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Tracking explained

Asset Tracking and AirTags vs Car Trackers

Tracking devices range from cheap Bluetooth tags to professionally monitored vehicle trackers. They are not interchangeable.

Updated 26 September 2026 · Tracker Prices South Africa

Quick answer: Asset tracking means monitoring the location of valuable items such as trailers, generators, containers and equipment. Bluetooth tags such as Apple AirTag can hint at where a car is, but they rely on nearby phones and have no control room or recovery team, so they are not a substitute for a car tracker.

Types of tracking devices

AirTag in a car: the limits

An AirTag only updates when an Apple device passes nearby, it can alert thieves that it is travelling with them, and there is no one to recover the car for you. It may help you find a car in a parking lot, but insurers do not accept it as an approved tracker.

Tracking trailers and equipment

Battery-powered asset trackers are fitted to trailers, generators and machinery. Business fleet platforms can show vehicles and assets on the same map.

Related tracker plans

Affordable monitored alternatives to a tag

Monthly prices from our catalogue. Click Get quote to compare offers for your vehicle.

NetstarBasic

STARtag

R89/month
No installation needed · 36-month contract
  • Stolen vehicle recovery
  • 24/7 monitoring centre
  • Wireless unit, no wiring into the vehicle
DetailsGet quote
MatrixBasic

Beame

R99/month
Installation quoted by provider · 36-month contract
  • Stolen vehicle recovery
  • 24/7 monitoring centre
  • Mobile app access
  • Jamming detection
  • + 1 more feature
DetailsGet quote
CartrackBasic

Quick

R99/month
Free installation (36-month contract) · 36-month contract
  • Stolen vehicle recovery
  • 24/7 monitoring centre
  • Live GPS tracking
  • Mobile app access
  • + 1 more feature
DetailsGet quote
FAQ

Common Questions

Can I use an AirTag instead of a car tracker?+

Not for proper protection. It has no control room, recovery team or insurer approval.

What is asset tracking?+

Monitoring the location of valuable equipment or goods, usually with GPS devices and software.

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