Wireless keys can’t simply be taken along whilst surfing. If they’re stored in the key safe, all passengers can access the keys – but what do insurance companies make of that? The alternative is to use waterproof bags under your wetsuit.
Boot open! Window up! Air con on! Car keys can do quite a lot via radio transmission these days – but they’re particularly prone to electronic failure after being splashed with salt water. Replacements can cost hundreds of euros for some models. So you can’t take the key out onto the water unprotected. What’s more, passengers might want to get into the car sooner. So hide it well: based on my own observations, a good 50 per cent of all surfers seem to regard the left front tyre as the Fort Knox of key hiding places.
Heavy-duty key safe
The other half opt for a portable key safe. At many surfing spots, you’ll find one dangling from every other tow eye. With the correct code (a combination lock is hidden behind the black cover flap in the top-left of the photo), anyone authorised can access their car keys at any time. However, these things are quite heavy. The Abus ‘Key Garage Flex’ we tested weighs just under 0.8 kilos – for air travellers, that’s like carrying half a mast.
You certainly won’t be able to get hold of the key to these safes using just your fingernails, a screwdriver or a multi-tool. However, no reputable safecracking tests can be found for this product group. It is therefore unclear just how well these steel gatekeepers can withstand professional techniques. On the other hand, the little box seems to be saying: ‘Hello – the original car key’s in here!’
What the insurance company says about the risk of theft
So what if, after a day’s surfing, the car – along with the keys and the key box – leaves nothing but a large empty parking space? Depending on your insurance policy, leaving your keys in this way is, at the very least, a risky business. A spokesperson for the GDV (German Insurance Association) explains: “If the key box has been broken into, any resulting damage – such as damage to the key box itself or items stolen from the car – may be covered by the ‘external cover’ section of your home contents insurance. However, there is no universal rule here. It depends on what is agreed in your own home contents policy. Furthermore, there are significant differences between the key boxes on offer, ranging from do-it-yourself options to certified systems. This, too, can affect your insurance cover.” If the car is also stolen using the key, matters can become even more complicated.
According to the GDV, the situation is as follows: “There is no universally applicable rule regarding key boxes under comprehensive motor insurance either. Here, too, motorists are advised to contact their insurer. In principle, car theft is covered under third-party, fire and theft cover. In the event of car theft caused by gross negligence, the payout may be reduced. This may be the case if the vehicle is stolen using a matching car key. Whether a reduction in cover is possible depends on the severity of the negligence and thus on the individual case. As a general rule, the car key must be stored in such a way that it is protected from unauthorised access by any third party.” It therefore can’t hurt to ask your own insurer specifically if you want to be on the safe side. The key is certainly better kept in a safe than on the front wheel. It also gives you stronger grounds to present to the insurer. A photo of the safe attached to the car can’t do any harm either, should the worst come to the worst. A residual risk remains. This is certainly lower during the day at a campsite than at dusk on a deserted beach.
The gentle alternative: key pouch
The key hangs under the Neo and is absolutely theft-proof. Waterproof mobile phone pouches are unnecessarily large, the Hermetic mini dry bag by Fidlock (17.99 euros) The Keyfender (29.90 euros), on the other hand, is designed precisely for this purpose. The soft case with a Fidlock magnetic clasp is a bit more discreet when worn under the wetsuit. The Keyfender, being a sturdy hard case, is bulkier. However, it provides sufficient buoyancy and floats even with keys inside. The Fidlock pouch, however – with a heavy key inside – simply sinks. The ‘Mini-Baywatch’ carrying option struck us as rather conspicuous, and the strap is quite tight. A soft neoprene neck strap is included, though. It also comes with various inserts to ensure the key fits snugly in the pouch. You can still operate the key through the PVC window. Wasn’t it lovely back when you could simply tuck your car key under your wetsuit because it could only do two things – turn the lock cylinder and rust a bit?
Stephan Gölnitz
Deputy Editor in Chief surf