What Are the Downsides of Keyless Entry Cars
Keyless entry is convenient, but it raises theft risk, repair costs, and sometimes your premium, so it's worth understanding first.
A fob failed and the fix cost more than expected
A driver in her early 80s noticed her keyless fob was slow to unlock her car some mornings. She assumed it was a dying battery and kept driving, since the car still started fine every time she pressed the button. A few weeks later the fob stopped working completely, and she had to call a tow truck because the car wouldn't recognize the key at all.
At the dealership she learned that replacing a keyless fob costs more than a traditional key, and programming a new one took an extra visit. She asked her insurance agent whether this was covered and found out her policy's comprehensive coverage would help only if the fob was lost or stolen, not simply worn out. She decided to keep a spare fob in a drawer at home and asked her agent to confirm her comprehensive deductible, so a future issue wouldn't catch her off guard financially or leave her stranded again.
Does keyless entry make my car more likely to be stolen?
It can, in certain circumstances. Keyless systems communicate with your fob over a short-range signal, and thieves have used signal relay devices to pick up that signal and trick the car into thinking the fob is nearby, letting them unlock and start the vehicle without ever touching your keys.
This isn't true of every keyless system, and automakers have added protections over time, so how vulnerable your specific car is depends on its age and manufacturer. If you're concerned, ask a dealer or mechanic whether your model has had reported relay theft issues and whether a signal-blocking pouch for your fob is worth using. Comprehensive coverage on your policy would typically respond if the car were stolen this way, so it helps to confirm that coverage is in place.
Now that you know what keyless entry means for your risk and coverage, compare quotes to see how it affects your rate.
Should you keep driving a car with keyless entry
If you do
You keep the convenience of walking up and starting the car without fumbling for a key, which matters if your hands or grip have gotten harder to manage. You'll want to confirm your comprehensive coverage, keep a spare fob somewhere safe, and ask your insurer whether keyless systems affect your premium in your state.
If you don't
You avoid fob replacement costs and relay theft risk entirely, but you give up a feature that many newer cars include standard, which can narrow your options if you're shopping for a replacement vehicle. Older cars with traditional keys may also come with fewer modern safety features that insurers reward with discounts.
What keyless entry actually costs you beyond the price tag
- Fob replacement cost A lost or broken fob costs more to replace than a traditional key, and often needs dealer programming. Keep a spare on hand and ask your dealer what a replacement would run.
- Relay theft risk Some keyless systems can be tricked by signal relay devices that let thieves unlock your car without the fob nearby. Ask if a signal-blocking pouch is recommended for your model.
- Battery dependence A dead fob battery can leave you unable to start the car, sometimes with little warning. Check your fob's battery each year and keep a spare on hand.
- Insurance coverage gaps Comprehensive coverage typically handles theft but not simple wear or malfunction of the fob. Confirm with your agent exactly what your policy covers before you need it.
- Premium effects vary Keyless entry can influence your premium depending on your insurer and state, sometimes lowering it for theft deterrence and sometimes raising it for repair costs. Ask your agent how it factors into your specific policy.
Can I disable keyless entry on my car if I'm worried about theft?
Yes, on many models you can disable the passive keyless feature through the car's settings or by asking a dealer, while still using the fob's manual lock and unlock buttons. This removes the walk-up-and-unlock convenience but closes the relay theft risk since the car won't search for the fob's signal automatically. Whether this option exists and how to do it depends on your make and model, so check your owner's manual or ask your dealer directly.
Will a keyless entry car affect my insurance premium as I get older?
It can, but age itself and keyless entry affect your premium through separate factors that your insurer weighs independently. Keyless entry may influence theft and comprehensive claims, while your age and driving record affect other parts of your rate. Ask your agent to break down how each feature and factor affects your specific premium, since insurers vary in how they weigh keyless systems.
What should I do if my keyless fob stops working while I'm out?
Call for roadside assistance if your policy or membership includes it, since most keyless failures require towing rather than a simple fix on the spot. Keep your insurer's or roadside provider's number saved in your phone or written down in your glovebox for this reason. Afterward, ask your dealer whether the issue was a dead battery, a programming error, or a hardware failure, since that determines whether it's a quick fix or a costlier replacement.
