One step ahead

Your clients may groan when you advise them to fit the latest anti-theft and anti-hijacking devices to their vehicles. But apart from a possible premium reduction, the latest technology includes features and benefits that will keep your clients one step ahead of the criminals.

The most recent crime statistics made available by the South African Police Services show that between April and September last year, 40 000 motor vehicles and motorbikes were stolen in South Africa. While this is an improvement on the 45 000 vehicles reported stolen in the same period in the previous year, it is still a staggering number.

In addition, 7 214 carjackings were reported between April and September, with truckjackings up a whopping 53% in the same period.

Many benefits

While fitting state-of-the-art anti-theft and anti-hijacking devices could result in a lower premium, the real benefit lies in staying one step ahead of the criminals and avoiding the hassles, inevitable paperwork, excess payments and inconvenience of having a vehicle stolen, as well as preventing the loss of your no claim bonus and possible higher premiums after the claim is settled.

While the police are fighting a seemingly endless war against increasingly well-trained and wellequipped criminals, South Africans must take their own precautions to minimise their risk and safeguard their interests.

Technological marvels

Most of the anti-theft and anti-hijacking equipment available is based on electronics. The technology behind these devices is progressing at a phenomenal rate. Components are becoming smaller, cheaper and capable of doing much more. This enables crime-fighting companies, and your clients, to stay one step ahead of the criminals.

Keeping up

Of course, the incredible speed with which technology improves means that the superior security devices your client installed, and that was more than adequate a few years ago, no longer offers sufficient security.

Brokers will do well to advise their clients to fit the latest unit when replacing their vehicles, or at renewal of the policies.

There are several benefits to fitting the latest technology, which should justify the initial cost.

Firstly, many new vehicles are fitted with sophisticated electronic systems that are particularly sensitive to aftermarket products. The latest security devices are designed with this in mind and will not interfere with the vehicle's electronics.

More features and functionality

The latest anti-theft and anti-hijacking devices often have additional features and functionality, many of which have a direct benefit for your client, such as Crash Alert which notifies an emergency response centre in the event of an accident and Internet tracking which allows you to see the whereabouts of loved ones.

Due to the advancements in electronics, the latest products are generally smaller and can be fitted more covertly. New devices are also less likely to fail than older devices.

Looking after your clients' best interests and providing them with the best advice includes staying abreast of the latest vehicle security developments and highlighting the benefits of fitting these devices to your clients.