U.S. Auto Insurance And Lost Keys: What You Need To Know

Losing your car keys can be a frustrating and expensive experience, especially with modern electronic key fobs costing a lot more to replace than traditional keys. While car insurance typically doesn't cover lost keys, some providers like USAA offer locksmith services for locked keys through their roadside assistance program. Comprehensive coverage plans or optional add-ons may also cover key replacement in certain circumstances, such as theft. However, it's always a good idea to check with your insurance company about key coverage and understand the specific terms and conditions of your policy.

USAA's roadside assistance program covers locksmith services for locked keys

If you've locked your keys in your car, USAA's roadside assistance program can help. For between $12 and $20 per year, you can get locksmith services to retrieve your keys, as well as jump starts, flat tire changes, and gasoline delivery. This is a policy add-on, so if you don't have roadside assistance, USAA won't cover a locksmith.

While most car insurance companies do not cover lost or stolen keys, some comprehensive coverage plans do include key replacements in certain circumstances, such as when keys are stolen. However, this is rare, and generally, car insurance excludes keys as they are considered personal property.

Comprehensive coverage may cover lost car keys

Losing your car keys can be stressful, frustrating, and expensive. While most car insurance companies do not cover lost or stolen keys, there are some exceptions. Comprehensive coverage may cover lost car keys in certain circumstances.

Comprehensive coverage typically includes protection against theft, vandalism, fire, hail, and floods. In the case of lost car keys, comprehensive insurance may provide benefits to help cover the cost of replacing or recoding keys and locks. However, it is important to note that not all comprehensive policies will cover lost car keys. Some insurers include it as standard, while others offer it as an optional extra, and some may not cover it at all. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully review your policy documents to understand the specifics of your coverage.

If your comprehensive coverage includes lost car key protection, it will typically cover the cost of replacing the keys or recoding the locks on your vehicle up to a specified limit. This limit may range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the insurer and the number of keys lost. Additionally, some insurers provide protection for lost car keys as part of their roadside assistance package, such as delivering a spare key or sending an automotive locksmith.

When dealing with lost car keys, it is important to remember that insurance companies may handle claims differently depending on whether the keys were misplaced or stolen. While comprehensive coverage may cover stolen keys, it is less likely to cover lost keys unless there are special circumstances. In the case of stolen keys, insurers may also cover the costs of replacing the ignition key, door keys, and rekeying the vehicle to prevent theft.

In summary, while comprehensive coverage may provide benefits for lost car keys, it is not a guarantee. Policy details vary, and it is essential to review your specific coverage to understand what is included and what may require additional riders or add-on services.

Stolen keys are more likely to be covered than lost keys

While lost car keys are rarely covered by car insurance, most policies will provide some coverage if your keys are stolen. Comprehensive insurance generally includes coverage for stolen keys, providing a benefit to help cover the cost of replacing or recoding the keys and locking mechanisms of your vehicle.

However, you won't be covered if the keys are stolen by a family member or someone who lives with you, but you'll still need to report the theft to the police.

If your keys are lost, it is likely that the claim will be classified as a comprehensive loss. A majority of claims are required to exceed the deductible that you carry. In some cases, the carrier will waive the deductible in special circumstances or for key or glass car insurance claims.

USAA will provide drivers with a locksmith. However, they will charge drivers for the costs associated with the service.

If you do not have roadside assistance, USAA won't cover a locksmith if you get locked out of your car. In that case, you will have to contact a locksmith yourself and pay for it out of pocket.

You can get USAA roadside assistance as a policy add-on for between $12 and $20 per year.

If you carry the right insurance, there is a possibility that lost or stolen keys will be covered under the benefit.

Key replacement coverage is an optional add-on for some insurance companies

Key Replacement Coverage: An Optional Add-on for Some Insurance Companies

While losing your car keys can be a stressful and frustrating experience, it's important to know that you may have options for replacing them, including through your insurance policy or by engaging a locksmith or key replacement service.

Most standard car insurance plans do not cover key replacement, and it is generally considered personal property, which is not covered by auto insurance. However, some insurance companies offer key replacement coverage as an optional add-on or as part of a comprehensive coverage package. This type of coverage can be beneficial if you frequently misplace your keys or want additional protection against key-related expenses.

Key replacement coverage typically includes the cost of replacing lost, stolen, or damaged keys, locksmith services, and, in some cases, the reprogramming of key fobs or transponders. It's important to note that there may be limitations and exclusions to this coverage, such as coverage limits per claim or restrictions on the types of keys covered.

If you're considering adding key replacement coverage to your policy, be sure to review your policy documents carefully or contact your insurance provider to understand the specific terms, conditions, and limitations of this optional add-on.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that some insurers provide protection for lost car keys as part of their roadside assistance package. For example, they may offer to deliver a spare key or send out an automotive locksmith to assist you.

Lost car keys can be costly to replace

Losing your car keys can be stressful and frustrating, and replacing them can be expensive. The cost of replacing car keys varies depending on the type of key and the specific vehicle, but it can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Here are some factors that contribute to the high cost of replacing lost car keys:

Technology advancements

Modern vehicles often come with advanced keyless entry remotes, smart keys, or key fobs that are coded to match the car's computer and anti-theft immobilizer. Replacing these keys can be much more costly than traditional metal keys because they require cloning, reprogramming, or even replacing the vehicle's computer.

Limited coverage by insurance companies

Most standard car insurance policies do not cover the cost of replacing lost car keys. Some comprehensive coverage plans may include key replacement under certain circumstances, but it is not always guaranteed. Even with comprehensive coverage, there may be coverage limits, deductibles, or exclusions that apply. It is important to carefully review your insurance policy or contact your provider to understand your specific coverage.

Additional costs

In some cases, losing both master keys to your car may require resetting or replacing the vehicle's computer, which can significantly increase the cost. Additionally, if you need to tow your car to a dealership for key programming, you will incur additional towing expenses.

Locksmith or dealership services

Getting a replacement key from a locksmith or dealership can vary in price. While a locksmith may offer cheaper rates, they may not be able to reprogram all types of keys, requiring a trip to the dealership. It is recommended to shop around and get quotes from different service providers to find the best option.

Preventative measures

To avoid the high cost of replacing lost car keys, it is essential to take preventative measures. Always keep a spare key in a safe place, and consider purchasing additional spare keys to reduce the likelihood of being completely keyless. Additionally, review your insurance policy to understand your coverage options and consider adding key replacement coverage if necessary.

Frequently asked questions