Car stolen...ongoing claim

forgotmyname

The key report wont be flawed and yes the time/date will be recorded on the key. They will know if thats the spare that you rarely use or the main key.

Not sure why he thinks the report will be flawed?

forgotmyname

Here is one. Not the original one but shows they know how many keys you have and other data..

http://mcsalaw.com/siu-insurance-fraud-litigation-case-results/

eddie75_2

Finally something I can help with, enough that I registered...
I used to do part of the key examinations, and here is how life was when I left in 2012.

BMW in particular, have a global parts system, and any dealership can look up how many keys were issued with your car new, and how many replacements were ordered via BMW if asked by the police or insurers with a reason to check.

The smart keys, with no proper blade (it's hidden inside) are a newer type, which stores all that big load of data on the car identity, including mileage, fuel level, all the faults and service intervals (this is for the BMW service advisors to know what work needs doing) and the date and time for the car.

Regarding the flawed comment above, the date and time is always the one people argue about. How do they know it's accurate? It can be reset by you, but (I suspect the insurance company investigator question will be) why would you do that? Particularly since BMWs track when your MOT/service is due using that calendar/clock, and BMW service techs (plus most good mechanics in my experience with a Mini) always check and reset the clock and calendar every time they get their hands on your car, the clock and calendar usually survive brief battery disconnects (IIRC) and you have to go out of your way to reset the calendar.... That's just going to raise their suspicion if you mention you might have changed it.

Anyhoo, the main reason for key reports on modern BMWs is to see what state the car was in last time it was driven, and what the mileage was.

Mahoosive discrepancy in mileage = questions and possible reduced payout or extra premium if your policy is mileage restricted.

Faults on seatbelt, airbag, all the bulbs at one corner of the car, and ABS fault all with the same date stamp and just before the last recorded mileage? Lots and lots of questions (as that's likely to have been crashed, and since you still have the key, and that crash happened while that key was in the car, that's a pointy question.)

To be honest, since BMW and some other brands give such good data to confirm your words or catch any problems, it's pretty routine for those keys to get read- if your key backs you up, and nothing else is worrying them, it should mean they can pass your claim for payment that bit sooner. If you send them the key for another car by accident? Yeah, that'll take some explaining- and yes it's happened!

dacouch

Great post Eddie.

Please stick around as it sounds like you have a lot of helpful knowledge to share with MSE members.

You're contributions may also be needed on the motoring part of MSE as there are often Insurance or Technical questions on there. You'll also find plenty of petrol heads on there so great for a motoring chat