Does Car Insurance Cover Lost Car Keys?
The short answer: sometimes, but claiming is usually a bad idea. Here's what UK car insurance actually covers for lost keys, how much your excess will cost you, and why paying a mobile auto locksmith directly is often the smarter move.
The Short Answer
Most comprehensive car insurance policies include key cover — but it's often an optional extra, the excess wipes out most of the benefit, and making a claim increases your future premiums. For a single lost key, paying a mobile auto locksmith directly (£99-£280) almost always works out cheaper than claiming on insurance once you factor in the excess and the premium increase over the next 3-5 years.
What car insurance typically covers for lost keys
Key cover varies wildly between insurers. Here's what the main policy types offer:
| Policy Type | Key Cover Included? | Typical Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Third Party Only | ❌ No | N/A |
| Third Party, Fire & Theft | ⚠️ Sometimes (if keys were stolen) | £300-£500 |
| Comprehensive | ⚠️ Usually optional extra | £500-£1,500 |
| Comprehensive + Key Cover Add-on | ✅ Yes | £1,000-£2,500 |
Why claiming is usually a bad idea
Here's the maths for a typical remote key replacement costing £160:
The exception: When your keys are stolen in a burglary and you're already making a home insurance claim, or when the cost is very high (multiple smart keys for a luxury car at £500+ each). In those specific cases, claiming might make sense. For a single lost key, it almost never does.
Key care / key insurance add-ons — worth it?
Many insurers sell "key care" or "key insurance" as a bolt-on for £15-£30/year. It typically covers lost, stolen, and damaged keys up to £1,000-£2,500 with a small or zero excess. On paper, it looks like good value.
The catch: it's still an insurance claim. It still goes on your claims history. The premium increase at renewal may still apply. For a single lost key costing £160, the £30 add-on saves you £130 on the key — but potentially costs you £150-£400/year in increased premiums. Read the small print.
Our advice: key care add-ons make sense if you drive a car with expensive smart keys (£300-£600 from a main dealer) and you're prone to losing things. For most drivers with a standard remote key, they're not worth the claims-history impact.
What to do instead — a cheaper way
Call a mobile auto locksmith directly
We come to your location and cut + programme a new key on-site. Cost: £99-£280 depending on key type. Time: 30-60 minutes. No insurance involvement at all.
Have a spare key made NOW while you still have a working one
Spare keys cost significantly less than emergency all-keys-lost call-outs. £99-£200 for a spare vs £150-£280+ for emergency replacement. The best insurance against lost keys is a second key in a drawer at home.
Check if your breakdown cover includes key assistance
Some premium breakdown policies (AA, RAC, Green Flag top tiers) include lost key assistance — they'll arrange and often contribute toward a locksmith. Check your policy wording. This is separate from car insurance and doesn't affect your no-claims bonus.
Lost Your Keys? Don't Claim — Call Us
One fixed price. No excess. No premium increase. We'll have you back on the road within the hour.