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!).

Best to check with your individual insurer. I clarified this with my insurer and they advised me in writing that if the key was secured in a lockbox that the car would be covered for theft.

I'm guessing this has to do with an unattended key becoming an electronic exploit ?. Yeah, I do the same airsail plus a high quality steering wheel lock (this is because the car isn't armed when I use a key to manually lock car - at least my current car, and my old car etc).

airsail said..
Just get a manual key cut, lock the remote key in the car and hang the key around your neck. You could even go as far as hiding the key within the car, I don't bother with that.

Sure if you drive a vintage car that still has a keyhole in the door!

hardpole said..
Lock box issue i had was not being able to read the numbers on the combination without the glasses that were in the car.

You could always ask a friendly crim to give you a hand opening the lock

CH3MTR4IL5 said..
Best to check with your individual insurer. I clarified this with my insurer and they advised me in writing that if the key was secured in a lockbox that the car would be covered for theft.

That's awesome - could you please share which insurance company?.... I suspect they will get a fair amount of new polices if word gets out.

I just checked my policy with Budget Direct and I can confirm there is a specific requirement to ensure "remote locking devices or proximity keys are not left:
- in the car,
- on the car,
- attached to the car, including in a key safe, key lock box, or similar device ..."

Thanks for the heads up.

It seems that your insurance will be void if you leave your electronic key anywhere in or on your car. So the only option is to take the key with you, any good options?

Phoney said..
Any waterproof key pouch will work. There's heaps on amazon.

Thing is, that's all well and good for when you're wearing a wetsuit, you hang it around your neck underneath.... But what about when you're wearing nothing but boardies (and a harness) in summer. Any other hiding spots?

Just find a spot on your harness, I tuck it behind the straps that hold the spreader bar.

Most likely found in the vehicle instruction manual

Range Limitations and Detection RadiusMost keyless entry systems have a detection range between 30 inches to 3 feet around the vehicle.
The key fob must be within this range for the car to unlock or start the engine.
Once the engine is started, the car can continue running even if the key fob leaves the vehicle.
The vehicle's system will trigger a "Key Not Detected" warning if the fob is no longer within range.
Despite the warning, the car will not shut off automatically while driving.If the engine is turned off without the key fob nearby, the car will become inoperable until the fob is returned.
Some manufacturers may include a time-based cutoff or distance limit, but most rely on user awareness rather than automated restrictions.

So obviously a key lock box is within the definitions of nearby.