An insurance company has seen a major increase in theft by remote jamming.
And without sign of a forced entry, insurers may not pay up for valuables that have been stolen.
Andre Snyman, founder of crime-combating cyber community eBlockwatch, said: “Remote jammers, which prevent a car from being locked by the driver’s remote, enable thieves to get into a vehicle and make off with valuables in less than 20 seconds.”
The chief executive of Safire Insurance, Pierre Bekker, who is also Snyman’s nephew, said his company had noticed an increase in this type of claim.
“We’ve been inundated with remote-jamming claims, and it’s getting worse.”
Dawie Buys, manager of the motor division at the South African Insurance Association, said: “Almost all insurance policies require evidence of violent and forcible entry into the vehicle in order for the insured to enjoy theft cover in respect of the contents in the vehicle.”
However, he said each incident should be investigated on its own merits.
”We’ve changed our policy, provided there is sufficient video or other surveillance footage,” Bekker said, adding: “It’s so easily avoidable but people just aren’t aware of it.” - Pretoria News