Make an informed decision with our comprehensive 2025 guide for South African vehicle owners
Your vehicle is one of your most valuable assets. Asking the right questions ensures you choose a tracker that provides the security and features you need, while avoiding unexpected costs and limitations.
Many tracking providers have hidden fees for installation, activation, or premium features. Asking detailed questions upfront helps you understand the true cost of ownership over the contract period.
Not all trackers work with all vehicles or mobile platforms. Asking about compatibility ensures the system will work seamlessly with your specific vehicle and your preferred devices.
24/7 support sounds great, but what does it actually include? Asking detailed questions about support services ensures you'll get help when you need it most.
Understand whether it uses GPS, GSM, RFID, or a combination. GPS is standard, but some systems use additional technologies for enhanced security.
Real-time tracking updates every few seconds, while basic systems might update only every few minutes. This affects how quickly you can respond to theft.
Some trackers store location data when out of range and transmit when back in coverage. Essential if you travel to remote areas.
Quality systems have tamper detection that immediately alerts you and the monitoring center if the device is interfered with.
Get a detailed breakdown of all initial costs - device, installation, activation fees, and any first-month premiums.
Ask specifically about fees for early cancellation, additional users, paper statements, or accessing historical data.
Contracts typically range from 12-60 months. Understand auto-renewal clauses and price increase policies after the initial term.
Many providers offer 5-15% discounts for fleet installations or annual payments instead of monthly.
Understand exactly what the monitoring service does - do they contact you first, or do they dispatch security immediately in an emergency?
Response times can vary from under 60 seconds to several minutes. Faster response increases recovery chances.
Established relationships with law enforcement and recovery teams can significantly improve stolen vehicle recovery rates.
Some providers offer guarantees or insurance-backed promises. Understand exactly what compensation or support they provide.
Professional installation questions
System compatibility questions
| Provider | Contract Terms | Monthly Cost (From) | Key Features | Response Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tracker | 36-60 months | R149 | 24/7 monitoring, nationwide recovery | 3 minutes |
| Matrix | 24-60 months | R129 | AI theft prediction, fuel monitoring | 90 seconds |
| Cartrack | 36-48 months | R169 | Fleet management, driver behavior | 2 minutes |
| Netstar | 36-60 months | R139 | Stolen vehicle recovery, accident alert | 3 minutes |
| Beame | 24-36 months | R99 | Basic tracking, geofencing | 5 minutes |
Note: Prices and features are subject to change. Always verify current offerings directly with providers.
Our experts can help you navigate the options and find the perfect tracking solution for your specific needs and budget.