I'm sure you have all heard the stories about car theives copying down the VIN from parked vehicles and then going to the dealer and having them make keys for them so they can go back and steal them. I was sure it was just an urban legend and that any dealer would need to see proof of ownership before they made you a key.

Well, my buddy lost the only key he had to his car and needed to get a new one made. I told him to try to get one while showing as little proof of ownership as possible. He called a local dealer, gave his VIN over the phone and drove to the dealer. When he got there, the key was already made. He paid 8 bucks for the new key and they handed it over. NEVER GAVE THEM ANYTHING!

I would suggest you guys cover up you VIN with something, just in case. Unfortunately, I have my VIN etched into all of my glass so I'm screwed.

 

They take it pretty serious around here....I locked the key up to a service loaner inside of it, called my dealer 100 miles away and they called the local ford dealer in my area to have another key made for me...went down to get the key and it was like signing my life away.

 

around here they wont etch u a new key unless u have proof of purchase and a key to use to copy it...

 

I'm not sure about all the dealerships around here, but where I bought mine I was told they would only make new keys without a vehicle if you bought the vehicle from them, and had the proper ID...

I would think if a car is stolen and the dealership just gave a key to some random Joe car theif that dealership should be responsible...

 

Good info bigsherm...thanks. I will have to see what I can put on my dash to hide my VIN #.

I dont think anyone would want to steal my truck, but who knows.

 

We are a little low on inventory what with family plan and all....can you guys send me your vin's and I'll make you some free keys (god I'm such a helpful forum member)

 

You fell for that eh? The dealer tried to get us to pay $60 on the focus for that service and we told em to screw off.

 

There's more then one way to say, "no thank you".

 

Like you are one to talk....instead of telling some stranger to politely mind his own business...you beat the chit out of him....

 

That was different. He asked for that *** whoopin'. I dont take kindly to people I dont know running off at the mouth.

 

Sorry to get back on topic, but when I was living in MO where safety inspections are mandatory I was told the VIN had to be visible at all times. If you are pulled over in MO, and the officer cannot see your VIN he can write you a fixit ticket...

I had a dash mat that covered mine if it was just right...

 

Here in wonderful New York State, covering up your VIN plate won't help much. The very same number appears on your registration sticker - which by law must appear in the lower driver side corner of the windshield.

On a brighter note though, the last time my ex lost her key, the dealer wouldn't make her one until they called me. Yes, I was dumb enough to say I knew her.

 

snopes has some info on this subject.

 

Not to mention that you can make 10 keys to a late model truck but if they're not programmed then they are useless right??

 

I didn't pay for my VIN etching, the local police dept. was doing it for free and giving away free "clubs"