For 1990-2009 cars

# Info - Replacement of Keys, Key Numbers and/or Security Chips

Subject: | Replacement of Keys, Key Numbers and/or Security Chips

Models: | 2002 and Prior Passenger Cars and Trucks

General Motors has received reports from dealers and law enforcement officials in various parts of the country regarding a new trend in auto theft.

The current mode of operation is for a person (thief) to do the following:

1. Pick out the vehicle he/she wishes to steal from a new/used car sales facility or off the street.
2. Record the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
3. Take the VIN to any dealership which cuts keys.

In some instances they have presented hand-written registration forms as proof of ownership.

4. The thief then returns and drives the vehicle from the location.

Cutting of replacement keys is serious business. General Motors Policies and Procedures Manual, Section 3.2.5 (3.1.6 in Canada), Replacement of Key Numbers & Security Chips, provides the following guidelines: "For security and protection against auto theft, dealer should verify vehicle ownership before providing replacement keys, key numbers and/or security chips. Verification should include positive identification of requester and verification of vehicle ownership through registration."

Each dealership should (if they are in the business of cutting keys for walk-in, phone, fax, or other requesters) make a permanent file, by VIN, of all key requests. Copies of the following documents should remain in each file:

• | Government-issued picture ID (for example, a driver's license)

• | Registration or other proof of ownership Registration should have normal markings from the state/province which issued the registration and possibly the receipt for payment recorded as well. Since each state/province will be different, you will need to set up guidelines for your dealership based on the current registration laws and or policies of your state/province. We know of no law enforcement agency or state/province vehicle registration office which will accept a hand-written registration document.

• | Copy of the paid customer receipt which has the name of the employee who cut and sold the key to the customer

• | When vehicle ownership cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, DO NOT provide the keys. Refer the customer to the selling dealer or GM Roadside Assistance.

Important:

• | When a dealership calls the TRACS 2000 voice response system (Vintage Group in Canada) for key codes, the dealer code is recorded by VIN, in a permanent electronic file.

• | Cutting keys for anyone other than the registered vehicle owner may result in the dealership and/or employee being charged with aiding and abetting in grand theft auto and determined to be liable, in the event the vehicle is subsequently stolen from another dealership or customer.

Dealers may wish to designate one specific, trusted employee as the person to handle all key requests.