Thatcham Tracker Comparison:
MTrack 7 vs S5 & S7 Trackers | Advanced Vehicle Security by Automatrics

Compare Automatrics MTrack 7 and MTrack 6 to Thatcham S5 & S7: The Ultimate Tracker for Vehicle Security

When it comes to vehicle security, choosing the right tracker can make all the difference. While Thatcham-approved trackers, such as the S5 and S7, are generally considered acceptable for the insurance industry administrators these standards remain old and somewhat rigid,  this makes them extremely difficult to improve or update. In real terms the standard remains much as they were back in 2009, and their recovery performance has simply failed to keep pace with current theft trends. Automatrics offer superior tracking solutions with the MTrack 7 and MTrack 6 systems. Below, we compare these products and services to ensure your vehicle’s protection goes beyond just the basics.

Why Insurance Thatcham S5 Trackers no longer set the benchmark in Theft Recovery ?

Thatcham S5 trackers are commonly required by insurance policies for vehicles with high value or theft risk. These trackers provide features such as GPS tracking, bi-directional communication, unrecognised driver alerts and 24/7 monitoring. However, as vehicle security technology advances and criminals adapt, the limitations of the Thatcham S5 standard become more apparent:

• Outdated Standards: The Thatcham S5 standard references outdated BSI standards.
• Predictable Signals: S5 trackers on theft, mandate to transmit GPS location updates every minute when stationary, which can make them more detectable by criminals. If thieves are savvy, they may disable the tracker by locating it based on its predictable signals.
• Limited Redundancy: The Thatcham S5 tracker standard specifies GPS location, which can be blocked or jammed, leaving your vehicle vulnerable in certain conditions.
• NO requirement for 4G: UK loses 2G in December 2032, but outside UK such as France loses 2G in January 2027,  without 4G vehicles will not be traceable in most all other countries
• OEM Partners & Fit Locations: Criminals view OEM vehicle manufacture tracker devices within the public domain, they can then share and exploit defeat tactics such as OEM tracker type and fit location.

The Advantages of Automatrics MTrack 7 & MTrack 6 Over Thatcham S5/S7 Trackers

Automatrics offers MTrack 6 and MTrack 7, Stolen Vehicle Recovery (SVR) tracker systems, these are designed for stealth after-market fitment,  with random user selected locations,  avoiding criminal detection is key ensuring an outperforming of Thatcham S5 and S7 trackers. Here’s how Automatrics’ trackers stand out:

Enhanced Redundancy with Hybrid Tracking

Unlike Thatcham S5, Automatrics MTrack 7 and 6 combine GPS, LBS (location Based Service) with RF (Radio Frequency) tracking, this layered hybrid location tracking means that when GPS signals are jammed or blocked, your vehicle’s location remains accurately traceable.

Improved Connectivity

• 4G Connectivity: The MTrack 7 & 6 work with both 4G & 2G networks, with a global roaming SIM providing reliable and consistent tracking, even outside the UK. This is a significant upgrade over the Thatcham S5 and S7, which do not specify 4G  so older 2G/3G trackers and their networks will soon become obsolete.
• Worldwide Cell Location: Automatrics MTrack offers global connectivity, ensuring your vehicle is protected unlike older trackers that may struggle to maintain functionality in certain regions.

Advanced Security Features

• Tamper Detection & Alerts: Both MTrack 7 and MTrack 6 are equipped with a tamper alarm to notify you if anyone attempts to disable or remove the tracker. This is a level of protection not typically found in Thatcham S5 trackers.
• Dual Sim Card & GPS: In addition to the standard GPS, Automatrics MTrack 7 features dual GPS for added security and dual SIM cards, ensuring continuous communication even if one network fails.

Covert Operation & Non-Scannable Technology

The MTrack devices are designed to remain undetectable until a remote monitoring centre-controlled theft activation is triggered. The non-scannable technology ensures that thieves cannot easily locate or disable the tracker when parked up a few minutes down the road, unlike the S5 system, which can be detected through predictable reporting.

How Automatrics MTrack Outperforms Thatcham S5/S7 in Theft Recovery

• Faster Response Time: With MTrack’s live tracking and SMS alerts, you’ll be notified in real-time, enabling quicker action for vehicle recovery.
• More Secure: MTrack’s dual GPS and cellular geofencing ensure your vehicle is traceable and recoverable, even in challenging environments like underground garages or remote areas.
• No Wires to Trace: Thieves can’t trace the tracker’s location, as the MTrack stealth module are wireless, offering the ultimate in covert security.

Why Choose Automatrics Over Thatcham Trackers?

Don’t rely on outdated Thatcham standards, these are not the highest performing theft recovery tracking systems.  If you want advanced, reliable, and proven covert protection for your vehicle, choose the Automatrics MTrack 7 and 6. With modern technology designed to overcome the shortcomings of Thatcham S5 and S7 standards, Automatrics offers superior theft recovery solutions. Our trackers provide unmatched redundancy, connectivity, and security features to provide the best chance of recovery.

Review the Detailed Thatcham Tracker Comparison here

Why Understanding Thatcham S5 Matters for Vehicle Security

Many vehicle insurance policies in the UK require fitting a Thatcham S5-approved tracker to qualify for theft cover. However, while the S5 standard sets a baseline for security, there are several important limitations that potential customers should be aware of.

Key Limitations of Thatcham S5 Trackers

• Outdated Standards – The S5 standard is based on BS 8591:2014, which is no longer the latest guideline. The core standard has seen minimal updates in 17 years, meaning much of the technology is now outdated.
• Predictable Reporting & No Stealth – S5 trackers report a vehicle’s position every minute, even when stationary. While intended for fast theft recovery, this creates a constant detectable signal, which can make it easier for a knowledgeable thief to locate and disable the device.
• No Redundancy – S5 relies solely on GPS and cellular data. If GPS is blocked, jammed, or the vehicle is in a poor signal area, the tracker cannot provide reliable theft detection or location updates.
• Vulnerable if Keys Are Stolen – If the ADR (driver authentication tag) is on the key fob and both keys and fob are stolen, the S5 system will not detect theft, as the vehicle will appear to have been started legitimately.
• Connectivity Gaps – S5 devices are typically 2G/3G only, so after network shutdowns post-2026, trackers may fail outside the UK without proper upgrades. There is also no SMS backup, and the health check interval of 28 days is long for continuous reliability.

How Automatrics MTrack 6/7 Improves on S5 Standards

• Covert operation – Remains undetectable until activated by a theft alert.
• Hybrid location tracking – Combines GPS and RF methods for redundancy, even when GPS fails.
• Selective reporting – Only transmits signals when necessary, reducing exposure to detection.
• Modern connectivity – Designed to work with 4G networks, ensuring global reliability.