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Key Analysis
A significant aspect of a complete vehicle investigation frequently consists of a detailed analysis of the insured's keys. Although numerous inconsistencies are often uncovered during the course of such an analysis, the SIU agent must first lay the appropriate foundation leading toward success. The first step undertaken must be to have the insured surrender all of the keys pertaining to their missing vehicle. Next, as a general rule, ask the insured the following questions concerning their automobile keys:
How many keys did they obtain when they purchased the vehicle
Were any keys supplied to them ever lost or stolen
Have they ever had additional copies made
Did one single key operate all of the vehicle's lock cylinders
Can all of the keys in their possession be accounted for
After these questions have been answered and the keys are in your possession, many elements of the investigation may then be accurately resolved. Specialized equipment in our laboratory is often capable of determining if keys have been duplicated from the insured's keys, if the insured's keys are after-market or OEM, if the insured's keys are consistent with the make, model and year of the missing vehicle, if the keys contain the proper electronic components for specific models, if the key cuts match the bittings of the lock cylinders, and countless other facts. Although key analysis is frequently an all too often overlooked segment of vehicle investigations, in many instances it is the most powerful tool available.
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