Does Auto Insurance Cover Lost Keys

Losing your car keys can cause real panic and frustration, especially when you're running late and check your pockets only to find them empty! You try to remember where you might have misplaced those keys, but you can’t recall. In situations like this, you might wonder: are lost keys covered by car insurance? The answer depends on your insurer and the specific type of car insurance coverage you have. Let us help you find the answer you're looking for.

Will Auto Insurance Cover Lost Key Replacement?

If your car keys are lost, will your insurance company pay for it? The short answer is no. In general, standard auto insurance policies don’t cover lost keys. Because your car keys aren’t considered part of the vehicle. They fall under your personal property category.

Car insurance is actually designed for bigger losses including accidents, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. However, some insurers offer vehicle protection plans or comprehensive coverage that might help you replace lost or stolen car keys. In such a case, it’s best to call your carrier first. It won’t cost you more than a minute to ask your insurer whether they cover it or not.

If you’re a valued policyholder of L.A. Insurance and lost your car keys, don’t hesitate to contact us. Dial us at (800) 893-9393. Insurance experts from our affordable insurance agency can help you with the right answer based on the auto policy you carry.

Interesting Fact: Did you know that every year, more than 20 million people in the United States lose their car and house keys? Always keep a backup key to avoid becoming part of that number.

What If Car Keys Are Stolen or Damaged?

If your car keys aren't lost but are stolen or damaged due to accidents or natural disasters like floods, will your auto insurance company cover them? In this circumstance, your comprehensive coverage might help. But only under the right conditions.

Let’s say your car keys are stolen. Maybe someone broke into your home, grabbed your bag, and disappeared. If there’s evidence of theft, and you carry comprehensive car insurance, you might be fortunate.

This is because the comprehensive insurance policy is designed to handle non-collision events including theft, fire, vandalism, flood, and other natural hazards.

So, if the insurer agrees there’s a genuine risk of your vehicle being stolen, they may help:

• Replace the locks
• Reprogram your smart key or fob
• Or even tow your car if it’s unsafe to drive

The same goes for damaged keys like if your key broke off in the door, or the fob stopped working after a break-in. But keep in mind that this depends on the insurance company, the kind of coverage you have, and how the damage occurred. And only your insurer can surely tell you whether you’re covered or not under a comprehensive policy.

If you need full protection against all kinds of risks, including accidents, natural disasters, and collisions, be sure to choose our affordable full coverage auto insurance policy. This policy includes liability auto insurance, collision coverage, and comprehensive insurance. No matter where you’re from—Michigan, Colorado, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Arizona, or Nevada—get your auto insurance quote or speak to one of our agents today!

Is There Any Insurance Policy That Covers Lost or Stolen Keys?

Yes. But it’s not always part of your auto policy. As we said, a car insurance policy including comprehensive coverage won’t always cover lost or stolen keys. However, if you have add-on coverage like roadside assistance coverage, you can get some emergency help.

Other than that, your home insurance or renters’ insurance may help if the keys were stolen during a theft at home. It will fall under personal property coverage.

But don’t expect coverage for simple misplacement.

Some car insurance companies now offer key protection plans as well. But that’s usually extra. If you think you’re a kind of forgetful type, you could explore those options with your desired insurance carrier.

Should I File a Claim for Lost or Stolen Keys?

Only if it truly makes sense.

If your car insurance covers your lost or stolen keys, you should only file a claim if the cost exceeds your deductible amount. For comprehensive coverage, policyholders typically choose a deductible between $500 and $1,000.

The cost to replace a smart key or key fob might be less than your deductible. This means you'd still pay out of pocket without gaining any real benefits.

Generally, the cost of replacing car keys ranges from $10 to $500, depending on the type. For example:

• Basic mechanical keys are $10 to $12.
• A smart car key (Keyless Entry) replacement costs $200 to $500.
• Transponder keys cost $75 to $250.  
• Remote keys cost $200 to $400.  

Since most deductibles are around $500, and the cost of replacing keys often falls at least $100 short of that amount, it may not be worth filing a claim for lost car keys even if your insurance company agrees to cover the expense.

In brief, it would not be a good idea to claim lost keys if the replacement costs less than your deductible.

What Should I Do If I Lock Keys in My Car?

First, don’t panic. It happens to the best of us.

If you have locked your car keys inside, check if your car has a mobile app. Many newer cars let you unlock doors remotely using your phone. However, if you’re not in luck, call for help.

