Just an FYI to let people know that if you use a lockbox that is attached to your vehicle - that you are not covered by insurance (for theft and damage).
I just spoke to Youi who confirmed this and spoke to a guy who confirmed it with Budget Direct.
The wording in the PDS says you are not covered if the key is in or near the vehicle. I previously thought this was omitted because in one of the initial paragraphs is states that you must take due care to prevent any theft or damage. The updated PDS (2 July 2025) now explicitly mentions lock boxes in or near the vehicle are not covered (the PDS on my policy, dated 4 July 2024, does not explicitly mention lock boxes).
I live on the Sunshine coast and see lock boxes on vehicles every day.. so it would be great to spread the word. I will repost this on some of the other forums too.
I will resort to getting a waterproof pouch to take my key with me - or leave it on the beach (apparently your car is covered in this scenario) - go figure!).
Thanks for the heads up..
On the rare occasion driver doesn't get to end - we all know the code - problem doesn't arise.
No obvious way through this one. Could produce key blanks - i.e. door only not sure locking electronic body of key inside will work on current vehicle. electronics very focused on not locking key in car. Will test in engine compartment.
Cheers
AP
Best to check with your individual insurer. I clarified this with my insurer and they advised me in writing that if the key was secured in a lockbox that the car would be covered for theft.
Just get a manual key cut, lock the remote key in the car and hang the key around your neck. You could even go as far as hiding the key within the car, I don't bother with that.
I'm guessing this has to do with an unattended key becoming an electronic exploit ?. Yeah, I do the same airsail plus a high quality steering wheel lock (this is because the car isn't armed when I use a key to manually lock car - at least my current car, and my old car etc).
With my car when the key is inside you can start the car even if you don't know where the key is. But putting the key inside a metal container of the right shape stops that. It needs to be a tall container. Guess some radio frequency related thing.
So smash the window you still have to find the tin with key in it.
Lock box issue i had was not being able to read the numbers on the combination without the glasses that were in the car.
So i have a key for the door only, the locksmith called it a surf key.
Select to expand quoteairsail said..
Just get a manual key cut, lock the remote key in the car and hang the key around your neck. You could even go as far as hiding the key within the car, I don't bother with that.
Sure if you drive a vintage car that still has a keyhole in the door!
Select to expand quotePhoney said..airsail said..
Just get a manual key cut, lock the remote key in the car and hang the key around your neck. You could even go as far as hiding the key within the car, I don't bother with that.
Sure if you drive a vintage car that still has a keyhole in the door!
Most late model cars still have a manual key for the drivers door, if not you probably need to rethink your choice of vehicle models for watersports.
Select to expand quotehardpole said..
Lock box issue i had was not being able to read the numbers on the combination without the glasses that were in the car.
You could always ask a friendly crim to give you a hand opening the lock 
Select to expand quoteairsail said..
Just get a manual key cut, lock the remote key in the car and hang the key around your neck. You could even go as far as hiding the key within the car, I don't bother with that.
No - that leaves you in the same position - I asked about this and they referred me back to the PDS - if the key (mechanical or electronic) is in or near the vehicle you are not covered,
So taking the mechanical key (that slides out of the main electronic key housing ) with you and leaving the electronic key either in the vehicle or in a lock box still voids your insurance.
Also I have had people ask me - how would they know if you don't tell them..... well there's this thing called insurance fraud (meaning once discovered, you'll never get insurance again for anything (a friend is an insurance litigator - and they confirmed this) - and my guess is that it is logged in the cars computer, so not difficult for them to determine if they recover the vehicle.
I've now just been taking my key in a waterproof phone pouch in my pocket - works great.
Select to expand quoteCH3MTR4IL5 said..
Best to check with your individual insurer. I clarified this with my insurer and they advised me in writing that if the key was secured in a lockbox that the car would be covered for theft.
That's awesome - could you please share which insurance company?.... I suspect they will get a fair amount of new polices if word gets out.
Easiest solution is to hide your real key somewhere inside the vehicle, then take a spare 'door-key only' with you in your harness to lock and open your vehicle on leaving and returning from the water.
I just checked my policy with Budget Direct and I can confirm there is a specific requirement to ensure "remote locking devices or proximity keys are not left:
- in the car,
- on the car,
- attached to the car, including in a key safe, key lock box, or similar device ..."
Thanks for the heads up.
Select to expand quoteairsail said..
Just get a manual key cut, lock the remote key in the car and hang the key around your neck. You could even go as far as hiding the key within the car, I don't bother with that.
I do similar but i take manual key out of electronic key (I have a prado) and hang around my neck. I wrap the electronic key in ordinary aluminium foil (so signal doesn't get through) and lock it in my glove box with the manual key. Works brilliantly!
It seems that your insurance will be void if you leave your electronic key anywhere in or on your car. So the only option is to take the key with you, any good options?
Any waterproof key pouch will work. There's heaps on amazon.
Thing is, that's all well and good for when you're wearing a wetsuit, you hang it around your neck underneath.... But what about when you're wearing nothing but boardies (and a harness) in summer. Any other hiding spots?
Select to expand quotePhoney said..
Any waterproof key pouch will work. There's heaps on amazon.
Thing is, that's all well and good for when you're wearing a wetsuit, you hang it around your neck underneath.... But what about when you're wearing nothing but boardies (and a harness) in summer. Any other hiding spots?
Just find a spot on your harness, I tuck it behind the straps that hold the spreader bar.
Select to expand quotethuffam said..airsail said..
Just get a manual key cut, lock the remote key in the car and hang the key around your neck. You could even go as far as hiding the key within the car, I don't bother with that.
No - that leaves you in the same position - I asked about this and they referred me back to the PDS - if the key (mechanical or electronic) is in or near the vehicle you are not covered,
What do they mean by "near"? 1 metre near, 10m, 100m? So if you take your keys with you to the beach you're still not covered? I find that ridiculous. They might as well say that if your car is stolen from home because you had your keys "nearby", then you're not covered. I would look for another insurer. Who's the insurer? AAMI? Suncorp?
Most likely found in the vehicle instruction manual
Range Limitations and Detection RadiusMost keyless entry systems have a detection range between 30 inches to 3 feet around the vehicle.
The key fob must be within this range for the car to unlock or start the engine.
Once the engine is started, the car can continue running even if the key fob leaves the vehicle.
The vehicle's system will trigger a "Key Not Detected" warning if the fob is no longer within range.
Despite the warning, the car will not shut off automatically while driving.If the engine is turned off without the key fob nearby, the car will become inoperable until the fob is returned.
Some manufacturers may include a time-based cutoff or distance limit, but most rely on user awareness rather than automated restrictions.
So obviously a key lock box is within the definitions of nearby.
