The smallest hidden car tracker in South Africa is no bigger than a R5 coin

DigitFMS, a South African electronic security and fleet technology company, has launched what it calls the country’s smallest vehicle tracking device – the Digit D-Micro7.

According to the company, the wired Bluetooth device is designed to be concealed inside vehicles and other powered assets, and is small enough to fit on a R5 coin, measuring around 21mm long, 9.5mm wide and 4mm thick.

DigitFMS explained that it is meant to act as a second layer of recovery alongside a primary tracker or as protection for assets that would not justify a full tracking unit.

Because larger trackers can only be fitted where there is enough room for them, they are easier to find and remove, making the D-Micro7 ideal, as its size enables it to be fitted where larger trackers cannot.

“A tracker that can be found can be removed, so we wanted to give owners a recovery layer that is much harder to find,” said Rordon Cowley, Founder and CEO of DigitFMS.

He added that it works alongside a primary tracking system and does not act as a fleet management device or replace a tracking system.

“The device also gives owners a way to protect lower-value assets that would not justify a full tracking unit,” the company explained.

What makes Bluetooth trackers like this one different from traditional ones is that they do not calculate their own position and carry no SIM cards.

Instead, they transmit a unique Bluetooth identifier that can be picked up by a network of compatible mobile phones within range, adding an extra layer of security.

Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones can detect that identifier, with the nearest phone’s location relayed over the mobile network to the Digit server.

Relayed tracker positions build up on tracking applications, showing an estimated distance travelled and the general route taken to help narrow down the location of the stolen asset.

A second layer of protection

Most major insurers now require motorists to fit at least two trackers on their cars to qualify for comprehensive insurance.

This is particularly true of models that are considered high risk for theft or hijacking, or at risk of becoming a target, like the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Earlier this year, Discovery Insure, one of South Africa’s largest insurance groups, sent an email to Corolla Cross customers after it reviewed its claims data.

“We’re committed to helping you stay protected. To do this, we regularly review the risks associated with the vehicles we insure to make sure your cover remains appropriate and sustainable,” it said.

“Our latest analysis shows a significant increase in vehicle theft trends affecting certain vehicle types and locations. Using data insights, we’ve identified vehicles with a higher risk of theft and hijacking.”

In the email, Discovery mandated certain policyholders, such as owners of the Corolla Cross, to install two Crowd Search Sensors.

“To help reduce this risk and to keep your comprehensive cover in place, your vehicle(s) must have two Crowd Search Sensors installed and active,” the company said.

This device uses wireless tracking technology linked to its recovery network, greatly improving the chances of recovering a stolen vehicle.

The insurer added that customers who fail to install and activate the two sensors within the specified notice period could lose their theft and hijacking cover.

Since these requirements have taken effect at many car insurers, solutions like the D-Micro7 have emerged, but DigitFMS made it clear insurers have not yet approved the D-Micro7

“The D-Micro7 is designed to complement, rather than replace, an insurer-approved tracking system,” the company said.

“Continuous real-time tracking remains the job of a primary tracker, with the D-Micro7 adding a hidden layer behind it.”