What it is
A hardwired 4G unit that wires into 12V power and hides behind the dash — no visible box to unplug. Add the R200 relay for remote engine cut-off, or SVR at R44 a month when you want a monitored response.
Device chooser · South Africa
Which GPS tracker do you actually need?
Most tracker regret starts the same way: buying on price before knowing what the tracker is for. Answer two quick questions below and The Tracking Co will tell you which GPS tracker you need — including what to confirm with your insurer before you spend anything.
- Under a minute
- No email needed
- Devices from R499
- No contract
01 · The chooser
Two questions. An honest answer.
Start with why you’re fitting a tracker — everything else follows from that. Where insurance is involved you’ll get the safe default, plus exactly what to check with your insurer before committing.
Why are you fitting a tracker?
Do you know what your insurer requires?
Do you know what your insurer requires?
How should it fit the vehicle?
The FMC920 with SVR — the monitored-recovery setup.
The Tracking Co recommends the FMC920 with the SVR add-on. It’s the strongest fit for a recovery requirement: hardwired and hidden, a 24/7 monitored response, and it flags jamming, towing, and tampering — the tricks thieves actually use.
FMC920 Advanced fleet tracker R999 Once-off · you own it
Learn more about the FMC920 SVR suggested Your insurer wants a monitored response, and that is exactly what SVR is: The Tracking Co’s 24/7 centre treats a confirmed theft as a recovery incident. R44 a month (R40 a month on the annual plan), cancel anytime.
Before you order, get the requirement in writing. Some policies name a specific device spec or an accredited installer — especially on financed or high-value vehicles. A two-line email from your insurer settles it.
Also worth a look — 4G900L (R769): Same SVR capability in the simpler everyday unit — the backup pick if you don’t need crash detection and jamming alerts. See the 4G900L →
The 4G900L — hidden, and ready if requirements change.
The Tracking Co recommends the hardwired 4G900L. If your insurer accepts any active tracker, a hidden hardwired unit is still the safer buy than a plug-in: it can’t be unplugged, and it’s SVR-ready if your policy tightens later.
4G900L The everyday workhorse R769 Once-off · you own it
Learn more about the 4G900L SVR optional You can add SVR — the 24/7 monitored recovery response, R44 a month — whenever you want it, with no new hardware.
Worth confirming in writing: that self-installation is acceptable, and that “any tracker” still holds if you change vehicles or insurers. It takes one email.
Also worth a look — FMC920 (R999): Everything the 4G900L does, plus crash detection, jamming alerts, and driver ID — the step up if this is a work vehicle. See the FMC920 →
Two safe defaults: the 4G900L or the FMC920 — then confirm with your insurer.
When the policy wording is unknown, The Tracking Co recommends what insurers usually want: a hidden, hardwired, SVR-ready tracker. Two units fit that brief equally well — same platform, same subscription, so the choice is about the hardware extras.
4G900L The everyday workhorse R769 Once-off · you own it
The everyday unit — hidden behind the dash, SVR-ready, with an optional engine cut-off relay.
Learn more about the 4G900L FMC920 Advanced fleet tracker R999 Once-off · you own it
Everything the 4G900L does, plus crash detection, jamming alerts, and driver ID — the work-vehicle pick.
Learn more about the FMC920 SVR suggested Part of the safe default because a monitored recovery response is the requirement insurers most often set. R44 a month on either unit (R40 a month on the annual plan) — drop it later if your policy turns out not to need it.
Don’t order on a guess. Ask your insurer one question first — “what tracking device does my policy require?” — and get the answer in writing. If they need less than this, chat to us and we’ll match the quote to their exact wording.
The 4G900L — the everyday hardwired workhorse.
The Tracking Co recommends the 4G900L. It wires into 12V power, hides behind the dash, and gives you live tracking, trip history and movement alerts on the platform — R50 a month, no contract.
4G900L The everyday workhorse R769 Once-off · you own it
Learn more about the 4G900L SVR optional You asked for live tracking, so SVR isn’t part of this pick. It’s the optional 24/7 monitored-recovery response, R44 a month — and the 4G900L is ready for it whenever you want it.
