Lost key (no spare)

[bmwqc]

A friend of mine just lost his car key while shovelling snow outside. Unfortunately he has no spare and most probably did not record down the number on the lost key. He purchased his E36 used about 10 years ago. Does BMW offer emergency service of this type?

[Karim E36]

How much is a metal detector?

[Gregster]

Can they cut you a new one with the VIN?

[Andrei]

I am almost certain BMW can get you another key if you have the VIN. Call the dealer.

But it will not be instantly quick. About a week.

[Emre]

I went through this a few years back. You can get a new key from the dealer if you provide the VIN and proof of ownership. It takes just a few days.

Meanwhile, someone can find your friend's key and drive off with his car. He won't be able to claim theft, since he "provided" the key.

The way I see it, this is his biggest problem right now.

[bmwqc]

I just got a call from him. The bugger found his key somewhere in the pile of snow! Thanks for the helping advice guys! Now I would hope this experience will wisen him up a bit to consider purchasing a spare key!




I went through this a few years back. You can get a new key from the dealer if you provide the VIN and proof of ownership. It takes just a few days.

Meanwhile, someone can find your friend's key and drive off with his car. He won't be able to claim theft, since he "provided" the key.

The way I see it, this is his biggest problem right now.

[LagunaM3]

Meanwhile, someone can find your friend's key and drive off with his car. He won't be able to claim theft, since he "provided" the key.

The way I see it, this is his biggest problem right now.

Absolutely not true. Possession of a key does not imply one has been given the right to drive off with a car. If it did, someone could break into your house, steal your keys, and "legally" drive off with your car. Or someone could mug you, take your keys, and "legally" drive off with your car. And if you argue that the 2 scenarios above are different because the keys were taken illegally, then one could always claim that he did not lose the keys but rather he was pick-pocketed.

[Emre]

Absolutely not true. Possession of a key does not imply one has been given the right to drive off with a car. If it did, someone could break into your house, steal your keys, and "legally" drive off with your car. Or someone could mug you, take your keys, and "legally" drive off with your car.If someone breaks into your house and steals the keys (or you're mugged) that's not the same as, for example, leaving the keys in the ignition. Try leaving the keys in the ignition and claiming the car stolen. See whether your insurance claim would be paid.

As for the above scenario, leaving the keys 2 feet from your car door is a bit of a gray area. I suspect the insurance company would fight hard to deny the claim.

Anyway, I wouldn't want to find out ;)


And if you argue that the 2 scenarios above are different because the keys were taken illegally, then one could always claim that he did not lose the keys but rather he was pick-pocketed.Two problems with that false claim. (1) Where's the police report? (2) Insurance fraud is still a crime. Personally, I wouldnt take the risk.

[Gregster]

Sometimes the insurance company will ask for a key of the car if it was stolen.

[LagunaM3]

If someone breaks into your house and steals the keys (or you're mugged) that's not the same as, for example, leaving the keys in the ignition. Try leaving the keys in the ignition and claiming the car stolen. See whether your insurance claim would be paid.

Who said anything about leaving keys in the ignition? And besides, it's a moot point. I just read my entire auto insurance policy. There are no caveats to the definition of stolen. A car is stolen if it was parked (or was being operated) legally, someone took it without your authorization, and you reported it to the police. Period. Other peoples' policies may be different...


Two problems with that false claim. (1) Where's the police report? (2) Insurance fraud is still a crime. Personally, I wouldnt take the risl.

1) Report the pickpocket at the same time as the stolen car. "I didn't notice the keys were stolen until I went up to where the car was parked. The car was gone and I reached into my pocket, and the keys were gone, too."

2) True. So is speeding.

But anyway, like I said above, it's the "authorization" part not the "key-possession" part that makes a car stolen or not.

[LagunaM3]

Sometimes the insurance company will ask for a key of the car if it was stolen.

Maybe, but it's a pretty meaningless request. Most people have a spare. Heck, BMW gives you like 5 keys with a new car.

[Gregster]

Maybe, but it's a pretty meaningless request. Most people have a spare. Heck, BMW gives you like 5 keys with a new car.

Which is why you are 100% correct with your statements. The insurance would cover you.

Unless they can directly proove that you just hid the car and made a false claim. They will cover you regardless of how the car was stolen...

Besides do you honestly think the cops investigate single stolen cars? Perhaps if 10 go missing from the same lot like last weekend at a mall in Laval but single incidents get filed away. Most stolen cars that are recovered are only found because they have been towed away and end up in impound.

Stolen cars are only paid out after 14-31 days for that exact reason.