Buying a Used Car: How Secure Is It?

There are so many things to think about when buying a second hand car:

• Is it damaged?
• Has it been in an accident?
• Is the mileage accurate?
• What are you getting with it?
• Does it have all of the necessary paperwork?
• Does it have everything that you need and want from a vehicle?
• Will your son or daughter’s car seat fit?
• What’s the fuel consumption like?
• How much will it cost to tax?
• Will it need any repair work imminently?
• Is the boot big enough?

The list can seem endless but, swept up in questions about the safety of a vehicle and its many features, many people forget to consider the security aspect which is also particularly important.

What Security Issues?

When buying a used car, how many car keys are you given? Are they the originals? In many cases, people are given just one car key when they purchase a second hand car. Some people don’t even stop to consider that there were probably two when the car was first sold. Someone, somewhere, might have access to a key that works with your vehicle.

It’s also impossible to know that the key fob or car key that you’re using was one of the originals that came with the car. It’s possible that you’re already using a replacement car key, and that the originals are all elsewhere.

How Big Is the Risk?

You don’t need to worry immediately, or go into panic mode. The chance of someone having a key to your car and also knowing the location of your vehicle is very slim. The previous owner may have kept a key and may know your address and be able to identify their car out and about, but the likelihood that they’ll gain access illegally remains very low.

Still, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

What Can You Do?

If you’re driving an older car with only a metal key then unfortunately, once you’ve bought the vehicle, there is very little that you can do. For cars with electronic key fobs and transponder keys, there are a few more options. It’s possible that a locksmith or car key expert can access your vehicle’s on-board computer, where they can delete old key data and stop old keys from working.

Need to Know More?

If you have only one working car key, or if you want to know more about removing old car key information from your vehicle’s computer, then why not call us on our 24-hour helpline? A member of our team will be happy to discuss your options.