What "track my car" means and who uses it
Car tracking refers to using technology to monitor your vehicle's location, movement, and sometimes its condition in real time or after the fact. The term covers several different tools: built-in systems from your car manufacturer, aftermarket GPS devices you install yourself, smartphone apps that work with your vehicle, and services offered by insurance companies or lenders.
People track their cars for different reasons. Parents monitor teenage drivers. Fleet managers watch commercial vehicles. Insurance companies reduce rates for drivers who consent to monitoring. People with loans or leases may be required to allow tracking as a condition of the contract. Someone might track a vehicle they own to locate it if it's stolen, or straightforward to know where a family member is.
The technology itself is straightforward: a GPS receiver in or on the car sends location data to a server, which displays it on a map you can view on your phone or computer. What matters for you is understanding what each option costs, what data it collects, who can see it, and what happens to that data.
Key Takeaways
- Your car may already have a built-in tracking system from the manufacturer — check your owner's manual or the infotainment system menu for names like OnStar, BMW Connected Drive, or Tesla's app.
- Aftermarket GPS trackers range from $20 to $300 and plug into your car's OBD-II port (a diagnostic socket under the steering wheel) or attach magnetically to the exterior.
- Insurance companies offer discounts for allowing them to track your driving habits, but you control whether to participate and can usually opt out at any time.
- If your car is financed or leased, the lender or lessor may have already installed tracking without your knowledge — check your contract and ask the dealer directly.
- Tracking data is personal information; understand who owns it, how long it's kept, and whether it can be sold or shared before you enable any system.
Built-in manufacturer tracking systems
Most new cars come with some form of tracking or location service built in by the manufacturer. General Motors uses OnStar, which can pinpoint your vehicle and unlock it remotely if you're locked out. BMW, Mercedes, and Audi have their own apps — BMW Connected Drive, Mercedes me, Audi connect — that show your car's location on a smartphone map. Tesla vehicles send location data to Tesla's servers automatically, visible through the Tesla app. Ford has FordPass, Chevrolet has the MyChevrolet app, and Honda has HondaLink.
These systems typically require you to create an account with the manufacturer and link it to your vehicle's VIN (vehicle identification number). Some are free; others charge a monthly subscription after a trial period. The subscription cost varies widely — anywhere from $5 to $20 per month depending on the brand and what features you want beyond basic location tracking.
To learn about your car has one, check your owner's manual under "Connected Services" or "Mobile App," or look in your car's infotainment system settings. If you see an option to pair with a smartphone app, the system is likely already installed. You straightforward need to read the app and create an account.
Aftermarket GPS trackers you install yourself
If your car doesn't have a built-in system or you want a standalone option, you can buy an aftermarket GPS tracker. These devices range from small plug-in units to hardwired systems, and prices run from $20 for a basic device to $300 or more for advanced models with two-way communication.
The most common type plugs into your car's OBD-II port, a diagnostic socket located under the steering wheel or dashboard (check your manual for the exact location). You straightforward insert the device, read the corresponding app on your phone, and you can see your car's location. Popular brands include Viofo, Tracki, LTE, and Spytec. These devices use cellular data to send location information to a server, so they require either a one-time purchase plan or a monthly subscription, usually $5 to $15 per month.
Magnetic GPS trackers attach to the exterior of your car and work similarly, though they're easier to remove and may have shorter battery life. Hardwired trackers are installed by a professional and draw power directly from your car's electrical system, so they don't need charging, but installation costs $100 to $300.
Aftermarket trackers give you full control over the data — you own it, and you decide who sees it. They're useful if you're tracking a vehicle you own outright and don't want a subscription to a manufacturer's service.
Insurance company tracking programs
Many insurance companies offer usage-based insurance programs that track your driving habits and offer discounts if you drive safely. These programs go by names like Snapshot (Progressive), DriveEasy (State Farm), Milewise (Allstate), and SafetyNet (Nationwide). They monitor how often you drive, how fast you go, how hard you brake, and what time of day you're on the road.
Participation is voluntary — you choose whether to enroll — and you can usually turn it off or cancel at any time. The discount ranges from 10% to 30% depending on your driving record and the insurer, though you must maintain safe driving habits to keep the discount. If you drive recklessly or frequently, the discount may disappear or your rate may increase.
These programs use either a plug-in device (similar to aftermarket trackers) or a smartphone app. The data is owned by the insurance company and used only to calculate your rate; it's not sold to third parties, though the company's privacy policy will spell out exactly how long they keep it and whether they share it with affiliates.
Tracking requirements in car loans and leases
If you financed or leased your car, the lender or lessor may have installed tracking without your explicit knowledge. This is legal and common, especially for subprime auto loans (loans to borrowers with poor credit). The lender uses the tracker to locate the car if you default on payments, and in some cases can remotely disable the engine to prevent you from driving it.
