Why Aftermarket GPS Car Trackers Are Better Than Factory Fitted Ones
When it comes to protecting your vehicle, a reliable GPS car tracker is a powerful tool. With the increasing demand for car security and fleet management solutions, drivers are often faced with a choice between factory-fitted GPS trackers and aftermarket alternatives. Whilst factory-fitted trackers may seem convenient, aftermarket insurance approved GPS car trackers more often than not offer more flexibility, advanced features, and cost-effective solutions. Let’s dive into why aftermarket GPS car trackers are often a better option than their factory-installed counterparts.
Cost Efficiency
Factory-fitted GPS trackers are usually part of a premium package, bundled with other features that significantly drive up the price of your car. This means that even if you want the GPS tracker, you may end up paying for features you don't necessarily need or want.
On the other hand, aftermarket GPS trackers are available at a wide range of prices, allowing you to choose a product that fits your budget without the unnecessary extra costs. Additionally, the cost of installation is usually minimal, and in some cases, you can even install the tracker yourself.
Advanced Features
Factory-fitted GPS trackers often come with standard tracking features and basic functionalities, but they may lack the advanced features that many drivers or fleet managers require. Aftermarket insurance approved GPS car trackers provide a variety of advanced capabilities such as:
- Real-time Tracking: Many aftermarket trackers offer precise, real-time tracking that updates instantly, which is ideal for monitoring vehicle locations.
- Geofencing Alerts: You can set virtual boundaries and receive alerts if your vehicle enters or exits a designated area.
- Remote Engine Disable: Some advanced models even allow you to remotely disable the engine if the vehicle is stolen.
- Driver Behaviour Monitoring: For fleet management, aftermarket trackers can monitor speeding, harsh braking, and other behaviours that affect fuel efficiency and safety.
- Mobile App Integration: Aftermarket GPS systems often come with dedicated mobile apps for easy monitoring on the go.
These features cater not just to personal car owners but also to fleet managers who need more sophisticated tracking and control over multiple vehicles.
Ease of Upgrading and Replacing
When technology evolves, aftermarket GPS trackers are much easier to upgrade. If a newer model with better features comes along, or if your tracker breaks, replacing an aftermarket GPS unit is a quick and cost-effective process. On the contrary, replacing a factory-fitted tracker often involves dealing with the car manufacturer, expensive parts, and potentially high labour costs.
With aftermarket solutions, you maintain flexibility—upgrading is as easy as purchasing the latest model, and there are many options available that offer cutting-edge features.
No Subscription Dependency
Many factory-installed GPS trackers are locked to a specific subscription service, meaning that you might be tied to a single provider and incur ongoing monthly fees which are higher than necessary. Worse, some of these trackers may stop working if you discontinue the service, limiting the usefulness of the device.
Aftermarket GPS trackers sometimes offer subscription-free options or at least a broad choice of providers. This gives you the freedom to select the plan or service that suits you best without being locked into a specific brand’s ecosystem. Insurance approved GPS trackers that have an associated subscription service will also offer 24/7 specialist support from a dedicated Control Room if your car is stolen.
Better Coverage and Accuracy
Factory-fitted GPS trackers sometimes have limitations in terms of coverage and accuracy, as they are generally optimised for the manufacturer’s built-in navigation system. Aftermarket Thatcham certified GPS trackers, however, are developed by specialised companies that focus solely on GPS technology. These trackers tend to offer superior satellite coverage, which is crucial for accurate location tracking in rural or remote areas.
Some aftermarket models even offer dual-network connectivity (GPS and GSM), providing better accuracy, reliability, and signal strength, regardless of location.
Customisability
Aftermarket GPS trackers are highly customisable. Whether you need it for personal use, business purposes, or fleet management, you can choose a device that specifically meets your requirements. From size and design to feature sets and installation preferences, aftermarket trackers offer the flexibility to personalise your car tracking experience.
Factory-fitted units, in contrast, are pre-installed with fixed features and limited options for customisation. Once the tracker is built into the car’s system, you have little control over its performance or how it operates.
Independent Security
Factory-fitted GPS trackers are typically linked to your vehicle’s internal systems, which means that thieves who are familiar with the manufacturer’s design may know how to disable or tamper with the factory-fitted tracker. In contrast, aftermarket insurance approved can be installed in hidden or unconventional locations, making it more difficult for potential thieves to locate or interfere with them.
Additionally, aftermarket Thatcham certified trackers often come with additional security layers, such as tamper alerts and battery backups, to ensure that your car remains trackable even if someone attempts to remove or disable the device.
Wide Range of Options
When you opt for an aftermarket GPS tracker, you have access to a wide range of options and brands. Whether you need a discreet device for personal use or a comprehensive solution for managing a fleet of vehicles, there is an aftermarket product that suits your exact needs.
In contrast, factory-fitted GPS trackers are typically one-size-fits-all and do not offer the variety that aftermarket solutions do. This lack of choice can be frustrating for drivers who want a more tailored solution for their vehicle tracking needs.
Conclusion
While factory-fitted GPS trackers offer convenience, they often come at a higher price with fewer features and limited flexibility. Aftermarket GPS car trackers, on the other hand, provide cost-effective, customisable solutions that can be upgraded, replaced, and enhanced as needed. With advanced features such as real-time tracking, geofencing, and remote control, aftermarket trackers are ideal for drivers who want more control over their vehicle’s security and location tracking.
Ultimately, aftermarket GPS car trackers give you the freedom to choose the best device for your specific needs, offering a better blend of affordability, functionality, and flexibility than factory-installed options.
Whether you're a personal car owner looking for peace of mind or a fleet manager aiming for better efficiency, aftermarket GPS car trackers are often the superior choice for keeping your vehicles safe and secure.
