Does auto insurance cover key replacement?
Lost or stolen car keys may be covered under your insurance policy or by a roadside assistance plan called key car insurance, but not always.
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Brad Larson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Sep 4, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 4, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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If you’ve ever misplaced your car keys, you understand the anxiety involved in getting a replacement. The hassle of obtaining a new key multiplies when it’s a key fob, as these can cost hundreds of dollars. Unfortunately, filing stolen car keys insurance claims for a replacement key for your car can add to the stress.
Depending on the type of car insurance coverage you have, your car insurance company may cover the cost of replacing lost or stolen car keys. Additionally, if you have a roadside assistance plan through your insurance company or with another group, your plan may include key replacement up to a certain amount.
- Car keys can cost anywhere from $20 to $500 to replace
- The type of car insurance you have will dictate whether car key replacement is covered under your policy
- Certain roadside assistance plans may cover car key replacement
Does car insurance cover key replacement?
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Insurance Deductibles and Stolen Keys
If someone steals your car keys and your comprehensive policy includes key fob replacement insurance, you will probably still need to pay out of pocket for the key replacement. Here’s an overview of the typical costs involved.
| Key Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Standard Keys and Fobs | $50 - $100 |
| Transponder Keys | $200 - $235 |
| Laser-Cut Keys | $150 - $200 |
| Switchblade Keys | $200 - $300 |
| Keyless Entry Remote or "Smart Key" | $220 - $600 |
The average insurance deductible is typically $500. However, the cost to replace most car keys and key fobs, including Acura key replacements, is usually less than this amount. Therefore, unless you have a significantly lower deductible, filing a claim may not be worthwhile, and you’ll likely have to cover the Acura key replacement cost yourself. This brings into question, “does insurance cover key replacement?”
Can I buy replacement key car insurance?
Some insurers, including those offering AAMI comprehensive car insurance, might provide optional add-ons that cover the cost of replacing your car keys, such as an Acura key fob replacement, if they are stolen.
However, it’s important to note that this type of coverage probably won’t assist you if you lose your car keys, including scenarios involving AAA key fob replacement, AAA locksmith reimbursement, or AAA lost car key situations.
Will my insurance go up if I have my keys replaced?
Paying for the key replacement out of your own pocket without filing a claim with your insurance means your rates won’t go up. AAA insurance won’t be informed or affected by your lost keys and the reimbursement cost.
However, if you plan to file a claim with your insurance company, you may find that your car insurance rates increase.
In many instances, car insurance companies increase clients’ monthly rates after filing a claim. Subsequently, your rates might increase because your insurance company now sees you as a higher risk when it comes to paying for damages or repairs.
It can be annoying to pay hundreds of dollars to replace one key fob for your car, but you should consider whether filing a claim is worth the potential of higher car insurance rates when you would probably still have to pay out of pocket to replace your keys.
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Will insurance cover lost car keys?
Regardless of the types and amounts of coverage you have, most insurance policies, including lost car keys insurance, will not cover the replacement costs associated with a lost car key.
If you lose your car key, it will be your responsibility to pay to have it replaced. The exception to this rule could be if you have a roadside assistance plan that covers lost keys or pays for a percentage of the cost.
Roadside Assistance and Car Key Replacement
Certain roadside assistance plans will cover a portion of the cost of replacing a lost or stolen car key.
If you realize you have lost your car keys, especially if you are in a public place, it’s a good idea to call the company associated with your roadside assistance plan. The company can send a representative to help you as soon as possible.
Even if your roadside assistance plan does not cover car key replacement, it may include lock-out services which could help you get into your car to look around and make sure you didn’t lock your keys inside.
What should I do if my car keys are lost?
If you lost your car keys, you should get your keys replaced as soon as possible. If your roadside assistance plan covers the replacement cost associated with lost keys, you will want to call and speak to a representative who can help you understand how to have your keys replaced.
Otherwise, you will need to find a locksmith or have your car towed to the nearest dealership to have your car keys replaced. If the fee of purchasing a replacement set of keys is relatively inexpensive, consider purchasing more than one set so you have a backup if your keys are ever lost again.
