Lost car keys replacement insurance

Losing your car keys can be expensive, particularly if you have keys that require programming to replace. That’s why many car insurance policies now offer lost car key insurance as an optional extra.

Read on to find out how lost car keys replacement cover works if your car key is lost or stolen.

Written by

Julie Daniels

Motor insurance expert

Last Updated

28 AUGUST 2024

5 min read

Does car insurance cover lost car keys?

Some car insurance providers may include key cover as standard with their comprehensive car insurance, but not all do.

If you have third-party, fire and theft or third-party only insurance, it’s unlikely you’ll have key cover included.

However, you can usually get car key cover added to your policy as an optional extra. Be aware that some key cover policies come with an excess to pay if you make a claim, but some don’t, so it’s worth shopping around.

What does car key insurance cover?

Car key insurance cover can vary among insurance providers, but most policies will include:

The cost for emergency car key replacement, up to a set limit
The cost of reprogramming your alarm and immobiliser
Taxi or public transport costs to help you get to your destination if you’re left stranded – remember to keep all the receipts
Car hire costs if you’re unable to use your car because of lost or stolen keys
Locksmith’s charges
An emergency 24/7 helpline so you can get immediate help if your keys go missing.

Check your policy carefully to see exactly what’s covered.

What’s not covered by car key insurance?

Car key insurance may not cover:

Stolen car keys without a crime reference number – you’ll be given one when you report the theft to the police and you’ll need it to make an insurance claim
Costs for the full replacement of locks if only one part needs to be fixed
Key or lock damage due to wear and tear
Additional keys
Locks that were already damaged before a theft took place
An upgraded version of the original locks or keys.

How much does lost car keys insurance cost?

If it’s not already included in your car insurance policy, key cover costs from around £20 a year to add as extra cover.

It could be a compelling add-on, especially when you start totting up the cost of replacing modern car keys and arranging alternative transport while you wait for a new set.

How much is a replacement car key in the UK?

The average replacement cost of a remote car key is around £320. However, the exact cost will depend on the make and model of your car, as well as the type of key you need to replace. There are several types:

Manual car keys – these are the cheapest to replace as they don’t need to be programmed.
Non-remote transponder keys – these are programmed to your car and are more expensive to replace.
Remote car keys – these unlock your car, tun off the alarm and switch on the ignition. These tend to be the most expensive to replace, especially top-of-the-range smart keys.

What to do if you lose your car keys

If you’ve looked everywhere and still can’t find your keys, you’ll need to replace them.

Check your car insurance policy to see if lost car keys replacement cover is included and whether there’s an excess to pay. If you’re covered, contact your insurance provider to make a claim. If you’re not covered by your car insurance, it may be worth checking whether your breakdown or home insurance policies include key cover.

How to get a car key replaced

If you don’t have lost key cover, or decide you don’t want to make a claim, there are other ways to replace your lost car keys:

Buy a replacement car key from your dealer. This can be expensive and time-consuming. Dealers will typically need to order in a blank key, then send it away to be re-programmed.
Try your local garage. Again, this could take time and money. Most garages don’t have specialist key-coding equipment on site, so may need to outsource to get a new key made up.
Use your vehicle breakdown cover. If you have breakdown cover, they may be able to help you. But it depends very much on the type of car you drive and if they have the right key-coding equipment on hand.
Call an auto locksmith. This might be your best bet as many auto locksmiths have the necessary equipment to replace keys for most car makes and models. They can also repair or replace locks if needed and may offer a mobile service, so they can come out to you. Even if you’ve lost your only car key, an auto locksmith will be able to provide you with a replacement.

What should I do if my car keys have been stolen?

If you suspect your car keys have been stolen, you should report it to the police straight away. You’ll need the crime reference number they give you to make a claim with your car insurance provider.

If the set of keys stolen also includes your house keys, you’ll also need to contact your home insurance provider.

What do I do if I’ve locked my keys in my car?

If you’ve locked your keys in your car and have breakdown cover, you should be able to call your breakdown service for help getting into your car.

Some car key insurance policies may also cover the cost of getting your keys back if you accidentally lock them in the car.

If you don’t have any cover, you’ll need to pay for a locksmith.

Top tip

Plenty of people lose their car keys, then rely on their spare set. But if you come to sell your car, buyers and dealers will look more favourably on a price or the sale itself if the vehicle comes with both sets.

How long does it take to get a new car key?

It depends on the car model, type of key and the outlet, but you might need to wait several days for your replacement key to arrive.

Which insurance providers offer lost car key cover?

When you get your list of quotes from us, you’ll be able to see which car insurance providers offer lost car key cover.

Simply click the ‘more details’ button next to each policy to see if key cover is included as standard or whether you need to add it as an extra.

Compare car insurance with us today and see if you could save.

Get a quote

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to replace my spare set of car keys?

If your car key has been stolen, it will need to be disabled and a new generic key re-programmed so thieves can’t come back and steal your car with the old key. In this case, your spare set of car keys will no longer work, so will need to be disabled and replaced too.