Full checklist of insurance coverage firms providing GPS monitoring that can assist you find your stolen automotive

Having your car stolen is every motorist’s worst nightmare, but new technology could make it easier to track down – if you choose the right insurer.

Some auto insurance policies include a device to help police locate your car if it’s stolen.

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Some car insurance extras might help you track down a stolen vehiclePhoto credit: Getty

But you need to choose the right policy if you want that extra protection.

It comes as a Battersea driver woke up one morning to find her Land Rover Discovery missing.

Jo Coombs had parked her vehicle in a private lot that had large gates that were locked and controlled with a key code.

After reporting the theft to the police, she recalled that her app-based insurance policy had a GPS tracker.

The device tracks the number of kilometers you drive each month, but it also shows you where you’ve been.

Using the app, Jo was able to see where the thieves had taken her car and track it down.

Jo’s super detective work is an unexpected benefit for a certain type of car insurance.

Telematics insurance is often referred to as “black box” insurance. Here a small device is installed in your car to monitor how many kilometers you drive – and how well you drive.

The insurance policies are particularly popular with younger drivers as they can help reduce their premium costs.

On average, new drivers have to pay hundreds of pounds more to be insured as they are believed to pose a greater risk on the roads.

But telematics policies are also popular with drivers who don’t have a lot of mileage on the clock, as some let you pay per mile, which can also reduce insurance costs.

Others may reward you for careful driving by monitoring your speed and how hard you brake, or for not driving late at night or during rush hours.

But alongside the potential savings, drivers could find another bonus in a telematics policy.

Mike Powell, auto insurance expert at Defaqto, said: “Some ‘telematic’ insurance products include a device that allows you to track your car if it’s stolen.

“This is usually provided as an additional service that can be activated to track your car’s location.

“While this is a real benefit, it doesn’t always guarantee that your car can be tracked.

“There may be situations where the service may not work, e.g. For example, if the thief removes the device from your car or is in a location out of range of the GPS tracker.”

Here is a complete list of insurance companies that offer telematics policies with the option of a theft tracking device:

• admiral
• carrot insurance
• Churchill
• cooperative insurance
• direct line
• Drive like a girl
• end slide
• General accident
• Haven Insurance
• engineering
• Insure the box
• Jurny
• Markerstudy Insurance Benefits
• Mulsanne Insurance
• my politics
• privilege
• Pukka Services
• Smartdriverclub insurance
• WiseDriving

Note, however, that not all policies include this feature. So if you want to track your car, make sure you choose the right policy before signing up.

You should also read all terms and conditions before opting for ‘black box’ insurance as some may charge you extra if you drive too many miles or at certain times of the day.

Using comparison sites can be a great way to look at insurance prices and choose the best deal for you.

It’s also worth checking if there are any cashback offers to get your money back.

Saving on insurance is more important than ever for drivers rising petrol prices Pumps.

Research by Compare the Market recently revealed that the annual cost of driving a petrol car has risen to £1,843.

It said the typical car insurance had gone from £598 last year to £680 now.

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