Vehicle crimes in South Africa continue to be a problem for many car and bike owners. This is a reality that most of us have had to come to grips with and find ways to mitigate the likelihood of becoming a victim.
The growing on-demand work trend has led to everyday vehicle owners using their cars and bikes dually for personal and business use, increasing their exposure to vehicle-related crimes. This has made it even more necessary for them to have adequate protection to ensure their safety.
Investing in a tracking device is one of the most effective measures that a vehicle owner can take. A GPS tracking device isn’t only for cars anymore, it’s for everything on wheels that might be at risk.
Discover the compelling reasons to invest in a tracking device and see why Cartrack stands out as a leading provider in this essential market.
A car or bike is not just a mode of transport for some people, it is a symbol of accomplishment, an investment, a potential business resource, and so much more. The attachment people have to their vehicles can sometimes be deeper than that of most other assets they own, which is why it’s essential to ensure they’re properly protected.
There are many other significant reasons to get a tracking device. Let's explore some of them.
According to the South African Police Services Report from October 2024 to December 2024 (page 69), there were 4,797 carjackings in South Africa, which is an average of 52 vehicles stolen a day.
This high number demonstrates the need for GPS tracking solutions. Without a tracking device, most stolen cars would not be recovered, and the culture of hijacking would persist and potentially get worse.
One of the proactive steps you can take to secure better insurance rates and maximise savings is by getting a tracking device.
Suppose there are two car owners with vehicles of the same model and driver profile. One has a tracking device installed, and the other doesn't. The driver with a tracking device will be considered a lower-risk client and is likely to benefit from reduced insurance premiums.
Integrating a tracking device is a smart way to lower your premium.
The state of the economy now has a lot more people running small businesses in their spare time, with vehicles that do not serve an exclusively personal function. They use their cars, vans, motorbikes, and scooters for ride-hailing and delivery services to earn an extra income.
These vehicles often need extra protection and coverage as they will spend more time on the road going to a variety of places. Additionally, they are not likely to always be driven by the owner but instead by hired drivers and riders.
Knowing where these vehicles are and that they are covered should there ever be a hijacking gives peace of mind to a person who is already busy and focused on their 9-to-5 job.
Sometimes the person driving the car or riding the bike is not the owner of the vehicle. It is very common for people to add their spouses or children as official secondary drivers, especially if there is only one vehicle in the house.
It can be nerve-wracking for some parents when their children borrow a car for a night out with friends, or a spouse when their partner is driving long distances through a potentially high-risk area. In these cases, safety and visibility are important, some reassurance that these loved ones can be located in the case of an emergency or vehicle-related crime.
This peace of mind is invaluable and can turn what is a highly stressful situation into one of comfort. A tracking device in your vehicle can make all this possible; it is a must-have for those looking to reduce their worries about their loved ones.
For commercial vehicles, tracking devices are an essential part of the business. A device from a reputable provider makes it easier to manage logistics, asset management, and live tracking of trips.
Full visibility of all the cars and bikes in your business is necessary if you want to streamline operations and ensure that everything goes according to the established plans. Not only will your vehicles be safe, but your drivers as well, offering comprehensive coverage for vehicle operations and safety incidents.
When looking to get a tracking device for your car or bike, there are some considerations to make. You will need to consider the type of vehicle, how you intend to use it, the costs you will be allocating to it, and the installation and maintenance needs.
Let us see what factors need to be addressed:
Understanding why you are getting the tracking device to start off with is the first thing to do. Your intended use will determine the type of features you need, the level of service required, and even the hardware that's best suited to your vehicle.
If you're installing a tracking device for personal security, your primary concern will likely be theft recovery. In this case, you'll want a device that includes real-time tracking, anti-tamper alerts, and 24/7 recovery assistance. Additional features like driver behaviour monitoring and trip logs may also help you keep an eye on how your vehicle is being used, especially useful if multiple people drive it.
On the other hand, if you're managing a small business or a large commercial enterprise, your needs become more complex. You may need a system that offers route optimisation, camera systems, and anti-theft measures to protect the cargo.
Real-time tracking will still be essential, but integration with your business operations becomes a priority, helping you improve efficiency, reduce overheads, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
Another factor to consider is how much you are willing to pay and the amount of coverage you will need. Most people will choose entry-level options because what they want most is just vehicle tracking and stolen vehicle recovery. Others will want more coverage and additional features, which may involve higher subscription tiers or additional service charges.
These budget considerations also affect business owners whose tracking options can go up to enterprise-grade solutions. The solutions chosen will be informed by the frequency with which the cars or bikes are on the road and how often they go through high-risk areas.
Tracking device installation is a technical process best performed by professionals. Most tracking providers will send out their own people to get this process done; the only situation where a customer will need to install it themself is if they purchased the tracking device from an online marketplace.
GPS tracking technology has come a long way, offering real-time visibility, advanced reporting, and greater peace of mind for vehicle owners. At its core, GPS tracking uses satellite signals to pinpoint the exact location of a vehicle, transmitting this data to a secure platform that you can access via an app or web portal. With Cartrack, this technology is taken a step further through powerful telematics that provide insights beyond vehicle location.
