Vehicle Key Security

INTRODUCTION

The secure storage of vehicle keys—both during working hours and, critically, out of hours—is a fundamental aspect of motor trade risk management. Given the rising frequency of thefts targeting keys and high-value vehicles, the availability and use of robust, tamper-resistant key cabinets are of central importance in survey assessments of motor-related premises.

A wide range of key cabinets are available on the market, varying in design, construction, and security features. However, selecting an appropriate product requires a careful balance between convenience and theft resistance.

SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS

Lack of Standards

There are currently no UK or international standards that define the security performance of purpose-built key cabinets for the motor trade sector.

References to “key safes” or “security cabinets” in the LPCB Red Book or Sold Secure directories generally pertain to:

• External wall-mounted key boxes (e.g., for carers or maintenance staff)

• Light-duty domestic or hotel room safes

  These products are not suitable for safeguarding motor vehicle keys in commercial settings.

As such, many commercially available key cabinets may offer utility for key management during operational hours but do not provide sufficient resistance to a determined physical attack, especially after hours.

Minimum Requirements for Secure Key Cabinets

To ensure consistent protection standards across sites, the following risk improvement wording must be employed in survey recommendations:

“A heavy-duty key security cabinet must be provided for the secure keeping of all vehicle keys out of working hours, installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. As a minimum requirement, the cabinet should be constructed of a 3mm welded steel plate body with a 6mm sold steel door, secured by two solid locking bolts operated by a high security 8 lever lock or electronic safe lock. Firms that manufacture or supply such products include:

• Burton Safes Ltd – www.burtonsafes.co.uk

• Securikey Ltd – www.securikey.co.uk

Typical heavy duty key security cabinets

Application by Vehicle Value

Where not otherwise directed by Client Service Instructions, the following value-based guidelines apply:

A. Vehicle Value: £30,000 to £50,000

• All keys must be stored out of hours in a heavy-duty cabinet meeting the specification above.

• Cabinet keys or codes should be removed from the premises after hours.

  
  

B. Vehicle Value: Exceeding £50,000

• Keys must be stored in a certified security safe, with a minimum cash rating equivalent to a European Grade 0 safe.

• The safe must be anchored to the structure in line with manufacturer guidance.

• For exceptionally high-value vehicles, higher-grade safes (e.g., Grade 1 or above) should be considered.

Note: Cash ratings correlate to the safe’s resistance to attack. A Grade 0 safe typically offers a cash rating of £6,000 and a valuables rating of £60,000, making it appropriate for this threshold of vehicle value.

Additional Recommendations

• Location of Storage Units: Cabinets and safes should be installed away from public view, ideally in a secure internal room.

  
  

• Key Control Logs: Sites should maintain controlled access logs and limit the number of authorised key holders.

  
  

• Audit and Training: Periodic checks on key security procedures and staff awareness training are recommended.

  
  

• Alarm Coverage: Ensure that rooms containing key storage units are protected by an intruder alarm with PIR detection and, where appropriate, CCTV monitoring.

  
  

SUMMARY

In the absence of formal construction standards for key cabinets, insurers and risk engineers must adopt and enforce clearly defined minimum physical specifications to manage theft risks effectively. As vehicle values continue to increase—and with organised criminal gangs increasingly targeting vehicle keys—rigorous attention to out-of-hours key security is essential.

By following the guidance in this bulletin, surveyors and clients alike can take proportionate, cost-effective measures that significantly reduce the risk of vehicle theft and ensure alignment with insurers’ expectations.