Cover your VIN number

[yvrr]

Getting a key made from a VIN number is basically an urban legend. While it can be done, one needs proof of vehicle ownership. See http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/vin.asp

[Greg In Austin]

Jack,

If it is an urban legend, then I am not sure how Nissan made my key. I bought a used 1986 300zx. I got one key. That key must have been the original and it was worn to the point that I was afraid it might bend. I did not want to use that key to master another so I went to the local Nissan dealer. I gave them the VIN of the car and later I had a new key.

I know I did not show proof of ownership, since the title is in a safe deposit box. I don't think I showed registration or even proof of insurance.,,, but maybe POI since that has the VIn on it and would have been the easiest way to show the VIN.

Maybe FORD can't do it, but I know others can.

Greg in Austin.

[jage]

The snopes article basically says it does happen but the average car owner doesn't need to be worried about it- there opinion is nobody is going to bother to case your vehicle and go through the trouble of having a key made. While possible, they state

this is antithetical to the way car thieves generally work - they're creatures of opportunity who steal cars as they find them, quickly and anonymously. They don't want to have to go around recording VINs, forging documents, calling attention to themselves and risking exposure by showing their faces at auto dealerships

The problem is SMBs aren't average vehicles. If you had a fence or place to unload SMBs (which is where I think the real snag for crooks probably lies) it would be worth tricking a Ford dealership or two. After all the dealership is probably thinking the same way Snopes is- it's just van to them and not worth the trouble of faking it.

Where would one unload an SMB anyway? Mexico?

[Jeffrey]

Hi Jack, nice to see you here.

quote
"nobody is going to bother to case your vehicle and go through the trouble of having a key made."

Generally, I'd believe this, But living fairly close to Mexico, and the fact that my SMB is worth over $100K, I'm still a little wary.

[Greg In Austin]

I don't think most stolen vehicles are sold as a unit, rather they are stripped and broken down and sold as parts and pieces. A SMB has a lot more parts and pieces to sell or pawn.

I have to think that it is a rare thing for someone to use a VIn to get a key to steal a vehicle, but it sure has me thinking about how to secure our SMB once we get it.

Greg in Austin