60-second summary
Just want the basics? Here’s your quick guide to how house keys affect your home insurance:
Does home insurance cover lost keys? Some policies cover replacing lost or stolen keys, but this isn’t always standard. You may need to add key cover or home emergency cover to your policy.
What happens if a burglar uses my lost keys? Many insurers require evidence of forced entry for burglary claims. If an intruder uses a stolen key, your claim may be rejected unless your policy specifically covers unauthorised key use.
Are key safes secure? Insurance providers may accept key safes if they meet police-approved security standards like Secured by Design or LPS1175 certification. Check with your insurer before installing one.
How can I keep my keys safe? Avoid leaving them in visible places, use a key safe, and store spares securely. If renting out rooms or using Airbnb, inform your insurer to avoid invalidating your cover.
How will losing my house keys affect my home insurance?
If you lose your keys or they’re stolen, it’s important to get the locks changed as soon as possible – not just for security, but to make sure your home insurance remains valid.
That’s because, if your home is burgled, your insurance provider will usually look for signs of forced or violent entry, such as a broken window or a smashed door. If an intruder gets into your home using a key and there’s no sign of forced or violent entry, it’s possible that your claim could be rejected.
If you move into a new home, you should also add changing the locks to your to-do list. There have been instances of previous owners returning to help themselves to the new owners’ valuables. And how many spare keys did the people you bought or rent from give out to friends and family?
Will my home insurance cover lost keys and locks?
Losing your house keys can be stressful and expensive, but the good news is that home insurance could help.
Your policy may include cover for replacement locks and keys, though this doesn’t always come as standard. Some policies may only cover stolen keys, not lost keys, while others will have claim limits. This will vary between providers and policy types. But if key cover doesn’t come as standard, you might be able to add it on for extra protection.
Home emergency cover, which you can also add to your policy for an extra cost, may include locksmith services if you’re locked out or if your home isn’t secure. In fact, your insurance provider may be able to contact a locksmith on your behalf.
Can I change my house locks myself?
As handy as you might be, it’s important not to change the locks yourself. An improperly installed lock could invalidate your insurance if you later need to claim for a break-in or burglary.
Instead, make sure you use a qualified locksmith, ideally one that’s approved by the Master Locksmith’s Association (MLA). Your provider may require you to use an insurance-approved locksmith as part of their policy terms.
You should also check your home insurance policy carefully to make sure that any new locks you have fitted will meet your insurance provider’s requirements.
Should I get a key safe?
Leaving a spare set of keys in an obvious place around your property is an open invitation for burglars and could invalidate your home insurance. Yet so many of us do it, even though it’s a risk to home security.
That said, a second set available outside the property can be useful for guests or if you’re locked out. In which case, a key safe may be the answer.
Is a key safe secure?
Key safes, or lock boxes as they’re also known, offer a reliable key storage solution. Prices range from around £15 to more than £100+ and include smart key safes, which can be controlled remotely via an app.
If your insurance provider is happy for you to use a key safe, they’ll need evidence that it meets the necessary security standards.
Look for one of the following certifications before you buy:
Secured by Design approval – a ‘police preferred’ accreditation.
Loss Prevention Standards (LPS) – look for key safes with the LPS1175 standard. You’ll find a list on RedBookLive, a regularly updated database of approved and accredited products and services.
Sold Secure Approval – which uses three main classifications: bronze, silver and gold. You can search for certified key safes on their site too.
Don’t forget to also check that the manufacturer is ISO-accredited. That means the company has been checked by an external third-party body and it meets international standards.
Like all passcodes and passwords, change your key safe code regularly. Use a secure, difficult to guess code rather than a date of birth. And keep the number of people who need to know it to a minimum.
Does a key safe invalidate house insurance?
Using a key safe is a handy way to manage spare keys, but it’s essential to make sure it doesn’t negatively impact on your home insurance.
Some require it to be an insurance-approved key safe. However, if a break-in occurs via a key safe, your insurer could investigate its compliance with these standards. Non-compliance could lead to a rejected claim. To prevent issues, review your policy details and consult your provider about their specific key safe requirements.
The best place for a key safe
Here are some tips for choosing a location for your key safe:
Keep it away from the front door, but in a location where anyone tampering with it can be clearly seen.
Install it above or below eye level.
Make sure it can’t be seen by passers-by – for example, by hiding it behind a pipe, window box or foliage.
Choose somewhere with good natural lighting, to make it easier to use.
Check with your home insurance provider too, as they may have specific installation requirements that you’ll need to follow to avoid invalidating your policy.
Be wary of giving out spare keys
Always be careful about giving out your house keys. If someone has an extra set, there’s always a possibility it could fall into the wrong hands.
Lodgers or Airbnb guests will likely have spare keys, but you must tell your insurance provider if you’re renting out rooms. Otherwise, you could find that your policy is invalid if you need to make a claim.
Be aware that the person who lost the house keys could be important too. If a friend or family member loses the key who’s not named on the policy, for example, any claims may be rejected.
Keep your keys out of sight
Always remove your keys from inside locks, keep them stored out of sight and away from windows. This is especially important if you have a dog or cat flap, as intruders might be able to reach in and grab your keys.
Going keyless
Installing a smart door lock could be an option if you’re worried about your keys getting lost or stolen.
Smart door locks work using a code, fingerprint scan or app and many are also compatible with Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant so you can use voice commands too.
If you’re using your phone to trigger a signal to open the door, you don’t even need to take it out of your pocket or bag to get inside. But this does mean that if your phone is stolen or hacked, your home could be at risk.
Make sure you tell your insurance provider if you’re thinking about getting a smart door lock, in case it affects your policy.
I lost my house keys and don't have a spare, what do I do?
Retrace your steps and check nearby locations: Before assuming your keys are lost, check bags, pockets and places you’ve recently visited.
Contact your insurer and review your policy: Some policies cover lost keys or emergency locksmith services. Your provider may arrange an insurance-approved locksmith for you or advise on claim eligibility.
Call a qualified locksmith and replace locks if needed: If you’re locked out or concerned about security, contact an insurance-approved locksmith to regain access and, if necessary, replace locks to prevent unauthorised entry.
Secure your home and update security measures: Once locks are changed, check all entry points are secure. If your keys were stolen, contact the police and consider extra security measures like CCTV or burglar alarms.
Prevent future issues: Store a spare key in a secure location (such as a key safe or with a trusted person) or consider switching to a smart lock to reduce the risk of losing keys again.
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Anna’s all about delivering fantastic insurance products at a great price. She cuts through the jargon and finds what’s most important and worth your hard-earned money.
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