From data privacy to cheap devices, there are several hidden truths behind car-tracking services in South Africa.
“At first glance, car tracking seems straightforward: a device shows you your vehicle’s location on a map. But there’s much more to tracking than meets the eye,” notes vehicle telematics firm Cartrack.
“Modern tracking devices are complex tools capable of gathering vast amounts of data, which can be both a benefit and a concern, depending on how it’s handled.”
Hidden role of data in car tracking
Today’s tracking units are like digital diaries for your vehicle. They don’t just pinpoint where your car is but also log details about how it’s driven, how much fuel it’s consuming, and even how often it idles.
“This wealth of data can be incredibly useful, but can also raise questions about ownership and privacy,” said Cartrack.
It’s therefore important to take note of who owns this data.
“One of the first things many people overlook is the question of data ownership. Who controls all that information your car tracker collects? You might be surprised to learn that with some vehicle tracking providers, the answer isn’t ‘you’,” said Cartrack.
Certain companies store your data on their servers and, in select cases, share it with third parties such as insurers, advertisers, or regulatory agencies without your knowledge.
Before choosing a service provider, ask how your data will be handled and with whom it will be shared.
Additionally, ask what happens to shared information.
“Even when data is kept anonymous, it can still reveal trends and patterns about your behaviour,” said Cartrack.
“Some providers sell this anonymised data to insurers or marketers, who might use it to influence things like your insurance premiums.”
Hidden costs not mentioned upfront
Buying a car tracker may seem like a straightforward transaction, but hidden costs such as monthly or annual subscriptions and shoddy equipment can quickly add up.
Consumers must heed that subscription fees is an ongoing expense after purchasing a tracking device and should be budgeted for alongside other expenses such as fuel and insurance.
“Most tracking systems require separate subscriptions for features like live updates or detailed reports. These fees might seem minor at first, but can become a significant expense over time,” said Cartrack.
Furthermore, the old adage of buying cheap is expensive rings true when it comes to vehicle trackers.
Low-cost devices often lack essential features like geofencing or crash detection. Worse still, they can be unreliable when it matters most.
“Take the story of a small business owner who bought a cheap tracker online to cut costs, only to find it malfunctioning within months,” highlights Cartrack.
“When one of his fleet vehicles was stolen, the device failed to provide accurate location data, leading to a total loss.”
The last cost-related item to consider is long-term contracts.
Many providers lock customers into rigid agreements, making it costly to switch if the service doesn’t live up to expectations.
Hidden differences between service providers
The market is filled with service providers who all offer competitive rates and attractive products, however, keep in mind that not all deliver the same level of performance, reliability, or features.
“Knowing what to look for can save you a lot of headaches,” said Cartrack.
The accuracy of GPS services can vary dramatically from provider to provider. You should preferably choose a company with a proven track record for real-time GPS surveillance.
“Imagine trying to locate a stolen vehicle, only to find that the tracker’s GPS signal is off by several kilometres,” said Cartrack.
“For businesses or individuals, poor accuracy can make a world of difference, especially in the case of an emergency.”
Advanced features can make one tracker contract far better than another, too.
Things such as crash detection, fuel monitoring, or even driver behaviour analysis can save you money, improve safety, and enhance efficiency.
“Basic location tracking is useful, but advanced features can transform how you use your vehicle,” concludes Cartrack.
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