Vehicle Tracking vs Vehicle Recovery – what’s the difference?
According to Statistics South Africa 2016/17, the Victims of Crime Survey revealed that more than 42, 000 vehicles are stolen annually. Although this represents a slight decline from previous years, it provides little consolation to those of us affected by losing one of our most important possessions – our car.
Of course, using services like Uber, Taxify, and other companies that provide these types of services, offer an alternative solution to the public transport system, there are moments where you really need your car to drive to work, attend meetings and functions or watch the kids play rugby or netball.
Enter the need for vehicle tracking and/or recovery.
In South Africa, the term ‘vehicle tracking and recovery’ has become as common as the Gorilla gear lock used in the 90’s. With the consistent rise in vehicle theft and hijackings, it is important to install a vehicle tracking and recovery solution to ensure that your vehicle doesn’t become another crime statistic.
However, it’s important to know that there is a very distinct difference between vehicle tracking and vehicle recovery – one that can cause ‘grudge purchase syndrome’ should you not understand the difference and how each product/solution can serve you and your specific vehicle safety requirements. So, let’s understand the differences between tracking and recovery.
Also read: How to make sure you’re not buying a stolen car
Different strokes
Essentially, vehicle recovery is designed to provide a vehicle asset management company with the exact location of your car (or bike, or boat or any moveable asset). So, while you might be unable to track it yourself, the company is able to locate your vehicle in the event of theft, hijacking or an emergency. You simply phone the company when your car is stolen, and they will dispatch their recovery team to go and find it.
Tracking, on the other hand, is substantially different. It enables you to see the exact location of your car using your smartphone, tablet or desktop. Depending on the package you select, there are a number of additional benefits including harsh event reporting, monitoring of fuel and vehicle expenses and an automated GPS tax logbook, amongst others.
Super-charged tracking
Some tracking devices take it a step further. Through innovative technology, you can monitor your vehicle on a smartphone app and a sophisticated online portal, in real-time. You can even use the street view to see where your car is parked.
In addition, tracking systems provide a unique early warning anti-theft functionality that notifies you if someone tampers with your battery or moves your car without your consent. Over and above this, vehicle tracking solutions use a combination of GPS technology with GSM and Radio Frequency that provides accurate positioning of your vehicle without the interference from terrain-based obstacles such as hills and buildings. So, even if you lose cellphone signal, you can have peace of mind that your service provider has your back (and your car) in sight.
If you are looking for a device to simply recover your car in the event that it is stolen, a vehicle recovery device is the solution for you. However, if you want a solution that enables you to monitor your vehicle at any time and place, as well as personal safety services that provide you with peace of mind that in the event of an emergency, you and your family are taken care of, then a vehicle tracking device is the solution for you.
To find out more about vehicle tracking and vehicle recovery click here