Tracker Alternatives?

ralphmusic · Mar 7, 2009

I have a Boxster S PDK arriving in a couple of weeks and insurance requires tracker. Porsche VTS is expensive and just a branded Cobra. My local, but not supplying OPC, told me that systems other than the VTS (and one assumes the Cobra equivalent) drain the battery (and then went on about canbus etc -but stopped when I laughed).

Question is - any experiences of other tracker systems in terms of causing or not causing battery drain or other interference either in Gen II or 987 Boxster.

Thanks for any input.

tscaptain · Mar 7, 2009

Unless you want the tracker activated, change your insurer[

]

Geoff_Fields · Mar 7, 2009

It's worrying that they result to a load of bovine excrement so readily. Not very proffesional.

Mark_Bennett · Mar 7, 2009

As they need power to operate - They will ALL drain the battery!

One warning is that if you have a 3rd party tracker fitted I would find out how this affects your warranty. As some on extended warranty's have had to change wiper blades (to the Porsche ones) in order to fulfill the terms of the warranty I fear what might happen with 3rd party trackers...

Change insurers might be the best bet - if you are a club member then some of those that advertise in Porsche Post seem not to require tracker...

tscaptain · Mar 7, 2009

ORIGINAL: Mark Bennett

Change insurers might be the best bet - if you are a club member then some of those that advertise in Porsche Post seem not to require tracker...

Mine doesn't for if car valued below £75k

channella · Mar 8, 2009

To answer the question, iMob are supposed to be good.

Mark, can you clarify what clause in the warranty is infringed by having non-Porsche supplied windscreen wipers fitted? Same for tracking type devices?

Mark_Bennett · Mar 8, 2009

ORIGINAL: boxster27

Mark, can you clarify what clause in the warranty is infringed by having non-Porsche supplied windscreen wipers fitted? Same for tracking type devices?

No I can't, but take a look on the 996 forum where people have mentioned that they had to get Bosch wipers replaced by Porsche ones (who makes these?) before they were allowed to take up the warranty.

Which would seem crazy, but the new rules don't allow me to say so...[8|]

Geoff_Fields · Mar 8, 2009

The clause is; We reserve the right to change, ammend or simply just make up conditions as we go along.[

] Or in other words, protectionism.[

]

jonw · Mar 8, 2009

Guys i had the VTS fitted. When it all came down to it i could get another Tracker fitted for a bit less (not a whole heap when you compare equivalent systems GPS etc) but after all was said and done adding 1k plus 200 quid a year seemed silly to quibble over on a car that specced up cost best part of 50k.

Twice my mrs has set it off by forgetting the fob and both times Cobra have been all over it in seconds. Both times knew exactly where it was and gave me a very good feeling about my pride and joy being as protected as it could be.

Yes you can get some insurers to cover it without but check how much those will knock off for having it fitted

Just my two penneth and all IMHO

Regards Jon

gdavison · Mar 8, 2009

I'd add my two penneth to jon's post .. Both my cars have tracker and I feel better knowing that - as Jon says the times you screw up and forget the fob, they are on it in seconds.. great peace of mind for me .. However as with all life .. each to there own there is no one answer

G

Mark Elder · Mar 8, 2009

You can get a basic "Tracker" brand tracker for a lot less than VTS and your insurance company will find it acceptable - but IMHO that's not the reason for getting a tracker - as others have said, change insurance company if that's your reason. If you want a good system go with Cobra or i-Mob (or VTS)

spyderman · Mar 8, 2009

From my experience (when I bought my 2004 Boxster S) from phoning various insurance companies, no one will offer sufficient savings on their policy to offset the annual costs.

London987 · Mar 8, 2009

you can get a subscription with tracker that lasts as long as you have the car - around three hundred quid if i remember rightly.

anthonyvickery · Mar 8, 2009

I have had mixed experiences with Cobra. Yes they always ring if you move the car, but when I sold my 997 last year I forgot to tell them.
Three months later, I bought a Boxster and the PC activated the Cobra tracker. As I still had a subscription I phoned Cobra to have that transfered to the new car. I was told that I had to buy a whole years new subscription because mine had been transfered to the new owner of my 997. I asked them who had authorised the transfer? Yes, you guessed it, the new owner just rang them up and told them he had bought a 997 privately- so they just took his details (and his money).
Hardly inspires confidence does it?

channella · Mar 9, 2009

One thing to bear in mind about GPS based systems is that they need to see the sky, 'cos that's where the satellites are. So won't work in the back of the truck with your car in... A radio based system is needed too (could be mobile phone based) or instead.

khalb · Mar 26, 2009

Just collected my Gen 2 Boxster and it would have taken me 4yrs of insurance savings to offset the costs of having a tracker fitted, hence I just chose to change my insurer.

BrianJ · Mar 27, 2009

I had same experience. Surprised, particularly as product includes loan car cover (eg when own car being serviced) and 2 track days/year - albeit with increased excess.

phlize · Mar 27, 2009

ORIGINAL: slapshot

If it helps, Norwich Union don't require a tracker and they are currently the cheapest insurer for my Cayman. This was arranged through Porsche Insurance Services.

I'm insured through Porsche Insurance Services too - I have a tracker fitted but they only offered £17 discount on the premium - and at what is said to be £100-200 annual subscription that made no sense. This has too be one of the worst value Porsche Options on a new car!!??

Gary C · Mar 27, 2009

I had the RAC Tracstar in my Subaru (standard fit)

In a way, the perfect tracker, reduced the cost of insurance but the car did not come back after it was stolen.