Also worth a look — FMC920 (R999): Adds crash detection, harsh-driving and jamming alerts for R230 more — the fleet choice. See the FMC920 →
The OBD Mini — plug it in, drive off.
The Tracking Co recommends the OBD Mini. It pushes into the OBD port and is tracking in about 30 seconds — no tools, no installer — and it moves between vehicles whenever you like. Live tracking and a full logbook for R50 a month.
OBD Mini Plug-and-play OBD R499 Once-off · you own it
Learn more about the OBD Mini No SVR on this device SVR isn’t available on the OBD Mini — a device that unplugs in seconds can’t anchor a monitored recovery. If theft response matters to you, look at the hardwired 4G900L instead.
Also worth a look — 4G900L (R769): If you later want the tracker hidden — or want SVR — the hardwired 4G900L is the step up. See the 4G900L →
The FMC880 — clamps straight onto the battery.
The Tracking Co recommends the FMC880. It’s weatherproof (IP65) and connects directly to the 12V battery terminals — fitted in about five minutes, no loom wiring. Built for trailers, plant, farm vehicles, generators, and anything else that lives outdoors.
FMC880 Rugged & weatherproof R1,199 Once-off · you own it
Learn more about the FMC880 SVR optional Not part of this pick — but the FMC880 is SVR-ready, so a 24/7 monitored recovery response (R44 a month) can be added whenever you want it.
Also worth a look — 4G900L (R769): Going inside a vehicle anyway? The 4G900L can be sealed in heat-shrink and wired straight to the battery terminals — the same live tracking for R430 less. See the 4G900L →
The FMC920 with SVR — recovery for the insurer, live tracking for you.
The Tracking Co recommends the FMC920 with the SVR add-on. One device covers both jobs: the 24/7 monitored recovery your insurer requires, and your everyday live tracking, trips and alerts — with crash detection and jamming alerts on top.
FMC920 Advanced fleet tracker R999 Once-off · you own it
Learn more about the FMC920 SVR suggested The monitored response your insurer asked for — The Tracking Co’s 24/7 centre treats a confirmed theft as a recovery incident. R44 a month (R40 a month on the annual plan), cancel anytime.
Get the requirement in writing before you order — some policies name a device spec or an accredited installer, especially on financed vehicles.
Also worth a look — 4G900L (R769): Covers the same recovery requirement and the day-to-day for R230 less — the backup pick if the fleet extras are more than you need. See the 4G900L →
The 4G900L — one hidden unit for the policy and the day-to-day.
The Tracking Co recommends the hardwired 4G900L. It satisfies an “any active tracker” requirement properly — hidden, hard to remove — and handles the everyday side too: live tracking, trip history and alerts, R50 a month.
4G900L The everyday workhorse R769 Once-off · you own it
Learn more about the 4G900L SVR optional Add SVR — the 24/7 monitored recovery response, R44 a month — later if you want someone responding to a theft, not just watching it.
Worth confirming in writing: that self-installation is acceptable to your insurer, and that the wording doesn’t change on a new vehicle or policy renewal.
Also worth a look — FMC920 (R999): Crash detection, harsh-driving and jamming alerts on top — worth it on a work vehicle. See the FMC920 →
Two safe defaults: the 4G900L or the FMC920 — confirm the insurance half first.
With the policy wording unknown, The Tracking Co recommends a hidden, hardwired, SVR-ready unit — the setup that satisfies what insurers usually want, and covers your everyday tracking on the same R50-a-month platform. Both of these fit.
4G900L The everyday workhorse R769 Once-off · you own it
The everyday unit — hidden behind the dash, SVR-ready, with an optional engine cut-off relay.
Learn more about the 4G900L FMC920 Advanced fleet tracker R999 Once-off · you own it
Everything the 4G900L does, plus crash detection, jamming alerts, and driver ID — the work-vehicle pick.
