Car remote jamming warning for South Africa – How to stop it happening to you

Fidelity Services Group has issued a warning to motorists to keep up their guard against car remote jamming.

Remote jamming refers to when thieves use devices that block your car remote’s signal, preventing it from locking.

“Motorists assume their car is secure, only to return and find their belongings stolen — without any sign of forced entry,” said Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing & Communications at Fidelity Services Group.

She highlighted that shopping centres remain prime targets for these crimes.

Fidelity provided the following tips to motorists to avoid becoming victims of remote jamming:

• Physically check your car doors – Always pull the handle to confirm they’re locked before walking away.
• Stay aware of your surroundings – Watch for loitering individuals or suspicious activity in parking areas.
• Park strategically – Choose well-lit, high-traffic areas with visible security presence.
• Be discreet with valuables – When opening your boot, be mindful of who’s watching.
• Avoid leaving items in plain sight – Laptops, handbags, and other valuables should be out of view.
• Prioritise safety over convenience – Park near security guards or car guards whenever possible.
• Consider vehicle tracking – A GPS tracker adds an extra layer of security.

“By staying alert and taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cellphone snatching or car jamming,” Hattingh concluded.

Insurance nightmare

Claiming for a car remote jamming incident can turn into an insurance nightmare.

Major insurers including King Price, MiWay, and OUTsurance have confirmed that they won’t outright dismiss such a claim, but that a payout hinges on the circumstances of the case.

“A vehicle being signal jammed is not in itself sufficient grounds for a claim to be rejected on a stolen vehicle claim,” said MiWay.

“The client’s cover and circumstances that led to the loss will be considered when making a decision on the claim.”

However, should possessions from inside the car be stolen, the insurer is unlikely to cover those goods.

“Remote jamming is not an exclusion on vehicle theft claims, but most insurers are excluding cover for all-risk items stolen from a vehicle if there were no visible signs of forced entry,” said King Price.

“So if there was remote jamming on a claim for an item stolen from a motor vehicle, it is not covered.”