Can I Claim Replacement Keys on My Car Insurance? When to Choose a Keycare Policy

Car keys are easily lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and can be expensive to replace. More often than not, standard comprehensive car insurance doesn’t cover the keys, which can become an issue. Luckily, there are separate keycare policies available should your keys ever go missing or be stolen.

Our guide will cover everything you need to know about how car insurance covers your car keys, and how additional cover policies can keep your mind at ease.

Is Car Key Replacement Covered by Car Insurance?

Some comprehensive car insurance policies include keycare as standard, but not all, so it is worth checking with your provider. Third-party, fire and theft and third-party-only policies are unlikely to cover keys.

If keycare is included in comprehensive car insurance, it can include:

●      The cost for emergency car key replacement

●      Alternative transport or accommodation if you are left stranded

●      Locksmith charges

●      Reprogramming your immobiliser or alarm

At ALA, our keycare policies cover all of these components, with a 24-hour helpline for peace of mind.  The price of our policies depends on factors such as whether the policy is purchased alongside a GAP insurance policy, and whether you choose a SmartFob, which can help ypu find your keys if you lose them.

You can find out more about our keycare policies here.

Does Key Replacement Affect No Claims?

Replacing lost or stolen keys won’t affect your no-claims discount if it is an add-on to your existing comprehensive insurance. However, policies can vary, and it may affect your no-claims discount if it is included as standard in your car insurance.

You should always check your policy documents to ensure your no-claims discount isn’t affected. You can find our keycare policy documents on our website.

How Much Would Car Key Replacement Cost Without a Policy?

The costs associated with replacing a lost or stolen key can range from a few hundred to thousands of pounds, depending on the make and model of the car, as well as whether you need a standard key replacement or a new keyless entry fob.

Manual car key replacement can cost around £160, whereas remote car keys and keyless car fobs can cost around £320 and £280 respectively. The make and model of your car can have an effect too; common cars such as Ford Fiestas can have price tags of around £300 for key replacement, but more expensive cars such as Bentleys, Porsches and Land Rovers can cost a lot more, usually £1000 or more.

If you do not have a keycare policy in place, it is important to ask your dealership or a local garage how much it would be to replace your car’s key. A keycare policy can protect you from these hefty fees; you can start building your keycare quote with us here.

Keycare at ALA

At ALA, our keycare policies cover lost or stolen keys, providing replacement locks and covering locksmith charges. We also offer two kinds of keyfobs; SmartFobs, which make your keys easier to find if you lose them, or a standard key ring fob which makes it easier to get keys back to their owner.

To build your keycare quote, simply tell us where and when you purchased your vehicle, how old it is, how many miles it’s done, and you’ll go through to our quote page, where you can choose how many years you want, the fob type and any extra fobs you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Keycare Cover for Lost or Stolen Car Keys?

Keycare covers the cost of replacing lost or stolen car keys, including reprogramming and locksmith callouts.

Are Locksmith Services Included in Keycare Cover?

Yes, locksmith charges are covered in our keycare policies.

Is There a Limit to How Many Times I Can Claim on my Keycare Insurance?

You can usually claim multiple times, but all claims are subject to your annual policy limit (e.g., £1,500 per year). Once the limit is reached, further claims aren’t covered.

What Information is Needed to Make a Keycare Insurance Claim?

You’ll need to tell us your policy number, details of the keys that have been stolen or misplaced, and a crime reference number if a theft was involved.

How Much Does Keycare Insurance Typically Cost?

If you purchase your policy as an add-on with your GAP insurance policy, it is £37.50 with a SmartFob and £24 with a standard fob. If you purchase a policy on its own, it is £75 with a SmartFob and £48 with a standard key ring.

Are All Types of Keys Eligible for Replacement Under Keycare?

Most modern key types are covered, including remote fobs and transponder keys. Some specialist or high-end keys may have restrictions depending on your insurer.

Do Keycare Policies Cover Key Replacement?

Yes, key replacement is covered as long as it is reported within 30 days of loss or theft or hasn’t broken.