Check your loan or lease agreement under sections titled "Security," "Collateral," or "Default." If tracking is mentioned, it's already installed. If you're unsure, call the lender or dealership and ask directly: "Is there a GPS tracker on this vehicle?" They are required to tell you.
You generally cannot remove a lender-installed tracker without violating your contract, but you can ask the lender to disable the remote engine-disable feature if it's present. Some lenders will do this if you're current on payments and have a good payment history.
What data is collected and who owns it
Different tracking systems collect different information. At minimum, all of them record your vehicle's location and the time. Many also record speed, acceleration, braking patterns, and which routes you take. Some systems log how many miles you drive per day, whether you drive at night, and how often you exceed the speed limit.
Manufacturer systems (OnStar, Tesla, BMW Connected Drive) store this data on the company's servers. Their privacy policies vary, but generally they keep location history for 12 to 24 months and do not sell it to third parties. However, they may share it with law enforcement if served with a warrant, and they may use it internally to improve their services.
Aftermarket trackers you own store data on the tracker company's servers, and you typically own the data. The company keeps it as long as you maintain a subscription; once you cancel, they delete it after a set period (usually 30 to 90 days). Insurance company programs keep data for the duration of your policy and for a period afterward (often 3 to 7 years) for claims purposes.
Before enabling any tracking system, read the privacy policy to understand: how long data is kept, whether it can be sold or shared, who can access it, and what happens to it if the company is sold or goes out of business.
Comparing the main options
| Option | Cost | Setup | Data Ownership | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer app (OnStar, Tesla, BMW Connected Drive) | Free to $20/month | read app, create account | Manufacturer owns; you can view | New car owners who want integrated service |
| Aftermarket GPS tracker (plug-in or magnetic) | $20–$300 + $5–$15/month | Plug into OBD-II port or attach magnetically | You own the data | Owners of older cars or those who want full control |
| Insurance usage-based program | 10–30% discount on premiums | Enroll through insurer, plug in device or read app | Insurance company owns; you can opt out | Safe drivers looking to lower insurance costs |
| Lender-installed tracker (financed/leased) | Included in loan/lease | Already installed | Lender owns; you cannot remove | Required if you financed or leased the vehicle |
Privacy and legal considerations
Tracking your own car is legal. Tracking someone else's car without their knowledge or consent is illegal in most states and can result in criminal charges. If you're a parent tracking a minor child's vehicle, the laws are less clear, but it's generally considered acceptable. If you're tracking a spouse's car without their knowledge, that may violate wiretapping or stalking laws depending on your state.
Your location data is considered personal information under many state privacy laws, including California's Consumer Privacy Act and Virginia's Consumer Data Protection Act. This means companies that collect it must tell you what they're doing, allow you to see it, and let you delete it in some cases. If a company is breached and your location history is exposed, you may have legal recourse.
If you're concerned about privacy, you have options: use a manufacturer system and review its privacy policy before enabling it, choose an aftermarket tracker that stores data locally on the device rather than in the cloud, or opt out of insurance tracking programs (though you'll lose the discount). You cannot opt out of a lender-installed tracker, but you can ask the lender what data they collect and how long they keep it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I track my car if it's stolen?
Yes, if you have a tracking system installed. Contact the tracking company or manufacturer when ready and provide them with your vehicle's VIN and the date it was stolen. They can pinpoint the location and provide that information to police. However, GPS trackers rely on cellular or satellite signals, so they won't work if the car is in a garage or underground. Police may not pursue recovery based on GPS data alone, but the information helps.
Will tracking my car drain the battery?
Plug-in OBD-II trackers draw minimal power and won't drain your battery. Magnetic GPS trackers have their own batteries and last anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the model. Manufacturer systems and insurance apps use your phone's battery, not your car's. Hardwired trackers draw power from your car's electrical system but use so little that you won't notice a difference in battery life.
Can I remove a tracker that came with my financed car?
Not without violating your loan agreement. Removing a lender-installed tracker is considered tampering with collateral and can trigger default on your loan. If you want the tracker disabled, contact your lender and ask if they'll do it for you, especially if you have a good payment history. Some lenders will disable the remote engine-disable feature but keep the location tracker active.
Do I need permission from my insurance company to install my own tracker?
No. Installing an aftermarket tracker on your own car is your choice. However, if you're enrolled in an insurance usage-based program, the insurer may require you to use their specific device or app, not a third-party tracker. Check your policy documents or call your agent to confirm.
What happens to my tracking data if I cancel my subscription?
It depends on the company. Manufacturer systems typically keep location history for 12 to 24 months after you cancel, then delete it. Aftermarket tracker companies usually delete data 30 to 90 days after cancellation. Insurance companies keep data for the duration of your policy and for 3 to 7 years afterward for claims purposes. Check the privacy policy of any service before you sign up to understand their data retention policy.