MatrixBasic
Beame
R99/month
Includes: Stolen vehicle recovery (36-month subscription).
- Stolen vehicle recovery
- 24/7 monitoring centre
- Mobile app access
- Jamming detection
- + 1 more feature
Car tracker questions
How Does a Car Tracker Work?
The technology inside a car tracker, from GPS to the recovery team.
Updated 30 September 2026 · TrackerPrices SA
TrackerPrices SA is an independent comparison site. This guide gives general information for South African drivers; your own provider, insurer or the police have the final word on your situation.
Quick answer: A car tracker is a small device that works out the vehicle’s position (usually by GPS) and sends it to the provider over the cellular network. Some also use VHF radio or a wireless recovery signal. When you report a theft, the control room follows the signal and sends a recovery team.
The three main types
| Type | How it works | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwired GPS/GSM tracker | Powered by the car; reports position regularly; live tracking in an app | Matrix Silver/Gold, Cartrack Quick |
| Wireless recovery unit | Own battery; hidden anywhere; activated for recovery after a theft report | Matrix Beame, Netstar STARtag |
| VHF radio unit | Radio beacon recovery teams home in on, even underground | Tracker Retrieve+ |
What happens when your car is stolen
- You call the provider’s emergency line and SAPS on 10111.
- The control room locates the vehicle from the tracker’s signal.
- Recovery teams, often with the police, go to the location.
- You receive a case number for your insurer.
Does a tracker work when the car is off?
Yes. Hardwired units keep running on a small amount of power from the car battery and check in regularly; wireless units like Beame run on their own battery for up to three years.
What about dashcams?
A tracker finds your car; a dashcam records what happens on the road. The Matrix Vision dashcam combines ADAS warnings, in-cab driver monitoring and live streaming.
Our top picks: Matrix, Beame and Matrix Vision
Across the plans we compare, Matrix offers the widest choice for South African drivers: Beame for low-cost, insurer-approved recovery, Silver and Gold for live tracking, and the new Matrix Vision dashcam for video telematics.
- Matrix Beame – insurer-approved wireless theft recovery, R99/month. Get a Beame quote
- Matrix Vision dashcam – road-facing ADAS and in-cab AI cameras, R359/month (Vision Pro R399). Get a Matrix Vision quote
- Matrix Bronze, Silver and Gold – tracking packages at R189, R219 and R239/month (36 months), all with Beame included; Gold adds Crash Alert, Roadside Assist and a Tax Logbook. Get a Matrix quote
Related tracker plans
Recommended: Matrix, Beame and Matrix Vision
Monthly prices from our catalogue. Click Get quote to compare offers for your vehicle.
MatrixDashcam
Vision
R359/month
- Dual AI cameras (road-facing + in-cab)
- 4G connected, data bundle included
- ADAS: collision, tailgating & rollover warnings
- Harsh driving & speed alerts
- + 6 more features
MatrixMid-range
Silver
R219/month
Includes: Trips, GeoLoc Advanced Alert, Panic Alert, Border Alert, Power Down, Reports and Beame.
- Stolen vehicle recovery
- 24/7 monitoring centre
- Live GPS tracking
- Mobile app access
- + 4 more features
FAQ
Common Questions
What is a car tracker?+
A device that locates your vehicle and helps the provider recover it if it is stolen.
Does a car tracker need internet?+
Hardwired GPS trackers use the cellular network to report. You only need internet on your phone to use the app.
Related pages
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