Van insurance holders could be purchasing GPS jamming technology

Jamming technology is largely associated with military operations, or perhaps something which is used by the hero in the latest Hollywood blockbuster. However, these gadgets now appear to be in the rather unexpected hands of van insurance policyholders.

                                                                                               

Many fleet operators have been using telematics technology for years in order to improve their business’s efficiency. In addition, these gadgets usually come with a GPS locator which allows companies to follow the whereabouts of their vehicles - a tool which is very useful in the event of theft.

Although telematics technology carries a number of other benefits, it appears that some van drivers do not enjoy being ‘spied on’.

Allegedly, some individuals who use their vehicles for work-related purposes, such as any driver van insurance policyholders, could be running private errands or completing other jobs without their employer’s prior consent.

To cover up their activities, these drivers may be using GPS jamming technology in order to temporarily take their telematics boxes offline.

This claim was made following the completion of the Sentinel Project, a scheme funded by the Technology Strategy Board. Over a four month period, the researchers noticed that up to 100 GPS jamming signals occurred on weekdays near one major UK airport.

However, on Saturdays and Sundays, these incidents became less frequent. Therefore, it has been suggested that commercial vehicle drivers were trying to hide their locations.

Although the legality of civilian GPS jamming technology is certainly questionable, anyone who uses these devices may also place themselves and the lives of other people in danger. For example, these gadgets could hypothetically interfere with ship navigation – potentially sending vessels off course.

                                                                                                                                                              This jamming technology can allegedly be obtained quite easily for a minimum of £30 and functions by running off a vehicle’s cigarette lighter port. However, individuals should refrain from purchasing these gadgets – otherwise they might cause serious, unintentional consequences. 

This guest post was provided by Tom Chapman of iVan Insurance - a company which specializes in helping individuals get the best deals on their van insurance. Why not visit them today to see how much you could save on the cost of your commercial vehicle cover?