External Key Lockups and Insurance

[surf patrol]

Got sent an email from someone who had a bit of a 'mare:

This is an important security warning for anyone using external key devices attached to their vehicles whilst surfing.

- This is not intended as an attack on Extreme horizons or distributors of the Keypod product -

Last weekend we had our company van stolen from a car park in Porthcawl in Wales whilst surfing at the point. We had our keys in a keypod attached to a secure towing eye on the van but unfortunately this was not enough of a deterrent and the van has not yet been recovered by police.

Since the theft, we have found that insurance companies will not pay out for claims if the keys have been left in or around the vehicle regardless of how well designed the security device is found to be, as it happens we were very impressed by the keypod design, unfortunately this has no bearing with the insurance claim.

We have been made aware that this kind of crime is on the increase and surfers are seen as major targets by car criminals because we tend to have a lot of belongings inside our vehicles whilst we surf. It is also clear that the criminals who are targeting us have a very good idea of our routines and also the devices we use to help protect ourselves. It is conceivable that criminals who are able to access these external devices are now targeting them for theft.

This has been a very costly mistake for us and I am writing this purely in the hope that we can prevent it from happening to anyone else.

Best regards

Dave

So beware - your Insurance may be invalid if you are using this type of key storage while out surfing. Some obviously are and are recommending these products.
(see related threads -
A Warning to all Surfers - Thieves about
Key storage boxes
people suck
Stikup Bubbleloc Rash Vest
BEWARE: PIKIES

[CHarvey]

Thanks for the heads up brother.

[Surfing-Innovation]

I have a friend with one of these (not sure the exact make) and it can be opened in about 60 seconds without the key............

They are also normally put in prominent places, so any potential thief knows exactly where to start.............

Take the keys with you!

A keyfob alarm key, or key with immobiliser can be left in the car (safely hidden away) - all you need is the actual metal bit that opens the door - that can be carried with you and doesn't matter if it gets wet.

Once you've finished your session and are back at the car, you can open the door with your key and then turn off any alarm/immobilser with the 'proper' key that you've secured in the car........

[guitar_player]

My volvo came with an extra non-electronic key that they call "valet key". Basicly a metal key with a rubber handle. It can open the front door and start the engine, but cannot no open the glove box or trunk (if manually locked with the master key). I wear swimming trunks with a zip pocket so there is no way of loosing the key while in the water. Check with your car manufacturer if they provide something similar. That seems to me the safest way to secure your car.

[pkbum]

I wear swimming trunks with a zip pocket so there is no way of loosing the key while in the water. Check with your car manufacturer if they provide something similar. That seems to me the safest way to secure your car.

This is all you need to do.

[billie_morini]

Comment: "I wear swimming trunks with a zip pocket so there is no way of loosing [sic] the key while in the water."

Comment: "This is all you need to do."

Question: Would you wear the swimming trunks inside or outside of a wetsuit?

[guitar_player]

I don't know about you, but I wear trunks inside the wetsuit lol.

[surferdude_scarborough]

i put my car key either in my leash pocket or in the pocket in the back of my rashie when i surf. works fine.

[Johno]

I thought when i sin them advertised they were a silly idea, here you go pikey, my keys are on my tow bar please rob my car,

i think its safer hiding them in the sand then leaving them attached to your car

der der

[smallwavegrovellerchick]

lots of auto thefts here in hawaii. a lot of times the thieves just bust the windows to break into your vehicle, but some pop the locks with a screwdriver. almost every car i've owned has gotten broken into at some time or another...sometimes multiple times in a month. one thief stole my box of Kleenex since there wasn't anything else to take. what a loser!

[Jonah_Fro]

Dullest car criminal I ever had broke into my old VW bug by punching a hole in the skin of the door below the door handle. Of all the ways he could have broken into that car, he had to pic the most difficult to repair.