The fact that thieves may be interfering with the locking signals of remote locking devices on vehicles is now quite well known and publicised. There has been ample press coverage on this issue, referred to as ‘car jamming’, and on other instances of criminals attempting to over-ride vehicle’s locking systems.
One recent article suggests that thieves use a household remote, such as the type used to open garage doors and gates, and block the signal of the car’s remote.
This means that an unsuspecting motorist who locks their vehicle with a remote may have not actually locked the vehicle, as a thief has watched and pressed a household remote at the same time, interfering with the vehicle remote and preventing the locks from engaging. Thieves then open the unlocked doors and steal items inside the vehicle.
Vehicle owners should be aware that this type of loss could be rejected by their insurer, if a claim was submitted as cover for items in vehicles is subject to forcible and violent entry into the vehicle.
Clearly the risk increases once an item is placed in a vehicle unattended. If there is no forcible and violent entry into the vehicle when the item is stolen, there is unfortunately no claim.
To prevent any frustration if a loss is suffered and an insurance claim is rejected, don’t assume your vehicle is locked just because you pushed a button. Make it a habit to always double-check that your doors are locked after you have pressed the immobiliser button.