Why UK insurers now require Thatcham S5 trackers for Range Rover and Defender owners in 2025
Range Rover and Land Rover Defender models remain some of the most targeted vehicles for organised theft in the UK in 2025. Even with ongoing security updates, insurers are continuing to specify Thatcham S5 trackers at renewal for these vehicles. Owners who are buying, renewing insurance or collecting a new model from the dealership often find the tracker requirement listed as a condition for cover.
This guide explains why insurers apply this condition, how Thatcham S5 trackers compare to S7, why many drivers now add immobilisers for a second layer of security, and how to configure everything for daily use without hassle.
All recommendations in this guide link directly to Specialist Trackers UK, which supplies insurance-approved Thatcham S5, S7, and car immobiliser systems with free nationwide mobile installation.
Why Range Rovers and Defenders remain high risk in 2025
Despite improvements in factory security, the Range Rover and Defender platforms continue to attract organised criminal theft groups. The reasons include:
High resale value and demand for parts
Export value to overseas markets
Availability of electronic relay and key cloning attack methods
The use of signal interception in car park and driveway situations
The ability to move vehicles quickly into shipping or dismantling supply chains
IP transfer/sale from inside JLR to organised crime
Police forces and insurers consistently list these vehicles in high‑risk categories. As a result, insurers have shifted from recommending trackers to requiring them for cover.
Most owners discover this when:
Renewing their insurance
Moving to a new postcode
Purchasing or leasing a new or used car
Changing insurer or policy type
If your insurer has added the requirement, you must provide proof of installation and active subscription. This is why purchasing from an approved supplier with Thatcham certification and documentation matters.
Why insurers specify Thatcham S5 instead of S7 for Range Rover and Defender models
The difference is straightforward:
What both S5 and S7 provide:
24/7 monitored tracking
Control room support with police-led recovery
What sets S5 apart:
Automatic Driver Recognition: You carry an ID tag, and if the vehicle moves without it, the system flags a likely theft
Stronger protection against relay and key cloning because ADR verifies the driver
Proactive theft alerts, S5 responds quickly and automatically to potential theft alerts
Where each is usually required:
For high-risk, keyless models like Range Rover and Defender, insurers usually require Thatcham S5 as the minimum
Thatcham S7 is sometimes accepted for lower-risk vehicles where driver recognition is not specified
This is critical in relay theft, where thieves amplify the key signal from inside your home to unlock and start the vehicle. Without ADR, a system cannot reliably tell if the correct driver is present (which is the case with Thatcham S7)
Short version
If you own a Range Rover or Defender, insurers almost always require S5, not S7.
If your document says S5, installing S7 will not satisfy the condition.
Recommended Thatcham S5 trackers for Range Rover and Defender
Browse:
Thatcham S5 Trackers
https://www.specialist-trackers.uk/trackers/thatcham-s5-trackers
Popular choices for these models include:
Meta Trak S5 VTS
https://www.specialist-trackers.uk/shop/p/meta-trak-s5-tracker
Insurance approved, secure ADR tags, live tracking and app control.ScorpionTrack S5 VTS
https://www.specialist-trackers.uk/shop/p/scorpiontrack-s5-tracker
24/7 monitoring and police liaison with adjustable alerts.
Both include:
Thatcham certification
Certificate of Installation (to satisfy your insurer)
ADR tags
24/7 monitoring
Live location and event alerts
UK‑wide installation at home, work or dealership
Adding immobilisation: Stronger protection for driveway and street parking
Trackers help recover vehicles. Immobilisers stop the vehicle from being driven away at all.
For Range Rover and Defender, many owners now install a combined Thatcham S5 tracker and immobiliser system for layered defence and real theft prevention capabilities.
Recommended combined systems
Meta Trak S5 DEADLOCK (most popular)
https://www.specialist-trackers.uk/trackers/tracker-and-immobiliser
Meta Trak S5 Deadlock E‑TEC (for electrified powertrains - Full EV, Hybrid and Mild-Hybrid) - Check vehicle compatibility
https://www.specialist-trackers.uk/shop/p/meta-trak-s5-deadlock-e-tec-tracker-immobiliser
Meta Trak S5 Deadlock PRO
https://www.specialist-trackers.uk/shop/p/meta-trak-s5-deadlock-pro-tracker-immobiliser
These systems most commonly operate in No Tag No Start mode.
If the system’s ID (ADR) Tag is not present, the vehicle remains immobilised.
This counters:
Key cloning
Relay attacks
Unauthorised starting via the Diagnostic port hacking
Key theft from inside the home
Installation with Specialist Trackers UK
Specialist Trackers UK provides:
Free nationwide installation
Installation at home, work or dealership
Certificate issued immediately after installation for insurer proof
Support with configuration and app setup
Order → Book install → Receive certificate → Confirm with insurer
Do you need help with a product recommendation or booking of an installation? Get in touch
Contact page:
https://www.specialist-trackers.uk/contact
Best practice security settings for Range Rovers and Land Rover Defenders
1. Separate the ADR/ID tag from the vehicle key
Ideally, do not keep them together. If keys are stolen, thieves would also have the tag and be able to start the vehicle.
2. Enable tow-away and battery disconnection alerts
These detect the earliest stages of theft attempts.
3. Use Service Mode during dealer visits
Prevents false theft alerts and possible insurer interventions.
4. Remotely immobilise your vehicle when leaving your keys behind
Going on holiday? Remotely immobilise your vehicle before you leave. This prevents thieves from starting your vehicle even if they get hold of the keys and tags.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my insurer requires Thatcham S5?
Check your policy schedule or renewal letter. If it mentions Thatcham S5 or specifies Automatic Driver Recognition, you must install an S5 tracker.
Can I install S7 instead if it is cheaper?
No. If the insurer specifies Thatcham S5, installing Thatcham S7 does not meet the condition and may invalidate cover in the event of a claim.
Do I need an immobiliser as well as a tracker?
A tracker helps recover a stolen vehicle while an immobiliser prevents theft. Many high‑risk vehicles benefit from both, especially when parked overnight or on the street. The addition of an immobiliser is highly recommended by Specialist Trackers UK to aid in the prevention of vehicle theft in the first instance.
Will the installation affect my warranty?
No. Professional and correct installation should not affect the manufacturer’s warranty. Although customer should always check their own individual vehicle warranty agreements.
How quickly can I get installation?
Specialist Trackers UK typically installs within two to five working days. Certificates are issued immediately after installation.