Have you ever found yourself roaming around a parking lot, trying to recall where you left your car?
Or maybe you let your child borrow it, and they haven’t returned it when they were meant to.
Fortunately, if you have ever wondered how to track a car using your phone, it’s actually quite straightforward.
The primary option is to use a built-in GPS feature, such as OnStar (GM), HondaLink, and FordPass.
The second is to download a GPS tracking app like Google Maps, SpySat, or SpotAngels. The third option is to install a GPS tracking device and link it with your phone.
Which vehicular GPS tracking option is the right choice for you?
Thankfully, in this guide, I will explore each of these three separate methods in detail.
However, initially I will outline some benefits that accompany the ability to monitor a vehicle.
“Let’s start with the guide!”
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Benefits Of Being Able To Track A Car With Your Phone
Possible Insurance Reductions
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), nearly 1 million vehicles were stolen in 2021, costing an average of approximately $9000 each.
Using these figures, it should be no shock that several insurance companies offer reductions of up to 15% on vehicles with GPS tracking systems.
Note that this ordinarily only applies to cars with an integrated tracking system or a separate GPS device.
Helps Locate Stolen Vehicles
If you use LoJack, for example, a common GPS tracking system used by many government agencies and trucking companies, they claim a recovery rate on stolen vehicles of 95%. It’s also a frequent add-on sold at car dealers, usually with a cost of between $300-$700.
However, the cost involves a direct connection between authorities and LoJack. A GPS device you buy yourself, a cellular app, or a tracking system on your automobile won’t possess this link. The encouraging information is that if you desire to oversee your vehicle using your phone, the majority of other choices are free or significantly more affordable.
Keep An Eye On Additional Drivers
Equipping your car with a GPS tracking device is an excellent way to keep track of any additional drivers using your vehicle. If your son or daughter borrowed the family car and doesn’t return by the prearranged time, simply hop on your phone and check their location.
There is an endless number of scenarios we could use, but it’s likely best to just use your imagination. Regardless, being able to track the movement of your vehicle via your phone is a marvelous way to always know where it is.
Some trackers also offer information about the vehicle while it is being driven. These include driving swiftly, accelerating rapidly, or taking corners at high speeds.
Options For Tracking A Car
Built-In GPS Tracking
Most contemporary cars come with built-in GPS tracking as part of their suite of connectivity features. You’ll usually receive a free year or more of service with the purchase of a new vehicle.
If you purchased a used car or need to extend the service, you must press the service button to talk to an agent.
Be sure to inquire about each as to whether GPS tracking is included in the initial test or if it’s an advanced feature.
Once you’re registered, simply take out your device and open the app.
Automobile brands with integrated GPS tracking available:
- FordPass – Ford
- Uconnect – Dodge, Ram, Chrysler, Jeep
- HondaLink – Honda
- NissanConnect – Nissan
- OnStar – Cadillac, Buick, GMC, Chevrolet
- Mbrace – Mercedes
- Safety Connect – Toyota
- Enform – Lexus
- BMW Assist – BMW
- Lexus – Enform
- Lincoln – Lincoln Connect
Phone App
Many applications offer GPS tracking, though if they aren’t paired to a separate device, you’ll have to leave your phone in the car.
This means purchasing a prepaid phone or adding one to your existing plan. Then, you simply plug it in, conceal it out of sight, and open the app on your primary phone. Thankfully, most apps don’t require anything intricate, just something with GPS and cellular capability.
If you’re solely wanting to solve the issue of forgetting where you park, numerous apps let you save a location on a map. Take Google Maps, for instance, which, after an update in 2017, allows you to do so without expense.
A few of our cherished free apps include SpotAngels, Google Maps, and SpySat.
GPS Device
And finally, there’s installing a GPS tracking device in your car and pairing it to your phone. Most carry a cost of between $25-$60 and require a monthly subscription ranging from about $10-$30.
The remarkable thing is that many of them offer some pretty clever features. A few of these include custom SMS notifications and the ability to track driver behavior. As well as vehicle diagnostics and monthly e-mail reports.
A few of our favorite brands include Bartun, AmericLoc, MotoSafety, Bouncie, and Vsyncs. All of these brands offer reasonable pricing and plenty of superb features.
Why Lose Track Of Your Car When You Don’t Have To?
Instead, employ one of the above GPS tracking solutions.
Whether you use the built-in GPS that you already have, download an app, or install a separate device, you should know that all of them are cost-effective and will let you know where your vehicle is at all times.