Businesses from various industries use our tracking devices to monitor the usage and movements of assets such as valuable tools and machinery. For example, in the agricultural sector, GPS tracking technology can be used to map fields and track the location of equipment. Non-powered farming assets such as seeders can be equipped with tracking software to optimise crop production. Managers receive full data activity reports or daily alerts so they can see exactly where the equipment is and how it is being used.
At Cartrack, we offer a range of value-added services on top of our standard tracking option. These additional features are designed to enhance your standard contract and give you even greater control and peace of mind.
Here are some value-added services that you can get for your bike or car:
You can keep your drivers on the right track with Cartrack’s geofence features. This allows you to create virtual boundaries around areas that you want to avoid; whenever this boundary is breached, you will be notified. By doing this, you get full visibility and real-time alerts of where your cars or bikes are.
Are you always parking in public areas and want more security for your car? CarWatch can be that extra security for you. When activated, it acts like your own personal car guard. If your car moves without permission, you will receive an alert on your phone immediately followed by a prompt call from our 24/7 control centre to confirm your safety.
Cartrack’s tracking device with advanced telematics capabilities collects data from your vehicle and stores it on our database.
The data that is collected helps you track how you use your car. This information includes:
Having Cartrack on your side will feel like there’s always someone looking out for you. Crash detection is our emergency assistance offering that sends out an alert when you get into a collision with another vehicle. When our control room receives the alert, we will immediately check on you to see what type of assistance you need.
Cartrack tracking solutions include Protector, our roadside assistance offering, which gives you support when you experience vehicle-related issues. Whether you’re dealing with a breakdown or a flat tyre, simply contact us and we’ll dispatch immediate roadside assistance to your exact location, nationwide.
Cartrack stands tall as one of the industry's leaders in vehicle tracking. Whether you’re a solo driver, a small business owner, or managing a nationwide fleet, the right tracking partner can make all the difference, not just in protecting your vehicles but in saving time, cutting costs, and streamlining operations.
If you want peace of mind knowing that your car or bike is safe, then we are the clear choice for you. With a strong presence in South Africa and a growing footprint, we’re trusted by millions to deliver reliable, round-the-clock protection and industry-leading service.
Here is a better look at the value we can bring to you:
Cartrack comes with a proven track record in South Africa and has a global footprint in over 23 countries. This is a testament to how reliable and effective our product offering has been. What this also means is that our services are available for cross-border tracking and recovery for people seeking international coverage and protection.
We have a skilled and highly trained network of response agents scattered all across the country. These recovery agents will be promptly deployed when a hijacking or car theft has occurred. Using the location data from your tracking device, these teams will use ground and air forces to track down your stolen car, depending on the circumstances and severity of the crime.
We offer a mobile app with an intuitive and user-friendly interface, which is available on iOS and Android app stores.
Our app is capable of:
Tracking devices are versatile and can be used on a variety of vehicles, which makes them adaptable enough for singular vehicles and fleets. This means that should you already have a tracking contract with us and choose to purchase a new vehicle, our services can align with that goal. This could be a new car for the family or an additional bike for your fleet of business vehicles.
When it comes to the safety and security of your vehicles, Cartrack comes fully prepared and equipped. Our advanced technology forms the foundation of our comprehensive tracking and recovery solutions. We boast a recovery rate of approximately 90%, so with us on your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that should anything happen, we will have you covered.
Contact us today to protect your vehicles and see how our tracking solutions can work for you.
How does a GPS tracking device work on different types of vehicles?
It functions the same on all vehicles and offers the same capabilities. The power source, accuracy range and mobile app features are identical. The only difference is in the location of where the device is installed, which will change based on vehicle type and the discretion of the technician.
How accurate is Cartrack’s real-time GPS tracking?
It is very accurate and meets the standard accuracy radius of two metres. Our system refreshes every three seconds as the vehicle moves. The system keeps location data stored in areas without any signal and reinstates the lost route data when it reaches a connectivity zone.
What happens if the tracking device is tampered with or disconnected?
Your tracking unit has tamper alerts on it, which is triggered when someone fiddles with or disconnects it. Our control room will be notified, and you will be informed of this occurrence. A recovery team will then be sent out to locate the car.
How long does it take to install a Cartrack device?
The installation of a tracking device is a quick and simple process. It usually takes between 2-4 hours to get the entire process done. Some delays and technical issues may prolong the time, but those situations are unlikely.
Can I move my tracking to another vehicle if I sell my car or bike?
Yes, we do offer this service to our customers. We can deregister your current device and reinstall it in the new vehicle. Your contract will remain unaffected throughout this process.
Is there a warranty on Cartrack devices?
Yes, you can get a one-year warranty on your device or upgrade to a lifetime warranty. This will come as a value-added service with a small fee added to your premiums.
Discover why GPS tracking devices are essential in SA. From bikes to fleets, Cartrack offers smart, reliable solutions for safety, control, and peace of mind.
