Does auto insurance cover key replacement?

A Concise Overview

• For insurance that covers car key replacement, opt for a comprehensive auto coverage plan
• Using insurance to pay for key replacements is ideal for updated car models that use expensive key fobs
• Other services may offer some key replacement benefits

---

Does car insurance cover key replacement? Like most drivers, you probably don’t consider key replacement insurance while deciding which auto insurance company and coverage levels to employ. However, you will likely deal with a lost pair of keys at some point in your driving career.

Now more than ever, you should investigate whether car insurance will cover a key replacement. Losing a pair of keys is no longer cheap. As newer car models spearhead technological advancements like built-in security and remote access, losing a key fob becomes more and more expensive. Depending on your unique circumstances, you may have car key replacement insurance included in your plan.

Does auto insurance cover replacement keys?

Paying for key replacements for cars that use technology like remote keyless systems is costly. Fortunately, some auto insurance companies and coverage plans will cover a key replacement. Usually, whether you have car key replacement or not, it depends on your coverage type.

Most standard car insurance plans will not cover a key replacement. For example, collision insurance will not cover a replacement. Instead, some insurance policies may provide add-on services that make replacing your car key easier and cheaper. However, the costs associated with replacing car keys usually fall on the driver.

For car key replacement coverage, your insurance company will likely require you to invest in an upgraded insurance policy, such as one that includes comprehensive insurance.

If you are concerned about your insurance coverage and the possibility of a key replacement, you should review your insurance policy. Your insurance policy will likely detail how your insurance company’s claims department handles key replacements and whether an updated insurance policy will be necessary for a key replacement.

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Will car insurance cover lost keys or stolen keys?

Usually, only comprehensive coverage will cover replacement keys. However, insurance companies handle key replacement claims differently depending on whether they were misplaced or stolen. Unfortunately, some insurance companies will not provide complete key replacement coverage if you lose your keys because it was your error.

Does insurance cover lost keys? Sometimes, drivers can confidently claim that their keys were stolen and are not missing due to an error. If you are sure that you did not misplace your keys, consider filing a claim that indicates your keys were stolen rather than lost. In the case of stolen car keys, insurance companies may pay for:

• Ignition replacement costs
• Security costs to prevent auto theft
• Door key replacement costs
• Key fob costs

Does rental car insurance cover lost keys?

Rental car insurance may or may not cover lost keys. Key replacement coverage for a rental car depends on what is in the rental agreement. It is possible that you may be responsible for the costs if you do not have insurance that covers replacement keys.

Does full coverage cover lost keys?

Full coverage, which includes comprehensive coverage, is the best way to ensure that at least some part of your key replacement expenses will be covered if they are lost or stolen.

Comprehensive plans cover costs that arise from circumstances outside of the driver’s control. Examples of situations that fall outside of a driver’s control include:

• Vandalism 
• Theft of a vehicle or keys
• An act of God, such as natural disasters and weather events

Overall, full coverage auto insurance incorporates collision, comprehensive, and liability auto insurance. Depending on the company, full coverage auto insurance plans may include optional coverages like Personal Injury Protection and MedPay.

Are there other ways to pay for a key replacement? 

If you cannot file a key replacement insurance claim due to your insurance company or coverage type, there are other ways for you to manage or reduce the costs of a key replacement.

For example, other coverages or warranties that you carry may pay for a key replacement. Sometimes, car warranties cover key replacement costs. Check the terms of your warranty or contact the seller to determine whether or not the warranty will pay for a key replacement.

Auto club members often have access to key replacement services. If you have breakdown coverage or roadside assistance through companies like AAA, it may cover at least some key replacement costs. AAA’s Classic Membership, for instance, covers averages up to $50 if you require a locksmith to get into your vehicle.

Additionally, other options outside of auto insurance and warranty companies may assist you in paying for a key replacement. For example, EasyCare specializes in both lost and stolen keys.

Even after you have paid for your key replacement, some services will offer reimbursement for the costs as long as you provide proof of your bill.

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

How do companies respond to key replacements?  

Every auto insurance company and coverage option will invoke a different key replacement response.  For specifics on your circumstances, contact your car insurance provider. However, some of the most popular auto insurance companies provide information on how they respond to key replacement claims.

Geico

Does Geico cover key replacement? Geico offers consumers an Emergency Lockout Service that sends out a locksmith to assist the driver. This service will cover up to $100 in total for labor and supplies.

State Farm

Does State Farm insurance cover lost car keys? Under State Farm’s comprehensive insurance policy, State Farm will provide coverage for lost car keys. Car key replacement costs are included in the company’s emergency roadside assistance coverage.

USAA

USAA will provide drivers with a locksmith. However, they will charge drivers for the costs associated with the service.

Progressive

Progressive’s 24/7 Roadside Assistance program will send a locksmith out to drivers and cover some costs.

Nationwide

Some Nationwide plans include car key replacement coverage. Under specific policies, Nationwide will replace a driver’s key and key fob and cover key programming in the case that your key is lost, stolen, or destroyed.

Understanding Key Replacement Insurance Options

Will insurance cover lost keys? You should check with your insurance company to determine if it covers lost or stolen keys. Typically, you will need more than just a standard insurance policy to access this coverage. You should make sure you know if you have replacement key car insurance before you find yourself in need of it.

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

 Secured with SHA-256 Encryption