2010 FIFA World Cup: Increasing hijacking risk?
While there is no real indication that vehicle hijackings will increase during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, it is a concern for many clients, and brokers can add value by providing the right advice and cover.
“Our government and the country’s police force are committed to making the 2010 FIFA World Cup a safe experience for both South Africans and foreigners,” says Ken Lawrence, general manager: Claims Technical at Mutual & Federal. “We believe that their efforts will go a long way towards preventing any significant increase in hijackings.’’
Hijackings reduced
Leading up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, there has actually been a gradual decline in the number of hijacking-related claims, as well as a gradual decline in the cost of claims incurred. The police areis making steady progress in the fight against hijacking, and encourages members of the public to report crime or suspected syndicates to the police, or through hotlines such as www.crimeline.co.za.
Addressing the risk
The security systems of most new motor vehicles are designed to minimise the theft risk. However, they do not address the hijacking risk as this is not something that can be prevented by any particular type of security device.
Stolen vehicle recovery systems are geared towards the recovery of the motor vehicle after it has been hijacked or stolen. However, it is well-known that vehicles clearly marked with signage advising that they are protected by micro or data-dots are often avoided by theft and hijacking syndicates. Stolen vehicle recovery operators should similarly mark protected motor vehicles with visible signage.
“Motorists must increase vigilance to reduce the probability of hijacking,” says Lawrence, adding that according to the SAPS Annual Report for 2007/2008, 70% of all hijackings occurred at gates or on driveways of residences and are, in a number of instances, closely associated with robberies at residential premises.
Terms and conditions
Brokers should ensure that clients understand the terms and conditions of their hijack cover. “Usually these pertain to the protection of the vehicle, such as the fitment of a stolen vehicle recovery system for a certain sum insured, or where adverse claims experience warrants additional protection,” explains Lawrence. “Hijacking and/or theft cover will be excluded in the absence of the specified physical protection.”
Best advice
In addition to arranging the right insurance cover, brokers could provide the following advice to their clients to reduce the risk of hijacking.
• Avoid stopping in remote places.
• Vary the route travelled to work.
• Limit trips at night or don’t make these alone.
• If strangers loiter near your driveway, drive past.
• Remain vigilant at intersections.
• If your car is bumped from behind and you feel uncomfortable, drive to the nearest police station.
• Do not give strangers a lift.
Other 2010 risks
Lawrence notes that it is more likely that there will be an increase in accidental damage than in hijackings during this time. “We expect the number of motor vehicles on the road, including rental cars and tour buses, to increase during this time. Many drivers will be travelling in foreign surroundings, unfamiliar with the road infrastructure or conditions as well as the volume of traffic and directions. We therefore believe that there is a possibility of an increase in the number of accidents during this period.”
In addition, brokers should ensure that policyholders clearly understand the conditions of their policies before lending their vehicles to visitors, since many policies carry conditions restricting and/or naming the drivers of the motor vehicle.
