{"id":177622,"date":"2019-03-26T13:54:11","date_gmt":"2019-03-26T13:54:11","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2026-02-17T15:57:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T15:57:18","slug":"car-insurance-lost-key","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/car-insurance\/car-insurance-lost-key","title":{"rendered":"Does car insurance cover lost car keys?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Losing your car keys can be stressful and frustrating, not to mention surprisingly expensive. Modern electronic key fobs are a whole lot more pricey to replace than traditional keys, so a simple bout of forgetfulness could cost more than you think. This guide explains when car insurance does and doesn\u2019t cover lost car keys and what to do in order to get them replaced as soon as possible.<\/p>

What is car key cover?<\/h3>

Also known as key insurance or key protection, car key cover can help with the cost of replacing your keys if they\u2019re lost or stolen. It\u2019s often sold alongside car insurance policies. Some comprehensive policies include it as standard. With others, it\u2019s an optional extra<\/a>.<\/p>

Do I need car key cover?<\/h3>

As with all cover that\u2019s sold as an optional extra, it\u2019s really up to you. Often, it\u2019s a case of weighing up the cost of cover against the likelihood of your key going AWOL and needing to shell out for a new one. If you\u2019re especially absent-minded or butter-fingered (particularly around unhelpful drains), you may choose to play it safe and take out cover. Plus, no one can control for a fast-fingered thief lifting your set of keys.<\/p>

The other thing to bear in mind is that modern car keys can be pretty sophisticated, offering fancy features such as hands-free entry to your car. This means that they can be a bit more complicated and time-consuming to replace. If you have key cover, it might include provision of a courtesy car until your new keys are ready.<\/p>

How much does it cost to get a replacement car key if I don\u2019t have key cover?<\/h3>

A whole lot more than it used to. Replacing old-school car keys was relatively cheap and easy. It was a simple matter of getting new keys cut to match the locks on your doors and ignition.<\/p>

However, because modern keyless entry remotes are coded to match your car\u2019s computer and anti-theft immobiliser, they\u2019re much more difficult and therefore expensive to replace.<\/p>

On average, the cost of replacing a single key fob and programming it is about \u00a3250. It can be lower or (much) higher, depending on your car\u2019s make and model.<\/p>

And, if your key was stolen, you may need additional work to your car to ensure that the stolen key no longer works with your security system. This can add to the cost.<\/p>

Do all car insurance policies include key cover?<\/h3>

Sometimes key replacement is included if you have comprehensive car insurance<\/a>. It\u2019s unlikely to be included as standard if you only have more basic third party or third party, fire and theft cover.<\/p>

But not even all comprehensive policies will cover lost car keys. Some will offer it as an optional extra<\/a> and others won\u2019t cover it at all.<\/p>

If your policy does cover lost keys, you\u2019ll be covered up to a specified limit for the cost of replacing the keys and, if necessary, recoding the locks on your vehicle.<\/p>

How do I know if my car insurance policy includes key cover?<\/h3>

The quickest option if your filing system is in good order is to check your policy documents to find out whether your insurer provides any coverage.<\/p>

If you can\u2019t easily lay your hands on your policy documents, or it\u2019s not clear from the small print, get in touch with your insurer to check.<\/p>

Can I get key cover separately from my car insurance?<\/h3>

You can indeed. If the cost of adding key cover to your car insurance seems a bit steep, or your insurer simply doesn\u2019t offer it (or enough cover), there are a couple of alternatives. These include the following:<\/p>