Learn more about the FMC920 SVR suggested Part of the safe default: a monitored recovery response is the requirement insurers most often set. R44 a month on either unit (R40 a month on the annual plan) — drop it if your policy turns out not to need it.
Ask your insurer one question before ordering — “what tracking device does my policy require?” — and get it in writing. If they need less, chat to us and we’ll match the quote to their wording.
02 · The default pick
The 4G900L — the right pick for 9 in 10 buyers.
The Tracking Co is a Cape Town-based GPS vehicle tracking company founded in 2016, and a decade of installs points the same way: unless you specifically need a plug-in unit or a weatherproof one, the hardwired 4G900L is the tracker to take. R769 once-off, you own it, and it’s SVR-ready the day your needs change.
What it does
Live tracking on web and the app, driving reports, geofencing, ignition alerts, and movement alerts the moment anything changes. Every platform feature included at R50 a month — no contract, no tiers.
03 · Insurance requirements
What insurers usually want.
Policies differ, but the pattern is consistent. Most accept any operational tracker — a widely cited 2025 High Court matter turned on whether a working tracker was fitted at the time of loss, not on who installed it. Financed and high-value vehicles often carry stricter wording: a monitored recovery device, sometimes fitted by an accredited installer. The only way to know is to ask — and to get the answer in writing.
An operational tracker
The baseline most policies set: a working, monitored device on the vehicle. The Tracking Co’s devices report status and alerts on the platform, which meets that standard — self-installed included.
Monitored recovery
Common on financed and high-value vehicles: tracking plus a 24/7 response. That’s a hardwired device with the SVR add-on — R44 a month on top of tracking.
Proof, in writing
Ask one question — “what does my policy require?” — and keep the email. Most insurers also give a 10–20% premium discount once an approved tracker is fitted, so it pays to ask.
Requirement in hand? Send it with your quote request and we’ll match the hardware to the wording.
04 · SVR, plainly
Tracking shows you. SVR responds.
SVR — stolen vehicle recovery — is the optional add-on that turns a confirmed theft alert into a monitored response: a 24/7 centre locates the vehicle, coordinates armed response, and tracks it until it’s recovered. R44 a month, or R40 a month on the annual plan — cancel anytime, and you can add it later with no new hardware, as long as the device is SVR-ready.
Tracking only — R50/mo
You watch.
- Live map, trip history, and a SARS-ready logbook
- Movement, ignition, geofence, and speed alerts
- You see everything — and respond yourself
- Works on every device, including the OBD Mini
Choose this if: you want visibility and records, and a monitored theft response isn’t the job.
Tracking + SVR — R44/mo extra
We respond.
- 24/7 monitoring centre watches confirmed theft alerts
- A theft becomes a recovery incident, not just a notification
- Armed response coordinated and the vehicle tracked to recovery
- Needs an SVR-ready device: 4G900L, FMC920, or FMC880
Choose this if: your insurer requires recovery, or you want someone on it at 3am — not just an alert on your phone.
05 · The lineup
Which tracker fits which job.
Four primary trackers, one platform, no contract on any of them. Every recommendation the chooser makes comes from this lineup — and there’s a full side-by-side on the products page.
Most popular 
4G900L
The everyday workhorse
R769
Once-off · you own it
- Live tracking and stolen-vehicle recovery in one hardwired unit
- Wires into 12V power and hides behind the dash; DIY or your own auto electrician
- Add the R200 relay for remote engine cut-off from the platform
- Movement, ignition, and over-speeding alerts as they happen
Best for: Cars and bakkies going onto monitored recovery, with an optional engine cut-off.
See the 4G900L in detail →
FMC920
Advanced fleet tracker
R999
Once-off · you own it
- Everything the 4G900L does, plus the data fleets act on
- Crash detection and harsh-driving alerts flag risky driving
- Jamming, towing, and unplug alerts catch tampering
- Add the R499 driver ID tag to tie every trip to a named driver
Best for: SME and mid-market fleets needing driver behaviour, crash detection, and reporting.
