jamming.
Geofencing: By setting virtual boundaries, geofencing sends alerts when a vehicle moves outside its designated area. To minimise false alarms, a buffer zone of at least 15 metres is recommended.
Remote immobilisation: This feature can disable the vehicle's fuel pump, effectively stopping it from being driven if unauthorised activity is detected.

For these features to work at their best, professional installation is key. Placing trackers in discreet, hard-to-access locations ensures that even if one part of the system is tampered with, the overall functionality remains intact.

2.2 Recovery Performance

Recovery rates are a crucial measure of a van tracker's effectiveness. While traditional police methods recover just 39% of stolen vehicles, advanced trackers can achieve recovery rates as high as 98%. For instance, GRS Fleet Telematics reports a 91% recovery rate, thanks to its dual-tracker system. This system not only alerts a 24/7 monitoring centre but also works closely with law enforcement, providing real-time location data to expedite recovery.

Additionally, research highlights that 35% of stolen vehicles are retrieved on the same day, and 45% are recovered within two days. This swift action reduces repair costs and minimises disruptions to business operations. Some systems even include hidden Bluetooth backups to ensure uninterrupted tracking in challenging situations.

Beyond recovery, effective trackers offer ongoing oversight through live monitoring, making them a valuable tool for both security and fleet management.

2.3 Live Monitoring

Live monitoring transforms a tracker from a simple theft deterrent into a powerful management tool. With real-time GPS updates, fleet managers can respond quickly to theft while also gaining operational insights. Many systems connect to 24/7 monitoring centres, which receive instant alerts at the first sign of unauthorised movement and can immediately coordinate with law enforcement.

"5G removes many of the barriers that made real-time fleet location and data tracking a challenging prospect." - Jason Martinez, Writer specialising in driver safety

Beyond theft prevention, live monitoring improves day-to-day operations. Managers can keep track of vehicle locations, ensure drivers stick to planned routes, and set up instant alerts for issues like speeding, unauthorised after-hours use, or entry into restricted zones. This dual-purpose functionality not only bolsters security but also helps streamline fleet efficiency.

3. Review Costs and Pricing Options

Getting a clear picture of the costs involved with van tracking systems is crucial for making choices that suit your budget and business goals. Beyond the upfront purchase price, you’ll need to factor in installation, ongoing subscriptions, and potential savings over time.

3.1 Total Ownership Costs

The price of van trackers includes hardware, installation, and subscription fees, which can vary widely depending on the system's features and type.

OBD Trackers: These plug-and-play devices connect directly to your vehicle's diagnostic port. Basic models start at around £20–£50, while more advanced options can cost up to £150. They’re easy to install and don’t usually require professional help.
Hardwired Trackers: Offering better security, these systems come with higher costs. Basic models range from £100 to £200, while advanced systems can cost £200–£500. Professional installation may cost an additional £50–£200 unless included by the provider.
GRS Fleet Telematics Hardware: Options include the Essential tracker (£35), Enhanced tracker (£79) with dual-tracker technology, and the Ultimate tracker (£99) featuring immobilisation capabilities.

Subscription fees for van trackers typically range from £10 to £100 per month, depending on the features and service levels. These fees cover access to the tracking platform, data usage, customer support, and advanced options like geofencing. GRS Fleet Telematics, for example, offers software subscriptions at £7.99 per vehicle per month, which includes the SIM card, data, account management, and platform access.

Once you’ve accounted for hardware and installation, it’s time to evaluate pricing models.

3.2 Clear Pricing and Flexible Options

Opt for providers that offer transparent pricing and adaptable contracts. This helps you manage costs effectively as your business needs evolve.

Pay-per-Recovery Models: These charge only when theft recovery services are needed, making them a cost-effective choice for businesses with lower theft risks or smaller fleets.
Scalable Pricing: Many suppliers offer tiered pricing, reducing the per-vehicle cost as your fleet size increases.
Flexible Contracts: Adjustable terms let you modify tracking requirements as your business grows, avoiding long-term commitments that may not suit future needs.

Some providers bundle installation with other services to save costs. For instance, GRS Fleet Telematics includes free installation with fleet branding.

3.3 Return on Investment

Van trackers can quickly pay for themselves through savings and efficiency gains. Fleet management solutions typically cost £20–£60 per vehicle each month, with hardware expenses ranging from £100 to £600 per unit. The benefits often outweigh these initial costs.

Using fleet trackers can lead to savings in several areas:

Fuel costs: Reduced by 10–15%
Idle time: Cut by 20–30%
Labour costs: Lowered by 15–25%
Maintenance: Reduced by 10–20%
Insurance premiums: Potentially decreased by 5–15%

Most businesses see a return on their investment within 3–8 months. These savings highlight the value of integrating van tracking systems into your fleet management strategy.

4. Check Compliance and Data Privacy

Navigating the legal requirements for van tracking in the UK is crucial for avoiding penalties and fostering trust with your employees. Regulations such as the Human Rights Act 1998 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provide clear rules on how and when fleet vehicles and their drivers can be monitored.

