Keys cut by VIN

[Scannh]

How is your department handling customers that come to you with a story of locking their keys in the car and need a key cut by vin?
GM has recently sent a bulletin out informing us that if a countermen cuts a key and the key is used in the theft of a vehicle, the counterman could be charged with involvement in the theft. We should check ownership of the vehicle before we release key. My countermen are now reluctant to cut a key even with the proper paperwork.
I've sent inquiries to the locksmiths in our area to see how they handle this.

[Doug]

We require a picture ID and some sort of document (insurance policy, for example) which ties the customer's name to the VIN in question.

I can't believe the amount of flak we get over this issue. I mean, some people really get agressive and angry. I guess some people think we should just make keys for any person who steps up to the counter, eh ?

Known, regular customers are, of course, exempted.

Doug

[FARFINATOR]

BMW REQUIRES A PHOTOCOPY OF OWNERS DRIVERS LICENCE AND REG TO BE MAINTAINED WITH THE KEY ORDER. IF FOR A WHOLESALER, PROOF OF OWNERSHIP (IE TITLE) MUST BE SECURED...AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT IF THE KEYS ARE LOST BY DEALERSHIP PERSONEL, THEY REQUIRE THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BE REKEYED WITH A NEW KEY RECOGNITION MODULE AT THE DEALER'S EXPENSE.
THE WORST THING YOU CAN DO IS NOT COVER YOUR ASS. SIMPLY PUT THE POLICY TO SECURE THE NECESSARY PROOF IN PLACE. DON'T APOLOGIZE FOR IT OR APPEAR WEAK OR FLEXIBLE ON IT...AND OF COURSE:ALWAYS GET PREPAYMENT!!EVEN IF JUST SECURED BY CREDIT CARD.

[turbo59]

about the key issue, it is a big problem for the parts dept. i wish sales or service would handle this service. we require a photo id and a title or insurance card. some customers understand and some don't! but we must remember that we did not lose their keys. we also screen wholesale and repo customers. most repo customers has some form of document with the vehicle info.


somewhere in texas.....
turbo59
dodge store

[partsguy]

Once again, it all comes down to 2 things:

1. Put yourself in your customers shoes.. and
2. Explain things to them.

We do this every day, and explain up front on the phone that when they pick up the key, we will need proof of ownership and picture ID. Some will get upset (remember they are already upset for losing or locking their keys), but we tell them that this is for THEIR protection, and most calm down. I had a lady Friday sic her husband on us, but when it was explained to him why GM has this policy, he understood. We also do not waver, no ID no key!

Bruce
partsguy

[jargonaut]

This is a touchy situation since I myself once locked myself out of my car. But safety from real trouble dictates we all take measures like requiring photo ID and proof of ownership to stop theft. Since it happened to me I keep a copy of my key numbers in my wallet and also always suggest to any owner of a GM dealership they use vehicle delivery people to explain that learning and keeping key codes handy can save just such a hassle down the road for a new car owner. Of course it isnt something someone with a brand spanking new car wants to hear but it does show the customer at delivery the depth of this dealer's concern for their ownership experience.

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Alan The Warranty Guy

[RICKPLEM]

OUR DEALERSHIP ALSO REQUIRES THAT YOU SHOW PROOF OF OWNERSHIP. MOST OF THE TIME, THE SALEPERSON THAT SOLD THE VEHICLE CAN VOUCH FOR THE LOCKED OUT CUSTOMER. WE TRY NOT TO BE TOO AGGRESSIVE WITH IT IF THEY BOUGHT HERE. BUT THE CUSTOMER ON THE OTHER HAND DOES UNDERSTAND IT IS FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY. WHEN PROPERLY EXPLAINED IT BECOMES CLEAR TO THEM.

[eweirick]

Please be careful when selling VIN cut keys. Most States have laws on the books that address this issue. In California it is a misdemeanor to supply a VIN cut key without following the proper identification and record keeping procedures (see copy of Calif. Law below). We keep a copy of the California Penal Code on our retail counter to show our customers.

In addition to the possibility of breaking the law you have to consider the potential liability of supplying a VIN cut key to anyone but the CURRENT vehicle owner.

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CALIFORNIA CODES
PENAL CODE
SECTION 466.6

466.6. (a) Any person who makes a key capable of operating the ignition of a motor vehicle or personal property registered under the
Vehicle Code for another by any method other than by the duplication of an existing key, whether or not for compensation, shall obtain the name, address, telephone number, if any, date of birth, and driver's license number or identification number of the person requesting or purchasing the key; and the registration of the vehicle or personal property registered under the Vehicle Code for which the key is to be made. Such information, together with the date the key was made and the signature of the person for whom the key was made, shall be set forth on a work order. A copy of each such work order shall be retained
for two years, shall include the name and permit number of the locksmith performing the service, and shall be open to inspection by any peace officer or by the Bureau of Collection and Investigative Services during business hours or submitted to the bureau upon request.

Any person who violates any provision of this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) The provisions of this section shall include, but are not limited to, the making of a key from key codes or impressions.
(c) Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit the duplication of any key for a motor vehicle from another key.


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Ed Weirick