Everyone will experience a moment of panic in the event of losing their car key whether the key is lost or stolen. A replacement key is needed and it can be expensive for several reasons.
Here are the reasons why losing your car keys can be expensive:
Replacement Costs
Modern car keys especially those with chip are not cheap to replace and the cost of a new key can range from $50 for a simple key to over $500 for expensive luxury cars with advanced key features that require special programming tools.
Towing Fees
If your keys got lost while away from home you might need to have your car towed to the dealership.
Locksmith Services
If you need to get your car open immediately and cannot wait for a replacement key from your dealership you may need to call a locksmith for an emergency lockout service which can be expensive when required outside of regular business hours.
Time Consuming
Losing your car keys can lead to missed appointments or important events which can lead into lost income or opportunities adding an unexpected costs.
Security Risks
If your keys have been stolen rather than simply lost it could pose a security risk to your car and in such cases it might be necessary to rekey the locks and reprogram the new key in order to prevent unauthorized access to your car.
Increased Insurance Premiums
Depending on the circumstances the loss of your keys and the resulting claim for replacement car keys or locks may affect your car insurance premiums making your policy more expensive in the long run.
Rental Car Costs
If you choose your car dealership service and while waiting for your replacement keys you might need to rent a car to maintain your mobility it will also add to the total expenses.
Saves Inconveniency
While not a direct cost but the stress and inconvenience of losing your car keys cannot be overlooked as the time and effort spent in resolving the situation can have a significant impact on your daily routine.