Remote jamming. What it is, and how to prevent it.
Remote car jamming is a constant threat, with criminals getting more inventive and determined to separate you from your valuable possessions. Find out what remote car jamming is and how you can prevent yourself from becoming a victim.
Unfortunately, remote jamming is just one of the ways that unscrupulous individuals gain access to your vehicle. By 'jamming' your remote, they disrupt the signal from your key fob as you lock your vehicle, leaving it unlocked and giving them access to your now unlocked car. You walk away, thinking that your vehicle is locked and all is well, while they wait in the wings, ready to open your doors and help themselves to your car's contents.
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Naturally, this isn't a problem with an older car that doesn't have remote unlocking, but most modern cars have either a push-button on a keyfob or even an automatic, walk-away locking system that does it automatically when you take the keyfob/remote a certain distance from the vehicle. What are anti-theft devices, and how do they work
It's worth noting that very few insurance companies will reimburse you if you've been remote jammed. With no visible signs of forced entry, they cannot determine whether the vehicle was, in fact, remotely jammed or you were simply negligent and forgot to lock the car. Check with your insurance company to see if you are covered for remote jamming instances. Tips to get the best car insurance price
How does it work, and how can you prevent it from happening to you?
What is remote jamming?
Remote jamming is where thieves use electronic interference to prevent your car keyfob or remote from working as intended. They will use a device that transmits a signal of a similar frequency to your car remote to create a noise, rendering the signal from your remote useless. This device can be as simple as an electric gate remote or more complex. Your car won't be able to detect the remote's signal in the 'noise', and it won't lock. You will think your car is locked, and when you walk away, your vehicle remains parked but unlocked. This happens quickly, especially when you're busy, in a rush, or are distracted by your phone or kids. Which new cars are theft-proof?
How to prevent remote jamming
The simplest way to ensure that you don't fall victim to remote jamming is to double-check that your doors are locked before walking away. A quick tug on the handles will not take long and will give you the peace of mind required to proceed. Yes, we know that some cars have keyless entry, but spend some time locating the sensor on the door handle that activates the keyless entry. Holding the handle in a different spot to this sensor will allow you to still pull on it without it unlocking the car. Don't forget to check your boot. What security features you should have on a new car?
Pay attention to your surroundings. If something feels off or you don't like the look of the bystanders loitering around the parking lot, move your car and find a different parking spot. Try not to be distracted by your phone, passengers, or passers-by when locking your car. Remaining vigilant is crucial.
Parking in a visible location will help deter would-be thieves, and if there are security cameras, it will also be a deterrent, although some criminals are brash enough to know that video footage is inconclusive at best.
