racedo

In the 90's had a hot hatch that was a target for thieves and used to remove a fuse for fuel pump so even if they nicked it they couldn't go anywhere and they tried.

Leaving in car and disconnecting a fuse and hiding in car is a good option as just came back from a trip where worried on way to airport that had left keys at place where staying.

gileraguy

No insurance company will pay for a theft claim unless primary and spare keys are produced.

Had a call last month from the Cops regarding a car I sold three years ago as to whether the buyer got a spare key. Apparently the poor bloke couldn't produce a spare and I couldn't recall not giving him both keys. I haven't found the spares since them and I think I got them when I bought it but wouldn't you cut a spare after 3 years?

(or if you were committing a fraudulent claim?)

stevef

Glue a magnet to an old bicycle puncture repair kit box, put keys inside and attach to somewhere under the car. Or buy one for seven quid or so. Simples.

Blacksheep

I used to commute between Kuala Lumpur and Bandar Seri Begawan when the older kids went on to secondary school. Finish work on Friday, board 18:00 flight to KL. Sunday, catch 21.30 flight back to Bandar. Arriving at BSB one night I couldn't find my car keys. Oh No! Left in KL! I'll see if I can get into the car and hot wire it. Try car door and find it unlocked. Keys? There they are - still in the ignition!.

Bandar Seri Begawan airport car park is (or was at that time) probably the only one in the world where you can park your car in the airport car park with the keys in the ignition and find it still there two days later.

Oh yes, and it started first try. Good old Mazda 929.

OFSO

wouldn't you cut a spare after 3 years?

To us older generation it must seem simple. But read your new car's handbook. Keys only available as a complete set from the manufacturer, and the chip inside the key must be coded to the car with some rigmarole of putting it in the ignition, tuning one way, turning back, waiting, turning it another way, sticking it up your nose, and I don't know what.

MagnusP

Just had to replace a faulty key for the A4. £140 for the cut blank and £45 to programme it. Robbin' bastids.

Mungo5

Simples.. Leave them at the airport/station lost property office. Provided you're sure they'll keep them for a period of time and won't dispose of them, you can 'claim' them on your return.

Also works for the various items you can't take through the security checkpoints these days.

zarniwoop

The hospital I worked at some years ago allowed staff to park their cars there while on holiday, if you asked security nicely they would even clamp it for you and put the keys in the safe, you could then get the bus to the airport knowing the car was being looked after.