Do Leased Cars Have Trackers? Are They Following You?!

Car trackers are essential for vehicles as they inform of the exact location of the cars, thus preventing theft. But do leased cars have trackers?

Many often wonder how car trackers work and what benefits they can provide to rental companies and customers. We have researched more about car trackers and compiled this report.

What is Tracking, and How Does it Work?

Tracking refers to using technology such as GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, or other electronic devices to monitor the location of an object.

The tracking device records and transmits data such as speed, direction, and time of travel to a central server which can then be analyzed by authorized personnel through specialized software.

Tracking has multiple uses across different industries, including transportation, logistics, automotive manufacturing and maintenance, vehicle rental services, and security companies.

Why Do Companies Use Trackers in Leased Cars?

In the car rental industry, trackers are used almost exclusively for leasing cars because it’s difficult for companies to keep track of their vehicles, especially if they are spread out across a large geographic area.

GPS trackers allow rental companies to monitor and manage their leased vehicles remotely and ensure that all cars under the lease are being used as per rental agreements.

The Benefits of a GPS Tracker for Car Rental Companies

Using tracking devices allows car rental companies to quickly locate any vehicle under a lease, wherever it may be at any time. 

This can help them respond quickly to customer support requests or repairs and maintain high service standards while keeping costs down through efficient fleet management practices.

Furthermore, since these devices provide real-time information about driving behavior, such as speed limits and sudden accelerations or decelerations, car rental companies can identify inefficient drivers early on and take appropriate action before bigger problems arise. 

This results in fewer accidents or violations, translating into lower insurance premiums.

By monitoring each vehicle’s location at all times, car rental businesses can more effectively plan routes for pick up and drop-offs and better manage their staff and resources.

Different Types of Tracking Devices Used in Leased Cars

The most common tracking device used in leased cars is GPS trackers, which come with various features depending on the specific model chosen.

These devices can range from basic units that merely provide location data to sophisticated systems with advanced capabilities like real-time vehicle diagnostics, engine performance monitoring, and even driver behavior analysis for improved safety.

Other trackers include RFID tags or cellular-based solutions, which allow car rental companies to track their vehicles without relying on satellite navigation services. However, these may be limited by areas with no mobile phone coverage or poor signal quality.

What Should You Look for When Choosing a Tracking Device For Your Leased Vehicle?

When selecting a tracker for your leased vehicle, you must consider the specific features and capabilities you need. 

The most basic trackers may be sufficient for keeping an eye on cars serviced regularly. However, more advanced models may be required if you want to monitor driver behavior or receive alerts in case of unauthorized use.

You should also consider factors such as battery life, installation complexity, and cost, as they can all affect the device’s overall performance.

Finally, ensure that any tracking device chosen is compatible with your existing IT infrastructure to integrate with other systems without issues properly.

Common Features Found on Car Trackers

Most tracking devices have features such as customizable geofencing, speed monitoring, real-time alerts and reports, and remote diagnostics.

Geofencing

Geofences allow you to draw virtual boundaries around an area, monitor whether the vehicle leaves or enters that specific location, and send out an alert whenever it does. This is great if you have a teenager driving your leased car.

Speed Monitoring

Speed monitoring enables you to set maximum speed limits for your vehicles so that any violations can immediately be identified and addressed as necessary. This ensures safe driving practices are followed at all times within your fleet of cars under a lease.

Real Time Alerts

Real-time alerts can also provide helpful information about each vehicle’s current status or activity to take immediate action if required.

Reports

Comprehensive reports help analyze trends over time for better decision-making when planning routes or scheduling servicing appointments.

Remote Diagnostics

Remote diagnostics enable car rental companies to run basic tests on their leased vehicles remotely without having someone physically inspect them, saving valuable resources while maintaining high service standards across their fleets globally.

Fitting and Installing a GPS Tracker to Your Leased Car

Most trackers nowadays are fairly easy to install as they only require connecting them directly to the onboard diagnostic port (OBD) found in modern cars. 

This standard port is found in most cars built after 1996, enabling communication between the car’s computer and specialized software used to monitor vehicle performance or diagnose problems.

Older models may require professional installation as they are designed for hard-wiring into the vehicle’s electrical system; however, these can still be easily done by any experienced auto electrician within a short time.

How Can Customers Benefit From Having Trackers Fitted to Their Vehicles?

Having trackers fitted to their leased vehicles can provide customers with multiple benefits, including:

• Improved safety through speed monitoring
• Better route planning and scheduling for faster pick-ups and drop-offs.
• Lower insurance premiums due to fewer accidents or violations resulting from driver negligence or carelessness.
• Peace of mind while using rental services, knowing that their vehicles are monitored remotely in case of theft or unauthorized use.

Dealing With Local Laws And Regulations Concerning Vehicle Tracking Systems 

Different countries and states may have specific laws regulating how businesses should handle data related to the tracking of leased cars.

For example, in Canada, rental companies must legally obtain consent from customers before collecting and using any personal information related to their vehicle’s location or activity. And some countries may also have restrictions on how long such data can be stored, requiring companies to delete them within a certain period after the customer has returned their car.

Key Takeaways

• Tracking refers to using technology such as GPS to monitor the location of an object.
• Car rental companies use trackers in leased cars
• Trackers help to ensure that all vehicles are being used per rental agreements.
• Car trackers may have customizable geofencing, speed monitoring, and real-time alerts.
• Consider specific needs such as battery life, installation complexity, and cost in a tracker.