In South Africa, vehicle remote jamming has increasingly become a prominent method of criminal activity, notably occurring within shopping malls and parking lots. This tactic involves using discreet handheld devices by criminals to disrupt the communication signals between vehicles and their remote key fobs. As a result, unsuspecting motorists are left exposed to potential theft because their cars remain unlocked while they are away from them.1
Remote jamming poses two threats. It jeopardises the safety of your vehicle and its valuable contents while also introducing complexities to securing car insurance coverage for related crimes, like lost items in your car due to remote jamming. 1
Be Mindful
Please be mindful to never leave valuables in your car. Find out today if you have cover for remote jamming. Car insurance companies could view incidents involving remote jamming as acts of negligence on the driver’s part. So, car insurance policies might not extend coverage for such crimes. This scenario arises due to the absence of apparent signs of forced entry or tampering when remote jamming occurs. As a result, insurers may challenge theft claims, potentially rendering insurance contracts null and void. 1
To deal with this emerging challenge, vehicle owners must become more vigilant and take preventive measures to protect their assets from remote jamming incidents. 1
Some car insurance might not offer protection against remote jamming, deeming it a result of driver negligence. This perspective is rooted in the belief that motorists bear the responsibility of ensuring the security of their vehicles. So, in short, remote jamming, by its nature, leaves no visible signs of forced entry, making it a challenging issue to address from a car insurance standpoint. 1
Road safety and vehicle expert, Johan Jonck, emphasises the importance of being vigilant and to not assume that your car is locked once you press the ‘lock’ button on your car’s key. Always double-check that your car is locked. 1
Tips to protect yourself from Remote Jamming Crime
To help you safeguard your vehicle from remote jamming and potential theft, here are some practical tips to consider:
- Double Check Before Departing
Thieves often capitalise on the assumption that motorists are in a hurry or trust their car’s remote locking system implicitly. When parking in public areas, allocate a few extra seconds to double-check that your vehicle is securely locked. Confirming this before walking away can be the most effective measure against remote jammers. Once the car is locked, their attempts to interfere with the signal become futile. 1
- Don’t Advertise Valuables
Remote jammers often target vehicles not for the cars but for the valuable items left within. To minimise the appeal of your car as a potential target, ensure that valuable possessions are kept out of sight. Whether it’s in the glove compartment or the trunk, making your car less attractive to opportunistic thieves can significantly reduce the risk of theft. 1
- Invest in a Vehicle Tracking System
Equipping your vehicle with a tracking system offers dual benefits: increasing the likelihood of recovery in case of theft and strengthening your insurance claim prospects. A car tracking system reduces your risk profile, making it easier to file a successful claim with your insurer. These systems provide real-time tracking, helping insurers monitor your vehicle’s movements and establish the legitimacy of your claim in the event of an incident. 1
In the face of remote jamming incidents, it’s essential to adopt a proactive approach to safeguard your vehicle and its contents. By remaining vigilant, minimising the visibility of valuable items, and investing in a car tracking system, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to this increasingly common theft in South Africa. These steps not only enhance your peace of mind but also increase your ability to address insurance-related issues more effectively. 1
Disclaimer
The article aims to provide South African motorists with more information about car remote jamming crime. 1
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This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
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