5 Essential Tips To Protect Your Car Keys At The Beach

Published: Thursday, August 8, 2024, 14:03 [IST]

Keeping car keys safe at the beach can prevent costly breakdown call-outs, according to Start Rescue. "We’ve recently had claims for keys lost on beaches in the sand, keys falling out of pockets into the sea when boarding boats, and even keys dropping down a drain," says Lee Puffett, Managing Director of Start Rescue.

Replacement car keys can be expensive, with costs averaging £372 and reaching up to £530 for certain models. Therefore, it is crucial to secure your keys as soon as you lock your car. Using a waterproof bag or pocket in a backpack can help keep them dry and safe.

Many backpacks come with zipped pockets that have hooks to attach your keys securely. Additionally, some beach clothing now includes internal pockets designed specifically for this purpose. However, always ensure your keys stay dry if you plan to go into the water.

If your car is parked nearby, using a "Faraday" pouch can prevent keyless theft by blocking the fob’s signal from being intercepted by criminals. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of theft.

Adding a security tracker tag to your keys can also be beneficial. These tags are inexpensive and easy to install, allowing you to locate your keys even if they get buried under sand.

Lee Puffett adds: "We see lots of unpredictable lost key issues, so it saves customers a great deal of time and money to check their keys are secure immediately after they lock their cars." He emphasises that these five easy steps can make a big difference in avoiding lost keys and preventing crime.

Start Rescue has earned high ratings for its services. It holds a 4.5-star rating on Trustpilot and a five-star Defaqto rating. The company has also been recognised as a Which? Recommended Provider for five consecutive years.

Award-Winning Service

In the Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards 2024, Start Rescue was named the best Breakdown Cover provider, scoring 4.9 out of 5 for overall satisfaction with a 94% recommendation rate. The company also topped the What Car? Survey for best response time and temporary repairs that allow people to continue their journeys.

Launched in 2009, Start Rescue is part of Call Assist, the nation’s fourth-largest breakdown and recovery service with over two million UK customers. For more breakdown advice, visit startrescue.co.uk.

"These five easy steps make a big difference to avoid you losing keys and to prevent crime," says Puffett. "Even though our policies include cover for lost or broken keys, and keys locked inside the car (excluding costs for a replacement key), it’s much better to keep them safe in the first place."

For further information about Start Rescue's services or interview requests, please contact [email protected].