Remote Jamming: The Hidden Motor Theft Risk Every Driver Should Understand

Most drivers know to lock their vehicles. Far fewer realise that pressing the lock button on a remote does not always mean the vehicle actually locked.

Remote jamming is a theft method that takes advantage of the radio signal used by certain vehicle remotes. Instead of breaking into a car immediately, criminals may interfere with the locking signal so the driver walks away believing the vehicle is secure when it is not.

What is remote jamming?

Remote jamming happens when a criminal uses a device to interfere with the radio frequency being used by a vehicle’s remote control. When you press the lock button, the signal may be disrupted before the vehicle receives it. The result can be simple: you press the button, assume the doors locked, and walk away — but the vehicle may still be open.

Why is remote jamming easy to miss?

Most of us have developed the habit of locking our cars without consciously checking them. We press the remote while walking away and listen for a beep, flash of the lights or familiar locking sound. Remote jamming takes advantage of that routine.

What can criminals steal?

Remote jamming is often associated with theft of belongings from vehicles rather than theft of the vehicle itself. Items commonly left in cars include laptops, handbags, phones, cameras, sports equipment, shopping, tools, business equipment, documents and other portable valuables.

Are belongings inside your car automatically covered?

Not necessarily. Your motor policy primarily covers the vehicle itself. Personal belongings inside the car may fall under a different section of your insurance, such as household contents or all-risks cover, depending on the item and the policy wording. There may also be limits or exclusions for property left in an unattended vehicle.

Your policy may have specific requirements relating to items being concealed in a locked boot, visible signs of forced entry, the vehicle being properly locked, portable electronics being separately specified, or limits for theft from an unattended vehicle. The exact conditions vary between insurers.

Why forced entry can become important

Remote jamming can create an unusual claims problem because there may be no broken glass, damaged lock or other obvious evidence that someone forced their way into the vehicle. Some insurance policies may contain specific conditions relating to theft from unattended vehicles. This is why clients should not assume that every theft from a vehicle will automatically be covered in the same way.

How to reduce the risk

The most useful precaution is also one of the simplest: physically check that your vehicle is locked before walking away.

Also watch or listen for the normal locking confirmation, avoid leaving valuables visible, place belongings in the boot before arriving where practical, avoid leaving laptops and other expensive equipment in an unattended vehicle, and be particularly alert in busy shopping centres, fuel stations, parking areas and public spaces.

Be careful with keyless-entry vehicles too

Modern keyless vehicles introduce their own security considerations. Different vehicles use different systems, so remote jamming should not be confused with every form of keyless vehicle theft. The important principle remains the same: do not rely entirely on the remote. Confirm that the vehicle is actually secure.

What should you do if you discover a theft?

If belongings have been stolen from your vehicle, contact the police and your insurer or broker as soon as reasonably possible. Try to preserve useful information such as where and when the vehicle was parked, when you discovered the loss, a list of the stolen items, proof of ownership where available, serial numbers, photographs and any available CCTV information.

Insurance works better when you understand the conditions

Remote jamming is a good example of why insurance is about more than simply paying a monthly premium. Clients also need to understand how cover works when belongings are left in vehicles and what security requirements may apply.

Ask your broker: Are my personal belongings covered when left in my vehicle? Is there a forced-entry requirement? Do valuable portable items need to be specified? Are there limits for theft from an unattended vehicle?

At AIR Insure, we believe informed clients make better insurance decisions.

Invest. Inform. Insure.

This article provides general information and does not constitute advice tailored to your circumstances. Cover varies between insurers and policies and is subject to the policy schedule, wording, limits, excesses, exclusions and conditions. Contact Phoenix Risk Solutions for advice based on your specific needs