The term "lock box" refers to any number of small lockable containers designed for storing small items in. A lock box is effectively a miniature safe and they are typically used for storing keys. There is a wide range of styles and types available and, compared to some other types of lockable containers, they are actually quite expensive. However, a lock box certainly carries certain advantages that other solutions do not and can be quite advanced in their implementation. At the highest end of the scale it is possible to buy electronic real-estate lock boxes, which have advanced features.
If you are in the market for a cheaper key lock box you will want to consider a diversion safe. A diversion safe is any lockable container that is designed to mimic the appearance of a common household object, such a spray can, book, or a rock. Rock shaped diversion safes are a clever way to store your spare key to gain entry to your house rather than hiding it under the door mat, loose brick, or nearby plant pot. These are all obvious places, and burglars often know where to check. How many burglars are going to go searching the garden for out of place rocks though? A rock shaped diversion safe is not strictly a lock box although it is on the same scale. These start as low as US$15, and go up to maybe $30. Regardless of whether you're using a lock box or a diversion safe it should always be stored out of sight.
If you're after something sturdier, with a more solid construction, and with the ability to be fixed to something, then you will be looking at a true lock box. These use a variety of methods to achieve their aim all of which have their merit. Mechanical push-button combination lock boxes start at about $65. They can be bolted to the house or a strategic place underneath the car should you lose or forget your keys. Also, if you need to leave your car somewhere for someone else to retrieve it, by giving this trusted person the location of the lock box and combination by telephone or email, you can safely do so, without having to worry about the key being found. A true lock box is preferable to a cheaper magnetic key holder which typically does not lock, cannot withstand a determined brute-force attack, and does not have the option of being bolted to a surface.
One of the most common uses these days are lock boxes for real-estate agents. The purpose of these is to provide access to real-estate agents who may be showing your property to potential buyers while you are at work or otherwise absent, without having to completely trust the agency to store your keys. These are typically electronic, with programmable settings to allow you to restrict who can enter their combination at which times of day. These start as low as $150 and can go well over $350. Supra lock boxes are preferred by real-estate agents as they deliver a high level of security and ease of use for both clients and agents. Any combination lock box you buy should allow the option of changing the combination. Lock boxes that do not should be considered a security risk.