4.1 UK Legal Requirements for Tracking

UK law requires that fleet operators notify drivers if their vehicles are being tracked. Covert tracking is only allowed in very specific cases, such as preventing theft, and even then, drivers must be informed that tracking systems are installed.

"It is illegal to track somebody's car without their knowledge. Transparency is essential to remain compliant and maintain employee trust."

To stay compliant, create a detailed vehicle tracking policy. This should explain why tracking is necessary, what data is being collected, and how it will be used. For vehicles used both for work and personal purposes, ensure privacy settings allow drivers to disable tracking during non-work hours.

Once these basics are covered, your next priority should be ensuring your data practices align with GDPR requirements.

4.2 Data Protection Rules

Under UK GDPR, location data that can identify an individual is classified as personal data.

"If a tracking device collects location data that can be linked to an individual, it is considered personal data under UK GDPR."

Failing to comply with GDPR can result in fines of up to £17.5 million or 4% of your annual global revenue. Expert Market highlighted these steep penalties in June 2025, underscoring the risks of weak data protection measures.

To safeguard data, focus on minimising what is collected and implement strong encryption, access controls, and regular audits. Also, establish clear data retention policies that define how long tracking data will be stored and when it will be deleted. Instead of relying solely on employee consent - an approach complicated by the employer-employee power dynamic - base your tracking practices on legitimate business needs and ensure employees are well-informed.

4.3 Insurance Certification and Approvals

In addition to legal and data protection considerations, using insurance-approved trackers can lead to financial advantages. Thatcham Research, the UK's top authority for testing and certifying vehicle security systems, evaluates trackers to ensure they meet stringent performance and reliability standards.

Choosing a Thatcham-certified tracker can significantly reduce your insurance costs, with savings of up to 20% on premiums. Nicole Bea Kerr from Market-Inspector.co.uk points out:

"Investing in insurance-approved trackers can provide significant benefits in enhanced security and compliance with insurance requirements."

When selecting a tracking system, confirm that it meets Thatcham standards. This certification not only helps fulfil insurance requirements but also improves fleet security. Many certified trackers feature live GPS tracking, enabling quick recovery in case of theft.

5. Compare Features and Ease of Use

After addressing technical, cost, and compliance factors, the next step is to examine usability and the feature set. A tracking system might tick all the legal and insurance boxes, but it’s of little use if it complicates your daily operations or lacks the tools your business needs. The goal is to ensure the system integrates smoothly into your workflow and adds genuine value to your team.

5.1 User Interface and Reporting Tools

A user-friendly interface can save time and reduce frustration, especially when training new team members. Systems with clear visuals, logical layouts, and simple navigation make it easier to access critical fleet data quickly. Features like single-click data access and mobile compatibility can significantly cut down the time spent hunting for information. Customisable dashboards are another plus, allowing you to tailor data displays to your specific needs.

Samantha Saysoff from Wyandotte County shared her experience with Fleetio’s interface:

"Fleetio was clearly made for fleet management. The ease, simplicity and the overall user-friendliness did it for us. Even the customer service is better. And with Fleetio's dashboard, everything is at the surface – I can create custom reports in under 5 minutes now, there's no having to dig for the information you're looking for."

When it comes to reporting tools, prioritise systems that offer real-time alerts for events like geofence breaches, excessive speeding, harsh braking, or prolonged idling. These alerts should be customisable, so you only receive notifications relevant to your operations.

Transparency is another key element. Clear communication and detailed analytics not only help managers identify problem areas but also allow them to highlight and reward good driving behaviour. This balance builds trust and encourages a positive work environment.

A well-designed interface and robust reporting tools lay the foundation for efficient fleet management and pave the way for advanced features.

5.2 Additional Capabilities

Modern van trackers go beyond basic tracking, offering features that can enhance efficiency and safety. These extra tools can often justify the investment by delivering measurable improvements.

Eco-driving analytics: These tools can help cut fuel consumption by up to 15%. By analysing acceleration, braking, and idling patterns, they provide actionable insights for coaching drivers to adopt more fuel-efficient habits.
Route planning and optimisation: Advanced systems can adjust routes based on real-time traffic updates. They can also factor in variables like revenue per route, maximum route duration, and the number of stops, ensuring timely deliveries even when unexpected delays occur.
Automated maintenance alerts: Notifications triggered by mileage or engine hours help prevent breakdowns, keeping your fleet on the road and avoiding costly repairs.
Geofencing: This feature allows you to set virtual boundaries with customisable shapes and alerts. It’s particularly useful for monitoring job site activity and preventing unauthorised vehicle use.

The impact of these features is evident in real-world examples. Express Couriers implemented GRS van trackers in August 2024, and Fleet Manager James Davidson noted:

"Investing in GRS van trackers has been one of our best business decisions. We've reduced fuel consumption by 18%, virtually eliminated unauthorised van usage, and improved our delivery times. Their tracker for van units has outperformed every system we used before."

