Everything you need to know about the common issue many of us experience in South Africa – car remote jamming.
Here’s how remote jamming works
When you leave your car or home and push the remote to activate the locking and alarm system, then at the same time, a criminal will push a similar remote and block the signal of your remote. This is known as remote jamming, a car jam, or car jamming.
Of course, the issue with this form of theft, because it is often due to your own negligence (i.e. not making sure the car was locked after locking it), is that having car and household insurance doesn’t always mean you are covered.
But sadly, this kind of crime has quickly become an everyday occurrence in SA. This could be a result of how simple this kind of crime is to commit and the fact that it goes undetected by you until it is too late. It’s an easy game for criminals using remote jammers.
Shopping malls across the country have had it happen to a number of their customers and because of this, they are trying to make the public more aware of it and encourage people to always double check that all of their doors are locked after locking their car.
Read this: 6 Safe driving practices that just might save your life
Here’s how the scam works
When you leave your car and push the “lock” button, a criminal will push a remote at the same time to block this “lock” signal. This means you walk away thinking you locked your car, but in reality, the criminal can easily get into your car, steal your belongings, or take your entire car.
Here’s how to avoid becoming a victim of remote jamming in SA
Here’s why insurance won’t cover remote jamming theft of belongings in your car. Because there are no signs of visible breakages or signs of tampering, then the insurer cannot rule out recklessness as a possible reason for damages.
There are multiple warning signs across malls and public parking lots across the country. It is YOUR responsibility to always check your car is locked. Check it, and then check it again. Otherwise, you could be a victim of theft that results in thousands of rands.
Although we might not cover you for car jamming costs and theft of belongings in your car, we can help you become more vigilant and aware when it comes to this form of quick and easy crime. The most important advice is to NOT ASSUME your car is locked.
Another interesting read: Do Men Drive Better Than Women? The Answer May Surprise You!
Don’t just walk away – double-check. That brings us to our first tip…
1. Double Check
ALWAYS double check. Criminals depend on the fact that you are either in a rush or think your car is indeed locked after walking away from your vehicle. Next time you press the lock button, tug on the door handles to make sure all the doors are, in fact, locked. Once your car is locked, there is nothing criminals can do with a remote jammer to unlock it.
2. Don’t make yourself a target
In a number of cases or car jamming, car jammers will target cars with goods inside of them, rather than the car itself. This means you should keep your belongings out of plain sight.
This minimises your appeal as a target and you are less likely to become a victim of theft, this should also be done when you are driving in traffic as seeing a bag of goods on the back seat is a sure-fire way to get it stolen from lurking eyes.
3. Install a tracker system in your car
When you install a car tracking system in your vehicle, this increases the chances of it being found after it is stolen. It also improves your chances of making a successful claim with your insurer and decreases your risk factor as a driver.
Related: How Do Car Insurance Claims Work with Oneplan? A Step-by-Step Guide
When you reduce your risk status, you put yourself in a stronger position for claiming for damages and your insurer is easily able to track the movements of your vehicle and establish your proof of the claim.
Stay vigilant and stay safe out there.
Your Insurance Family,
Oneplan
