Are Lost Or Stolen Car Keys Covered by Insurance?

We've all lost keys in the car and it can be a huge problem to retrieve them. It's also not cheap to replace your keys, especially if you have an advanced key fob.

Fortunately, comprehensive car insurance (sometimes referred to as "other than collision" coverage) may be able to cover the cost of stolen or lost keys. But is it really worth it?

What is the Key Replacement Cover in Car Insurance?

Car Key Replacement Cover is an add-on policy that is part of a comprehensive car insurance plan that covers the cost of repair or replacement of keys to the insured vehicle's lock/lockset in case they get lost, stolen, or misplaced damaged or broken. It is simple to buy and settle online. It will not affect your chances of the no-claim bonus when renewing.

It's important to note that claiming compensation for keys that are stolen or lost may not be worthwhile depending on the cost of replacing them and the deductible on your car insurance. Replacement of mechanical keys that are older may be cheaper, while remote keys for cars with advanced features could be more expensive. In these cases the cost of a key replacement could easily be more than your deductible. If you file a claim to cover the loss of your keys, the incident will stay on your claims record which could lead to higher premiums at the time of renewal.

If you are looking for a comprehensive auto insurance plan that covers key replacement for your car opt for a policy that has a low or zero deductible. This will help you save money. Compare quotes from a variety of insurance providers to get the best price.

The process of claiming coverage for keys to your car varies depending on the insurance company. In most cases, it's essential to inform your insurance company of the incident as soon as you can and provide any documentation that could be required. You'll need to file the police FIR that is one of most important documents to file a claim for car insurance.

Many renters and homeowners policies provide key replacement coverage. You can file claims under the personal property protection insurance. The majority of homeowners and renters insurance policies will cover thefts of personal belongings, including keys to cars. The specifics of the coverage may vary from one insurance company to the next, so make sure to review the policy's conditions and terms carefully.

While most drivers understand the importance of having a functional and functioning car key, they fail to know that even a functional key can be damaged. Keys are susceptible to scratches, cracks and other types of damage. This makes them more prone to be lost or broken. Fortunately, most of these issues can be easily resolved with a little bit of preventive maintenance and regular maintenance.

Are Keys Protected from Wear and Tear?

Typically, keys for cars aren't covered under your car insurance policy. You can instead buy a separate insurance policy for car keys to get assistance in replacing your lost or stolen key. This type of cover is contingent on a variety of factors.

The cost of coverage is the first thing you need to take into consideration. Replacing your keys may not be as expensive as you might expect. In fact, depending on the type of keys you own like electronic key fobs or traditional turn-key ignitions, it's possible that they will be less expensive than your insurance deductible.

It is also important to consider the cost of filing a claim. No matter if you have comprehensive coverage, your vehicle insurance policy is likely to require that you pay your deductible before any damage claims are settled. If the cost of replacing the keys to your car exceeds the deductible, it's unlikely that you'll be benefited from filing a claims.

Another aspect to consider is whether or not your home or renters insurance policy provides any coverage for keys stolen or lost. Personal property protection is usually provided by these policies and covers the theft of keys as and other items taken from your home. However, check here it is important to remember that your deductible will be applicable and you may end up paying for keys that were stolen yourself.

You should also check with your dealership to see whether they offer any special coverage for keys in the buying process. If you buy this insurance when you purchase your car you can save money in the future if you have to replace keys.

Certain providers offer key replacement coverage as an optional product or an add-on. The extra cost of this policy will depend on the specific needs you have and the amount of you're able to pay each month to cover your insurance. Keep your receipts in case you opt to purchase this policy. You can then make a claim if you lose or steal your keys.

Do I have to file an Claim for a Key Replacement?

If you have comprehensive car insurance, the loss of keys may be covered by the policy. In addition, the insurance company may provide a key replacement service as an optional extra for an additional cost. Some insurers have national networks of locksmiths who can provide you with the services required to replace your keys or change the code of your immobiliser, even if the key was never actually taken from the vehicle. This is a valuable service in the event that your keys are forever lost or you find yourself locked out of your car particularly since many vehicles come equipped with electronic ignition systems that have to be programmed in order to allow the engine to start.

You'll also need to contact your insurance company and provide the required documents. You'll also need to contact your insurance company and provide the necessary documents. Some providers offer cashless settlements if you visit one of their network garages and request a replacement key. You must make sure that the cost of replacement does not exceed your deductible, and you adhere to any other requirements outlined by the insurer.

In most instances it's not worth submitting a claim for a stolen or lost key. This is because the average insurance deductible for a new vehicle is $1000, but your keys could only cost $200 to $500 each. It's typically cheaper to buy new keys on your own if you have spares. You'll also be able to avoid the possibility of future premiums increasing due to making a claim.

It could be worthwhile to file a claim when the items stolen from your vehicle are covered by a different type of insurance, for example homeowners' or renters'. This is especially true when you have a low deductible and the item is valuable or difficult to replace.

It's unlikely, but some insurance companies will permit you to add an endorsement to your policy to protect the loss or theft of the car keys. This kind of insurance is typically provided as an add-on to comprehensive coverage and it's important to talk to the insurance company regarding the options available before purchasing an automobile.

Can I file a claim for key replacement if I have left the keys in the car?

If you leave your keys in your car and they are stolen, the answer to whether or not you can file a claim will depend on the state you live in and the insurer you choose to use. Certain states permit the purchase of key replacement coverage as part of comprehensive or other than collision insurance, whereas other states do not allow. Also, you should know that if your keys get stolen while your car is unlocked, with the engine running and the car parked in a public place and you are unable to claim a reimbursement through your auto insurance. You may be able to file a claim under your property or vehicle insurance.

Inputting your keys in the car is considered to be negligence, so most insurers will deny an insurance claim. In certain cases, you might be able to claim a claim through your home insurance or a roadside assistance plan that offers locksmith services. Certain plans have a specific section on lost or stolen keys. In general,, a claim for keys that were stolen will not be worth filing unless it is connected with a major damage or loss to your car.

Even if it is, it can be risky to file a claim in order to recover the cost of a stolen or lost key. If you file a lost-key claim and it is found that the theft wasn't caused by an event covered like a vehicle accident or tornado the insurance premium could go up.

If you lose keys to your car it's usually cheaper to replace them than to make an insurance claim to pay the cost of buying a new car. Replacing your regular key can be relatively inexpensive and most likely you'll pay less than the deductible on your insurance policy. However, a smart or transponder key could increase replacement costs up to $200 or more, particularly when you consider labor rates and hourly charges for programming.