Booking a tracker installation is straightforward, but knowing what actually happens on the day — and preparing properly beforehand — makes the appointment faster and means you walk away with everything you actually need. This is a practical, day-of checklist: what to do before you book, what happens during the appointment itself, and what to check once the technician has gone.
Most installations take between 90 minutes and 3 hours depending on your vehicle and the system being fitted, but it's sensible to allow 2-4 hours around the appointment itself so you're not rushing the technician or the testing phase afterward.
Make sure the vehicle is reasonably clean and accessible, clear personal items out of the glove compartment and centre console, and ensure the technician will have clear access to both the interior and the engine bay.
Have your ID or driver's licence, vehicle registration papers, proof of residence (not older than three months), and insurance documents ready if your insurer requires proof of an approved installation.
Most providers can install at your home or workplace rather than requiring a workshop visit — decide which location suits you and confirm it when you book, along with whether a deposit or full payment is expected upfront.
A typical 90-minute-to-3-hour appointment generally moves through the same core stages.
The certified technician arrives at your chosen location with proper identification, checks your documents, and briefly discusses the installation plan and where the unit will go.
The technician inspects your vehicle to decide the optimal placement for the unit, weighing GPS signal strength, accessibility and how well it can be concealed from a would-be thief.
The tracker is wired into your vehicle's electrical system and fitted discreetly — commonly under the dashboard, behind interior trim, in the boot, or occasionally in the engine bay for a weatherproofed unit.
The technician tests GPS reception and communication with the monitoring centre, walks you through the app, hands over your installation certificate and paperwork, and answers any final questions before you drive off.
Installers place trackers where they balance good signal reception against being difficult for a thief to find and remove.
One of the most common spots — concealed but accessible, and generally good for GPS signal.
Door panels, seat upholstery or trim pieces offer excellent concealment with reasonable signal reception.
Spacious and well-concealed, with generally decent signal reception.
Less common for consumer vehicles, but used for specific weatherproof units.
The final placement decision is generally made by the technician based on what performs best for your specific vehicle — you can discuss preferences, but security and signal quality usually take priority over a particular hiding spot you might have in mind.
Once the technician has left, open the tracking app or web portal and confirm it's showing your vehicle correctly. Test the panic button if your system has one, familiarise yourself with geofencing if you plan to use it, and keep your installation certificate and paperwork somewhere safe — it's commonly what insurers ask for as proof of an approved installation. If anything seems off in those first couple of days, our guide on how to test if your car tracker works walks through a more thorough functionality check.
This page focuses specifically on the day-of experience. For the broader question of hardwired vs plug-in installation types and what installation costs generally, see our main car tracker installation guide. For a detailed cost breakdown by vehicle and system complexity, see tracker installation cost.
Most standard installations take between 90 minutes and 3 hours. It's sensible to block out 2-4 hours around the appointment for setup, testing and a walkthrough afterward.
Your ID or driver's licence, vehicle registration papers, proof of residence (not older than three months), and insurance documents if required. Confirm exact requirements with your provider when you book.
A professional installation by a certified technician typically will not void your warranty. Check with your vehicle manufacturer if you have specific concerns.
Confirm the app shows your vehicle's location correctly, test the panic button if applicable, familiarise yourself with geofencing, and keep your installation certificate safe.
Hardwired vs plug-in installation types, and general national pricing.
Read more →A practical checklist for verifying your tracker is functioning correctly.
Read more →Browse the full resource library for pricing, features and buying advice.
Visit the Guide hub →Compare providers and get a quote, and we'll help you find one whose technicians can fit you in soon.