If you have roadside assistance through your auto insurance, use it. Let them know about your situation. They will send someone to unlock your car. Some car insurance companies include this in their plan, or you might have it through a membership service like AAA.

However, if you have no coverage like roadside assistance, you’ll need to call a locksmith and yes, for that you’ll have to pay out of pocket.

Just remember, help is always a call away. If you are not sure what to do if your key goes missing. The following section is for you. So, keep reading!

How to Replace Lost or Stolen Car Keys

If you want to replace your car key, know that it’s totally doable.

Here's what you can do. Step by step:

1. Stay calm and retrace your steps. It sounds basic. But sometimes the key turns up in the couch or your coat pocket. So look again before jumping to the next steps.
2. Report it if it’s stolen. If you’re sure it was stolen, file a police report. This helps support your insurance claim, especially if you have comprehensive coverage. It also protects you in case of theft.
3. Call your insurer (if coverage applies). Check your insurance policy. Some auto insurance or roadside assistance coverage may help cover a replacement key or lock change. But not always.
4. Contact a dealership or locksmith. However, it depends on the type of key. Any locksmith can help if you have a basic metal key. But if you have a transponder key or smart key, you’ll need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and may have to visit a dealership. In case you drive a luxury car, you’ll likely face higher costs and possibly longer wait times.
5. Get the key reprogrammed. If it’s a key fob or smart key, it needs to be programmed into your car. That’s why replacements cost more. 

Heads up on cost: Key fob cost can range from $50 to $400 depending on the car. Smart keys may cost even more.

Tips to Prevent Losing Your Car Keys

• Create a “home” for your keys: Pick a spot. A small bowl by the door. A hook in the hallway. Always leave your keys there when you walk in. Build the habit.
• Use a tracker: Attach a Bluetooth tracker to your keychain. If they disappear, you’ll know where they were last. Lifesaver.
• Have a spare and know where it is: Keep a duplicate in a safe place. Not your glove box. Not your backpack. Somewhere smart.
• Don’t carry all keys together: Separate your house key, car key, and work keys. That way, if you lose one, you don’t lose everything.
• Avoid placing keys in weird spots: Pockets with holes. Grocery bags. Roof of the car. We’ve all done it. Let’s stop.
• Stay organized on the go: Too much stuff in your hands? You’re more likely to misplace your keys. Use a bag or free one hand. Simple fix.
• Be mindful at public places: Restaurants. Gyms. Parks. These are the top places people lose their keys. Do a “key check” before leaving.

Does Car Insurance Cover Lost Keys: The Bottom Line

To sum up – car insurance usually does not cover lost or stolen keys if it’s not specifically mentioned in your comprehensive policy. It depends on your insurer and coverage.

Comprehensive coverage protects you in case of theft which means if your car is stolen, this policy will pay the actual cash value of your vehicle minus the deductible. It doesn’t usually say it will cover the car keys as well.

If you carry add-ons like roadside assistance plans, it can help if you can’t get into your car.

In some cases, home insurance or renter’s insurance may be useful as well. Always check your insurance coverage before you file a claim. And don’t file a claim if the replacement cost is less than or equal to your deductible.

Related Readings:

• Does liability insurance cover theft?
• Does car insurance cover flat tires?
• Does car insurance cover car battery?
• Does auto insurance cover cracked windshields?
• Does car insurance cover hail damage?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you buy insurance for car key replacement?

Yes. You can but it’s not always part of your standard car insurance policy. Some insurers may provide comprehensive coverage that protects your car keys if get stolen but not always. If you need to buy insurance for car key replacement, you should purchase a dedicated insurance policy for car key replacement/ vehicle protection plans. You can also buy a replacement car key from your dealer if you don’t carry the required insurance for it. You can also find third-party providers who can help you with lost or stolen car keys.

Does roadside assistance cover lost car keys?

Not always. But it can help you if you have locked your car keys inside the vehicle. If you contact your roadside assistance helpline, they will send someone to unlock it or even tow your car if needed.

What happens if you lose your only car key?

If it’s your only car key, you’re in a tough situation. But don’t be hopeless. You simply need a replacement key made from scratch. That could involve towing your vehicle to a dealership or calling a high-tech locksmith with tools to program a smart key or transponder. Be sure to keep your vehicle identification number and personal ID. It will be required to prove ownership.

How long does it take to replace a lost car key?

Wait times depend on whether you go to a locksmith or a dealership. It can take anywhere from 20 minutes to a few weeks. A local locksmith can usually complete it in under an hour. But for smart keys, key fobs, or transponder keys, it’s more complex and takes longer.