Another critical feature is driver behaviour monitoring. Systems that track speeding, harsh braking, and rapid acceleration can improve safety significantly. In fact, 91% of fleet managers reported fewer accidents after implementing GPS tracking. Additionally, 95% of operators saw a noticeable drop in fuel costs.

These capabilities build on the security and compliance measures discussed earlier, offering a comprehensive toolkit for fleet management.

5.3 Customer Support and Help

Reliable customer support is essential when your business relies on fleet tracking for daily operations. Whether it’s a vehicle theft, technical issue, or a user question, you need assistance that’s available around the clock. Look for providers offering 24/7 support through phone, email, and live chat. A comprehensive knowledge base can also be a lifesaver for troubleshooting during off-hours.

Many providers go a step further by assigning account managers. These professionals can help customise settings, interpret data, and expand your system as your business grows.

Integration is another factor to consider. The system should work seamlessly with your existing fleet management software, syncing data automatically and making insights accessible on mobile devices. Real-time communication with drivers is a must, enabling you to address issues like fuel fraud or initiate workflows on the fly.

Access controls are also important. Systems that allow you to set user permissions ensure sensitive data is protected while keeping essential tools accessible to your team. Avoid providers that charge per user, as this can limit connectivity. Instead, opt for systems offering unlimited users to keep everyone on the same page without extra costs.

Finally, take advantage of free trials to test the software’s usability for both managers and drivers. This hands-on experience can reveal whether the system truly meets your needs.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision

As we've explored, everything from fleet compatibility to data privacy plays a role in choosing the right van tracker. Making a smart choice means taking a step-by-step approach that balances your fleet's unique needs with practical considerations. Five key areas - fleet requirements, security, costs, compliance, and usability - can guide your decision.

Start by aligning the tracker with your fleet's specific needs, considering factors like fleet size, vehicle types, and future growth. A small fleet will have different requirements compared to a larger operation. Once you've identified your needs, focus on security features that safeguard your vehicles and streamline operations.

Security features are a critical factor. Look for systems that offer real-time tracking, detailed reporting, geofencing, and driver behaviour monitoring. For instance, businesses that use GPS tracking have reported up to 15% savings on fuel costs.

After addressing operational and security needs, take a close look at the financial side. Assess the total cost of ownership, which includes hardware, installation, and ongoing support - not just the monthly subscription fee. According to the Energy Saving Trust, businesses can cut operating costs by 10% and reduce fuel use by 15% annually through improved productivity and vehicle utilisation. Many companies even see a return on their investment within just 90 days.

Compliance is another essential consideration. Ensure the system adheres to UK data privacy laws and insurance requirements, which could also help you qualify for premium discounts.

Ease of use should not be overlooked. Choose a system with an intuitive interface, 24/7 support, and thorough training to ensure smooth implementation and operation.

GRS Fleet Telematics offers an excellent example of these principles in action. Their dual-tracker technology delivers strong recovery capabilities, while flexible pricing starting at £7.99 per month makes advanced tracking accessible to businesses of all sizes. Their solutions combine real-time tracking, driver safety monitoring, and 24/7 recovery support - ticking all the boxes identified in this guide.

"Choosing the right tracker for your business ensures the safety of your vehicles and optimises their use." – Market Inspector

Whenever possible, take advantage of demos or free trials. These can give you hands-on experience with a system and help you avoid costly missteps. Keep in mind that the cheapest option isn't always the best value - focus on long-term benefits and overall value rather than just the initial price.

FAQs

What key security features should a van tracker have to protect against theft?

To strengthen your van's security against theft, consider trackers equipped with real-time location tracking, geofencing alerts to notify you if the van exits a set boundary, and tamper detection to alert you of any unauthorised meddling. Additional features like hidden installation and remote engine disablement can add an extra layer of protection and boost the likelihood of recovering your vehicle quickly if it’s stolen.

How can I make sure the van tracking system I choose meets UK legal and insurance requirements?

To make sure your van tracking system aligns with UK legal and insurance rules, there are a few important steps to take. Start by notifying your employees about the tracking system and getting their written consent before rolling it out. This approach ensures clarity and compliance with UK vehicle tracking regulations.

It's also crucial to use the tracking system solely for legitimate business reasons, like boosting fleet efficiency or improving security. For company vehicles, ensure that any data collection and use complies with the Data Protection Act to protect employee privacy. Keep in mind, tracking personal vehicles without clear and explicit consent is against the law in the UK.

What should I consider when calculating the total cost of a van tracking system, and how can I ensure it delivers value for money?

When calculating the overall cost of a van tracking system, you'll need to consider several components: upfront costs, installation fees, monthly subscription charges, and ongoing maintenance expenses. But don't forget to weigh these against potential savings the system can bring, such as improved route planning, lower fuel consumption, and better chances of recovering stolen vehicles.

To get the best value, opt for a system with features that align with your business needs. For instance, tracking data can help cut down on fuel costs, flag maintenance issues before they become costly, and even reduce insurance premiums. Over time, these advantages can help balance out the initial costs and provide a solid return on your investment.