'Smart' car keys are outsmarting drivers

Modern cars are getting smarter every year. But drivers? Maybe not so much, at least when it comes to handling their time-saving, state-of-the-art "smart keys."

AAA says it assisted more than 4 million members last year who had locked themselves out of their vehicles. And the association notes the overall number of locked-out drivers needing rescue hasn't changed much over the past five years despite the growing popularity of the new keys, which let motorists remotely unlock and start their vehicles.

Smart keys are electronic and use radio frequencies. They can add hundreds of dollars to a car's cost and can be very expensive to replace -- often with a wait time of several days. "The cost to replace a transponder key runs around $100, and replacement smart keys can cost several hundred dollars depending on the make and model," John Nielsen, AAA's director of automotive engineering and repair, said in a press statement.

"Many newer keys must be programmed by a dealer or locksmith with special electronic equipment and accesses to highly confidential codes that are required to service the vehicle security system."

In an informal online survey of car dealerships late last year by Automotive News, only 29% said they offered customers any form of key-replacement insurance.

The new technology can also provide some unexpected -- and hazardous -- challenges to uninitiated drivers.

"The spare key is in my purse inside the car, and it is running," one frantic driver posted in an owner forum recently. "The puppy stepped on the key and locked the door and no windows are open. Short of breaking a window is there any way to get in?"

AAA recommends smart-key users become familiar with the device's full capabilities and limitations in case of emergencies -- and keep a spare key in a safe location.

"Traditional car keys will likely become obsolete and be replaced by technologies offering even greater security and convenience," Nielsen said. "Motorists will need to adapt with the technology to avoid the hassle and expense of smart key replacements."

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