Navigating the world of in-house financing can introduce you to new technologies, including GPS tracking devices. At our Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) dealership, we believe in complete transparency about every aspect of the financing process. These automotive GPS tracking systems are a standard tool in the industry, utilized to manage the collateral associated with the auto loans we provide directly to our customers. This technology plays a key role in our ability to offer flexible financing solutions to individuals with diverse credit histories. Understanding how these systems work, their features, and how pricing is structured is an important step in your car-buying journey. We are committed to providing clear information, helping you feel confident and informed as you move forward toward getting behind the wheel of your next vehicle. Our team is always available to answer your questions about this or any other part of our process.
Payment Reminder (optional)
Parking Behavior Report
Accident Notification
Tow Alert
Impound Lots Monitor
Mileage Tracking
Special Relays for Faster Installation
Backup Battery
Accident Notification
Tow Alert
Impound Lots Monitor
Mileage Tracking
OBD Installation (optional)
Backup Battery
Cost Effective Device
Flexible Tracking Intervals
3 Year Battery Life
Our use of BHPH GPS tracking is a component of our risk management strategy, which in turn allows us to approve financing for a broader range of customers. The cost associated with the GPS device and its monitoring service is factored into the overall financing agreement, rather than being a separate, upfront fee. This integrated approach keeps the process simple and transparent. The technology offers valuable features, including payment reminders and stolen vehicle recovery, providing benefits that extend to you as the vehicle owner throughout the life of your loan.
A Comprehensive Guide to BHPH GPS Tracking and Costs
For many aspiring car owners, a Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) dealership provides a direct path to vehicle ownership, especially when traditional lending options are not accessible. A key component of how BHPH dealerships like ours operate involves managing the assets we finance. This is where GPS tracking for BHPH dealers comes into play. It's a technology that helps secure the loan for both the lender and the borrower. This guide will demystify these systems, explain their purpose, detail their features, and provide clarity on the associated pricing and costs, ensuring you have all the information you need.
What Exactly is a BHPH GPS Tracking System?
A BHPH GPS tracking system is a small electronic device professionally installed in a vehicle that is financed through an in-house lending program. The device uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) to determine the vehicle's location. This information is accessible to the dealership that holds the loan. However, modern devices are much more than simple locators. They are sophisticated pieces of automotive tracking technology that can include a variety of features designed to help manage the auto loan effectively and protect the asset. It is a standard practice for many lenders in the subprime and in-house financing sectors, enabling them to offer credit to individuals who might otherwise be overlooked.
Why GPS Devices Are Utilized in In-House Financing
The primary reason for using GPS tracking in BHPH financing is risk mitigation. By financing vehicles directly, we take on a level of risk that traditional banks may decline. To make this business model sustainable and continue offering opportunities to our community, we must protect our assets—the vehicles we finance. The GPS device serves as a form of collateral protection. It provides a reliable way to locate a vehicle in the event of a loan default or theft. This security allows us to have more flexible approval criteria and work with customers across the credit spectrum. You can learn more about our financing process by visiting our how it works page or by starting your pre-approval process online.
Common Features of Modern Dealer GPS Systems
Today's dealer GPS tracking solutions offer more than just location data. They come equipped with a suite of features that can benefit both the dealership and the customer. Understanding these features helps to see the full picture of their role in your auto loan.
- Real-Time Location Tracking: The core function, allowing the lender to know the vehicle's current location. This is crucial for asset recovery if a loan goes into severe default or if the car is reported stolen.
- Starter Interrupt Technology: Also known as remote starter disable, this feature allows the dealership to prevent the vehicle from starting. It is typically used only in cases of serious loan delinquency after multiple communication attempts have failed. It serves as a strong incentive for borrowers to communicate with the lender and resolve payment issues.
- Payment Reminders: Many devices can be programmed to emit a gentle audio alert—a beep or a chime—inside the vehicle a few days before a payment is due. This GPS payment reminder system acts as a helpful, non-intrusive nudge to help you stay on track with your payments and maintain a positive payment history.
- Geofencing Alerts: This feature allows the dealership to set up virtual boundaries. If the vehicle enters or exits a predefined area (like state lines or national borders), an alert can be triggered. This is another tool for risk management, particularly for preventing the unauthorized transport of the vehicle.
- Stolen Vehicle Recovery: This is a significant benefit for you as the owner. If your vehicle is ever stolen, you can report it to us and the police. We can then use the vehicle recovery GPS to provide law enforcement with the car's real-time location, dramatically increasing the chances of a quick and safe recovery.
Understanding the Pricing and Cost Structure
A common question from customers is, "How much does this GPS tracker cost me?" It's important to understand that the pricing for a GPS tracker for a financed vehicle is not typically an itemized, out-of-pocket expense you pay at the time of purchase. Instead, the cost of the hardware, professional installation, and the ongoing data and monitoring service for the duration of the loan are bundled into the total amount financed. This cost is spread out over the term of your loan and is part of your regular payment. The specific amount can vary based on the sophistication of the device and the length of the service contract, but we are always transparent about the total cost of financing. Every figure is clearly detailed in your loan agreement before you sign, so there are never any surprises. If you have any questions about your financing documents, our team is here to walk you through them line by line.
Our Commitment to Transparency and Ethical Use
We understand that the idea of a tracking device in your vehicle can raise questions about privacy. Our dealership is committed to the ethical and transparent use of this technology. We adhere to all state and federal laws governing the use of GPS devices in financed vehicles. The tracking data is used for legitimate business purposes only, such as locating a vehicle for repossession after a default or assisting in its recovery if stolen. Your location data is confidential and protected. Our policies regarding data privacy are clearly outlined in our privacy policy. We want you to feel secure not only in your vehicle but also in your relationship with us as your lender. For more information about our company values, please visit our about us page.
Frequently Asked Questions About GPS Tracking
Is it legal for a dealership to put a GPS tracker on a financed car?
Yes, it is legal in most states for a lender to install a GPS tracking device on a vehicle that is being used as collateral for a loan. The right to do so is disclosed and agreed upon in the financing contract signed by the buyer. This is a common practice in the Buy Here Pay Here industry to secure the lender's asset.
Will the GPS device drain my car's battery?
The professional-grade GPS devices we use are designed to have a very low power draw. When the vehicle is running, the device is powered by the alternator. When the vehicle is off, it enters a sleep or low-power mode, drawing a minimal amount of energy from the battery that is highly unlikely to cause any drainage issues on a healthy battery.
What happens if I am late on a payment? Will my car be shut off immediately?
Our goal is to work with you to keep you on the road. The starter interrupt feature is not used automatically or immediately. It is a last resort used only in cases of significant delinquency and after we have made multiple, unsuccessful attempts to contact you to make payment arrangements. Open communication is key; if you anticipate being late, please contact us right away.
Can I remove the GPS tracking device myself?
No. The GPS device is the property of the lienholder (the dealership) and is a condition of the financing agreement. Tampering with or attempting to remove the device is a violation of your contract and could lead to immediate action, including the repossession of the vehicle. The device is professionally installed and should only be removed by a qualified technician after the loan has been paid in full.
What happens to the GPS device after I pay off my car loan?
Once your auto loan is paid in full and you receive the title to your vehicle, the GPS tracking device will be deactivated permanently. You can then schedule an appointment with our service department to have the device professionally removed from your vehicle at no additional cost to you. The device is no longer needed once our financial interest in the vehicle has concluded.
