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HIT A POTHOLE? THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

Article by Indwe Risk:

It’s dusk and you’re still in your car driving to your destination. You don’t know the road and it’s getting dark. Before you have time to stop or swerve, you hit a pothole so hard you feel your teeth rattling. Even though you were paying attention and driving slowly, you may have caused damage to your vehicle.

So, what do you do next? Look for a safe place to pull over. As you drive, take note of the steering and whether the vehicle is shaking or pulling to one side, which could be an alignment issue. Once you’ve stopped, check for visible damage to the exterior and underneath of the vehicle.

If you want to make a claim, ensure that you record the details of the incident and attach the following information with the claim form:

1. A police affidavit
2. Copy of claimant’s driver’s licence (in case of vehicle damage)
3. Vehicle registration documents (in case of vehicle damage)
4. Copy of ID
5. Photos of the pothole/trench/manhole/object that damaged your car
6. Invoice/proof of payment, if applicable South Africa has a 750 000 km road network.

While many national roads are in pretty good shape, it’s often a different story at municipal level. Wherever you drive, keep your wits about you and drive carefully.

Indwe is an an authorised FSP 3425

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INCREASE IN VEHICLE THEFT USING RELAY ATTACKS!

In recent months, the Insurance Crime Bureau has seen an increase in thefts of newer model Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV), that have keyless entry and ignition technology. This Modus Operandi sees criminal syndicates using “Relay Attacks” as method to steal these vehicles.

In essence, the key fob of a vehicle is constantly transmitting signals looking for the linked vehicle. The signal allows the driver to gain keyless entry and operation of the vehicle when the key is in close proximity to allow this functionality. By amplifying the signal, the perpetrators tap into the active emission of the key fob signal, allowing them to open and drive off with the vehicle.

The perpetrators work in teams. An individual in possession of the amplifying device walks close to the unsuspecting owner when they exit and leave the vehicle, while an accomplice at the vehicle gains access and drives off with it.

The best protection against relay attacks is to immediately deactivate the key fob when exiting the vehicle and while still next to it. Another option is to place the key fob in a signal blocking wallet or sheath.

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