See the FMC920 in detail →
OBD Mini
Plug-and-play OBD
R499
Once-off · you own it
- Plugs into the OBD port and tracks in about 30 seconds — no tools, no wiring
- Live location and trip history on web and the mobile app
- Geofence and unplug alerts the moment something changes
- Visible — move it between vehicles yourself in seconds
Best for: Single-vehicle owners who want live tracking and a logbook with zero installation.
See the OBD Mini in detail →
FMC880
Rugged & weatherproof
R1,199
Once-off · you own it
- Weatherproof IP65 case built for dust, water spray, and temperature
- Clamps straight onto the 12V battery terminals — fitted in about 5 minutes
- Moves easily between vehicles, plant, generators, and trailers
- Crash, jamming, towing, and unplug detection built in
Best for: Outdoor and exposed installs — trailers, plant, farm vehicles, machinery, generators.
See the FMC880 in detail →
Tracking a trailer, generator, or plant with no ignition? The rugged FMC880 clamps to any 12V battery — and the wireless Asset Tracker (R699 + R30/mo) needs no power at all, as a hidden backup. Full type-by-type detail in the device guide, and every number on the pricing page.
06 · Choosing questions
Which-tracker questions, answered.
Which GPS tracker do I need for insurance?
Usually a hidden, hardwired tracker — and if the policy mentions recovery, one with a 24/7 monitored response. The Tracking Co’s insurance picks are the hardwired 4G900L at R769 and the FMC920 at R999, both SVR-ready with the add-on at R44 a month. If your insurer specifically requires monitored recovery, the FMC920 is the stronger fit; if any working tracker qualifies, the 4G900L covers it. Policies differ, so confirm your exact wording in writing before buying.
Do I need SVR, or is tracking enough?
It depends on who must respond when something goes wrong. Plain tracking from The Tracking Co (R50 a month) shows you where the vehicle is — live map, alerts, trips, logbook — and you act on it yourself. SVR adds a 24/7 monitoring centre that treats a confirmed theft as a recovery incident and coordinates armed response, at R44 a month extra (R40 a month on the annual plan). If your insurer requires “recovery”, that means SVR. It’s optional, cancel-anytime, and can be added later to any SVR-ready device.
Does a self-installed tracker count for insurance?
In most cases, yes. The widely cited 2025 Pretoria High Court matter turned on whether an operational tracker was fitted at the time of loss — not on who installed it. The Tracking Co’s devices report status and alerts on the platform, which meets that operational standard. Some policies on financed or high-value vehicles do prescribe an accredited installer, so check your wording and get the requirement in writing before deciding.
Can I start with a cheap OBD tracker and upgrade later?
You can — The Tracking Co hardware is owned outright, so an OBD Mini at R499 can move to another vehicle or be resold when you upgrade. The catch: if insurance is any part of why you’re fitting a tracker, starting with a plug-in usually means buying twice, because a visible device that unplugs in seconds rarely satisfies policy wording. In that case start with the hardwired 4G900L at R769 and confirm with your insurer before adding anything else.
What’s the difference between tracking for insurance and tracking for myself?
Who the tracker must satisfy. Tracking for yourself is about the platform — live map, trips, alerts, and a SARS-ready logbook, which every device from The Tracking Co provides from R50 a month. Tracking for insurance is about the device meeting policy wording: typically hidden, hardwired, and on stricter policies backed by a 24/7 monitored recovery response. The good news is that one hardwired device does both jobs at once.
How much does the right GPS tracker cost in South Africa?
Hardware is once-off and owned: R499 for the plug-in OBD Mini, R769 for the hardwired 4G900L, R999 for the fleet-grade FMC920, and R1,199 for the rugged FMC880. Tracking is then R50 a month or R540 a year per vehicle, with the optional SVR recovery add-on at R44 a month. The Tracking Co doesn’t do contracts, so there’s no lock-in either way.
Ready to start tracking?
Hardware from R499. Subscriptions from R50 a month. No contracts, no setup fee, no surprise upgrades.
Get my quote → Or call the office on 021 330 5408, or WhatsApp 083 399 9937.