What Car? Q&A - Do I have to fit a tracker?

Q: I need to renew the insurance on my three-year-old Subaru Impreza, but when I phoned my current insurer they insisted that I have a tracker installed. Is this a new trend with insurance companies?
Jon Hassell

A: Many companies are now asking for cars at a high risk of theft to be fitted with a tracking device – these drastically increase the chance of recovering a stolen vehicle. Subaru’s Impreza performance saloon is one such car classed as a high risk. Where you live, and whether your car is kept in a garage overnight, will have an effect on the quotes you get. If you shop around you might find that other insurers do not insist on a tracker, although this might push up your premium.