Does car insurance cover lost keys?

If you’ve misplaced your car keys, don’t worry. You’re not alone. According to a survey by the RAC, 1 in 20 motorists (almost two million drivers) admit to having lost their car keys for good — and they’ve spent over £181 million replacing them.

So, how can you make sure you’re not out of pocket when your car keys go walkabout?

Does car insurance cover lost keys?

The short answer is maybe. Here, we explain everything.

Can you claim for lost car keys on insurance?

Generally speaking, yes, it’s possible to claim for lost car keys on insurance — but it depends on your level of coverage and your policy’s fine print.

For example, some car insurance providers include lost key cover as standard with their comprehensive car insurance deals, while others only offer it as an optional extra.

However, if you have third-party-only (TPO) or third-party, fire and theft (TPFT) cover, you probably won’t have lost key cover included.

It’s also worth noting that some insurance policies require you to pay an excess if you make a claim for lost car keys, while others don’t.

What does car key replacement insurance include?

Car key insurance policies can vary from one provider to the next. Typically, they’ll cover some or all of the following:

• A 24/7 helpline to help you in the event of lost keys
• The cost for an emergency car key replacement (this may be up to a set amount, and you might need to pay an excess)
• The cost of reprogramming your car’s alarm and immobiliser to work with the new key
• The cost of a taxi or public transport to help you get home if you’re unable to access your vehicle
• A courtesy car if you can’t use your vehicle due to lost keys
• The cost of a locksmith if you’ve locked your keys in your car

What does car key replacement insurance not include?

Car key replacement policies tend not to include the following:

• Replacement keys or locks damaged due to wear and tear
• The replacement of stolen car keys without a crime reference number (a unique number assigned to your case when you report a theft to the police)
• The creation of additional keys for an existing set
• Upgraded locks or keys

As with any insurance policy, we recommend checking your car insurance’s small print to see what’s covered and what’s not.

How much does it cost to add lost car keys insurance as an extra?

If you don’t have lost keys included with your comprehensive car insurance policy, you can usually select it as an add-on. The cost can range from £10 to £40 per year, depending on the insurer and the level of cover offered.

As we’ll discover in the next section, paying for lost car key cover could save you a lot of money in the long run.

How much does it cost to replace lost or stolen car keys?

Replacing lost or stolen car keys can range from hundreds to thousands of pounds, depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the year of registration, and the car’s security features.

According to Checkatrade, the average cost of replacing a standard, manual car key is £160 plus VAT. In contrast, replacing a remote car key (which typically includes keyless entry and remote locking) costs around £320 plus VAT. The difference in prices comes from the need to reprogram remote keys to work with your car’s immobiliser and ignition software.

How to claim for lost car keys on your insurance

If your car insurance policy includes lost key cover, there are a few steps you need to take to make a claim. While every insurance provider is different, the process will usually look like this:

1. Report the loss: Contact your insurance provider as soon as you realise you’ve lost your car keys.
   
   
2. Provide the necessary information: You’ll probably be asked for proof of ownership (such as your driving licence and vehicle registration) along with your policy number. It’s a good idea to have this information on hand before you call.
3. Follow your insurer’s instructions: If your claim is successful, your insurer will outline the next steps to help you replace your missing key. For example, you may be asked to purchase a replacement key and then submit a receipt to be reimbursed, or they might send a locksmith to help you access your vehicle. Depending on your policy’s fine print, you may also be entitled to a courtesy car while you cannot use your own.

Are you a Howden customer? You can make a claim here.

How to get a car key replaced without insurance

If you don’t have lost key cover included with your insurance (or don’t want to make a claim), you can arrange to replace your lost car keys yourself. Here are a few of your options:

• Use an auto locksmith: A specialist motor vehicle locksmith should have the experience and equipment needed to help you replace your lost keys. Depending on the company and location, they may also offer a mobile service to help you if you’re stranded.
• Purchase a replacement from your dealership: If you need a particular key for your car’s make and model, the dealership where you bought your vehicle might be able to help. However, this isn’t usually a quick (or cheap) fix, as they’ll need to order a blank key and have it reprogrammed to work with your car.
• Contact a local mechanic: They may have the necessary equipment on-site or a recommended partner to help you replace your lost keys. However, depending on the type of key you require, this could be a costly and time-consuming option.

Remember, no matter how you go about replacing your lost keys, you’ll need your driving licence and vehicle registration document to prove you’re the car’s owner.

What do you do if you’ve locked your keys in the car?

If you’ve accidentally locked your keys inside your car, you may be able to get to them quickly at no extra cost if you have breakdown cover. A mechanic will be sent to your location to help you access your vehicle and recover your keys.

If they’re unable to help (or you don’t have breakdown cover), you may need to call out a locksmith, which might involve an emergency call-out fee. Prices can vary depending on the time of day and the distance travelled.

Five tips to avoid losing your keys in the future

1. Get a few spares cut and ask a trusted friend or family member to keep them: Having a few extra spare car keys readily available can help you in a bind if you’re out and about and can’t access your vehicle. Depending on the type of key, you might be able to get them made at a high street key cutter for a fraction of the price. Ask a friend or family member to keep them; they could come to your rescue.
   
   
2. Use a key tracker keyring: GPS tracker keyrings like Apple Air Tags and Android Tiles can help you locate your lost car keys using your smartphone.
   
   
3. Don’t leave all your keys on the same keyring: It goes without saying, but if you keep your house and car keys on the same keyring and lose your keys, you could find yourself locked out of your car and your home.
   
   
4. Choose a spot in your home for keys: Designate a space (a drawer, hook, shelf, etc.) for keys. That way, you’re less likely to misplace them when you get home. 
   
   
5. However, don’t leave your car keys next to the front door: Keep your keys out of sight, away from windows and the front door. Opportunistic thieves could break in, grab your keys, and steal your car.

In summary: Are you insured if you lose your keys?

To recap, if you have comprehensive car insurance with lost key cover as standard or as an add-on, you can claim the cost of replacing your lost car keys. However, depending on your policy’s small print, you may have to pay an excess.

Make sure you’re covered with Howden Car Insurance

Howden’s car insurance brokers can find a fully comprehensive quote that suits you, offering the highest level of protection while keeping you as financially unaffected as possible if you lose your car keys. Find out more here.

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