Just an FYI to let people know that if you use a lockbox that is attached to your vehicle - that you are not covered by insurance (for theft and damage).
I just spoke to Youi who confirmed this and spoke to a guy who confirmed it with Budget Direct.
The wording in the PDS says you are not covered if the key is in or near the vehicle. I previously thought this was omitted because in one of the initial paragraphs is states that you must take due care to prevent any theft or damage. The updated PDS (2 July 2025) now explicitly mentions lock boxes in or near the vehicle are not covered (the PDS on my policy, dated 4 July 2024, does not explicitly mention lock boxes).
I live on the Sunshine coast and see lock boxes on vehicles every day.. so it would be great to spread the word. I will repost this on some of the other forums too.
I will resort to getting a waterproof pouch to take my key with me - or leave it on the beach (apparently your car is covered in this scenario) - go figure!).
My mate had one on his Mercedes , the combination tumbler failed . I just got my battery grinder out of the back of my ute with a thin cut off disc and dead set 20 secs later I cut through it and not one person batted an eye lid. They are useless that's why insurance companies won't cover you.
Select to expand quotePiros said..
My mate had one on his Mercedes , the combination tumbler failed . I just got my battery grinder out of the back of my ute with a thin cut off disc and dead set 20 secs later I cut through it and not one person batted an eye lid. They are useless that's why insurance companies won't cover you.
A friend had locked herself out of her car.
Breaking the glass with a piece of driftwood did take even less than 20 seconds :-)
This said, I just checked with my insurance company: basically they cover the theft if the key box was damaged in the process. They would thus have covered your mate.
Select to expand quotethuffam said..
Just an FYI to let people know that if you use a lockbox that is attached to your vehicle - that you are not covered by insurance (for theft and damage).
I just spoke to Youi who confirmed this and spoke to a guy who confirmed it with Budget Direct.
The wording in the PDS says you are not covered if the key is in or near the vehicle. I previously thought this was omitted because in one of the initial paragraphs is states that you must take due care to prevent any theft or damage. The updated PDS (2 July 2025) now explicitly mentions lock boxes in or near the vehicle are not covered (the PDS on my policy, dated 4 July 2024, does not explicitly mention lock boxes).
I live on the Sunshine coast and see lock boxes on vehicles every day.. so it would be great to spread the word. I will repost this on some of the other forums too.
I will resort to getting a waterproof pouch to take my key with me - or leave it on the beach (apparently your car is covered in this scenario) - go figure!).
I use a lock box but lock it to the railing of the stair heading to the beach.
this is at least 20-30m from the car.
Most cars nowadays have an immobilizer chip. I have a spare key made without the chip and keep it in a realtor lockbox locked to my trailer hitch. The key that starts the car is locked in another box that's hidden inside the car.
Select to expand quoteSUPaddict said..
Remove lock box then call the insurance company.
If the car is gone I am guessing the lock box will go with it haha