It’s a good idea to get quotes on the cost of replacing your car key if you have the time to do so. Some companies or locksmiths may charge a good bit more than others. Taking the time to compare replacement key costs could save you a lot of money.
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What should I do if someone stole my keys?
If someone has stolen your car keys, the first thing you should do is call the police.
You will want to report the theft to local law enforcement so that you can get your keys back and prevent your vehicle from being stolen. Notifying the police will also help your case if you have to file a claim with your insurance company.
Once you’ve notified the police, you may want to consider purchasing a new set of keys, especially if you don’t have a spare set. If you decide to file a claim for your keys later, your insurance company can reimburse you for the money you spent. So save your receipts.
The Bottom Line with Insurance and Car Key Replacement
Your auto insurance will not cover lost or stolen car keys in most cases. However, car key replacement may be covered under your plan if you have a comprehensive car insurance policy. This is especially true if you purchased an add-on for replacement key car insurance.
When you lose your keys, you are almost always responsible for replacing them yourself.
Your roadside assistance plan may cover a portion of the cost, depending on the circumstances. In addition, your roadside assistance plan could also help you get into your car if you’ve locked yourself out and then lost your keys or if you locked your keys in your vehicle.
When you pay to replace your car keys, try to get prices from a few companies before deciding which one to use. Calling around and comparing prices could save you a good bit of money. And if at all possible, purchase multiple sets of car keys to keep them in a safe place to avoid any future stress over lost or stolen keys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does auto insurance cover key replacement?
In most cases, your car insurance coverage will not pay for you to replace your lost car keys. However, some car insurance companies may cover the cost of replacing your keys if you have comprehensive car insurance or if your keys and your car were stolen at the same time. It is best to check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
Can I buy replacement key car insurance?
Some insurance companies might offer add-ons under a comprehensive policy that you can purchase, which would cover the cost of replacing your car keys if they are stolen. However, this type of coverage may not help if you lose your car keys.
Will my insurance go up if I have my keys replaced?
If you pay to replace your car keys without filing a claim with your insurance, your insurance rates will not increase. However, if you file a claim, there is a possibility that your car insurance rates may go up, as insurance companies often increase rates for clients who have filed claims.
Will insurance cover lost car keys?
In most cases, insurance policies will not cover the replacement costs associated with lost car keys. It is your responsibility to pay for their replacement. Some roadside assistance plans, however, may cover a portion of the cost or provide lock-out services to help you gain access to your vehicle.
What should I do if my car keys are lost?
If you lose your car keys, contact your roadside assistance provider if you have coverage for key replacement. Otherwise, you will need to find a locksmith or have your car towed to the nearest dealership to have your keys replaced. It is advisable to get quotes from different companies or locksmiths to compare replacement key costs.
Does car insurance cover replacement keys?
Coverage for replacement keys can vary depending on your car insurance policy. Generally, if you have comprehensive coverage, it may include replacement of lost or stolen keys. However, there could be a deductible that you need to pay, and the coverage might be subject to certain limits. Always check your specific policy details or contact your insurer for exact information.
Are lost car keys covered by insurance policy?
Lost car keys are often covered under comprehensive car insurance policies, but not all policies automatically include this. Some insurers offer it as an optional extra, requiring you to pay an additional premium. It’s important to read through your policy or speak to your insurance provider to understand whether you have this cover and any conditions that apply.
Does car insurance cover broken keys?
Coverage for broken keys can depend on how the damage occurred. If the breakage is due to an accident or a covered peril under your policy (like vandalism), you may be eligible for a replacement through your insurance. However, if it’s due to normal wear and tear or negligence, it is unlikely to be covered. Check with your insurer for specifics regarding your coverage.
What is key replacement cover in car insurance?
Key replacement cover is an add-on or included feature in some car insurance policies that provides compensation for the costs associated with replacing your car keys and, in some cases, the associated locks, if they are lost, stolen, or damaged. This cover typically pays out without you needing to pay a deductible and often includes both the cost of cutting new keys and programming electronic fobs, depending on the policy.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Brad Larson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.