News

Remote control jamming presents an insurance challenge

26 January, 2012

The Star newspaper, on 25 January 2012, published an eye-opening article called “Vehicle jamming gang hits Joburg” about the latest way that thieves have been gaining access to valuables left in cars. They have worked out that a regular gate remote can interfere with vehicle central locking systems because both remotes operate on the 400 megahertz frequency. Gautengers have been hard-hit in the last couple of months.

The article reports that thieves walk around shopping centre car parks, or wait outside schools and watch when motorists park and get out of their cars. When they use their car remotes, the thieves intercept the radio frequency with a gate remote. People walk away from their vehicles thinking they are locked and the thieves help themselves to whatever valuables have been left in the boot or cubbyhole.

Head of independent brokers at Etana Insurance in Johannesburg, Justin Naylor, explains the potential complications when a claim is submitted under these circumstances: “Cover under an all risks policy or electronic equipment requires that theft from an unattended vehicle must be subject to forceable and violent entry. For this reason, claims where a vehicle has not been locked and items have been stolen inside will not be covered unless there is evidence of forceable entry. Our advice to policy holders is that once you have pressed your remote, check and see your vehicle is locked. This simple risk management tip will avoid disappointment at claims stage.” 

The Star - Vehicle Jamming Gang Hits Joburg - 25/01/2012.pdf