Vehicle Tracking for Small Businesses: Do You Really Need It?

Do you have a team is on the road? If you manage two vans or a fleet of ten, we know that vehicle tracking is no longer just for big corporations. In 2025, GPS tracking is now more affordable, accessible, and valuable than ever for small businesses across trades, delivery, retail, and professional services.

But do you need it? And what kind of return on investment (ROI) can you expect? And how much does it cost?

We’re going to simply break it down for you—concisely and with UK small businesses in mind.

🚐 What Is Vehicle Tracking (and How Does It Work)?

Vehicle tracking systems use GPS technology to show the live location of your vehicle, as well as record your drivers journey history, and track driver behaviour. In addition, you can typically expect them to include:

• Real-time location tracking (via the web or an app)
• Trip reports and mileage logs
• You can add on driver behaviour monitoring ( including speeding, idling, harsh braking)
• Alerts for route deviations or unauthorised use
• Geofencing and security features
• Optional add-ons like dash cams or immobilisers

We think that t

hese systems benefit small businesses with delivery vans, service vehicles, or mobile teams—but even one or two vehicles can benefit.

�� Do Small Businesses Need Vehicle Tracking?

Here’s the reality: if your business uses vehicles regularly, GPS tracking can save you money, time, and stress!

Let’s break it down by benefit:

1. Fuel savings

There’s no doubt that petrol is one of the most significant expenses for any mobile business, so vehicle tracking helps reduce fuel use by:

• Optimising routes to reduce unnecessary miles
• Monitoring idling time, which wastes fuel
• Highlighting inefficient driving habits like speeding or harsh acceleration

🔍 Interesting fact: Businesses already using tracking systems often report up to 15% in annual fuel savings!

2. Insurance discounts

Many UK insurers offer lower premiums if you use approved GPS tracking and some even offer discounts of 10–20% for small fleets.

• Helps recover stolen vehicles faster
• Encourages safer driving, reducing accident claims
• Demonstrates proactive risk management

✅ Pro tip: Always ask your insurer about GPS tracker-linked discounts.

3. Improved driver accountability

Whether you’ve got one driver or ten, knowing how company vehicles are being used can have a huge impact on:

• Punctuality and route accuracy
• Reducing personal or unauthorised use of vans
• Monitoring breaks, stops, and idle time
• Creating a culture of responsibility and performance

4. Better customer service

Live tracking lets you give customers more accurate ETAs and faster updates, and having your staff being able to say “they’re 5 minutes away” builds trust and reduces complaints.

5. Record-keeping & compliance

GPS tracking can easily simply your burdensome admin tasks like:

• Logging your business mileage (for tax claims)
• Generating your drivers timesheets
• Monitoring vehicle usage for HMRC compliance

�� Bonus: Some systems include maintenance alerts so you never miss a service again.

💷 How Much Does Vehicle Tracking Cost for Small Businesses?

You might be surprised—tracking a van now costs as little as £10–£15 per month in 2025!

🔍 Remember that many providers offer no upfront costs and flexible contracts for small fleets.

🛠️ Is It Hard to Set Up?

Not at all!! Most small business trackers are plug-and-play devices that go straight into your vehicle’s OBD port or a lighter socket, and you’ll likely have:

• Live tracking within minutes
• A user-friendly app or dashboard
• UK-based support (with some providers)
• No complicated installation or downtime.

✅Do We Think Vehicle Tracking is Worth It for Small Businesses?

The short answer is yes if you use vans or vehicles in your day-to-day operations, and for less than the price of a tank of fuel each month, you can:

• Cut your overall fleet operating costs
• Improve your service and scheduling
• Monitor your driver behaviour
• Reduce your insurance premiums
• Boost your overall security and peace of mind