Key replacement cover is an optional car insurance add on that pays to replace lost, stolen or damaged car keys, up to a set limit with little or no excess.
The cover pays for new keys, programming, a locksmith call out and lock changes after a theft. Keys left in the car, wear and tear and claims with no crime reference number fall outside most policies. A standard car insurance policy charges the full excess and puts the no claims discount at risk, while the add on keeps both apart.
The cover pays off when a replacement car key in the UK costs more than the yearly price plus any excess. A claim runs through a helpline, a police report for a theft and a locksmith invoice.
No claims impact, a local locksmith, car keys and no spare, a spare key for a car and the yearly price raise five further questions.
The list below gives four key takeaways on key replacement cover.
- Key replacement cover pays for lost, stolen or damaged car keys up to a limit.
- An add on keeps a key claim away from the main excess and the no claims discount.
- Keys left in the car and claims with no crime number sit outside most policies.
- A spare key at home lowers the cost of a loss with or without the cover.
What does key replacement cover pay for?
Key replacement cover pays for new keys, programming and the locksmith call out, up to the policy limit. The list below gives five costs most policies cover.
- New keys or fobs, cut and programmed to the car.
- The locksmith call out to open the car and make the key on site.
- New locks or recoding after a theft that puts the car at risk.
- Onward travel or a hire car on some policies while the locksmith makes the key.
- House keys on the same ring under some policies, up to a lower limit.
Claim limits sit around £1,000 to £1,500 a year on many add ons, enough for most keyless keys.
What does key cover leave out?
Key cover leaves out keys left in or on the car, wear and tear and thefts with no police report. The list below gives four common exclusions.
- Keys left in the ignition, on a tyre or in an unlocked car.
- Faults from wear and tear, such as a worn blade or a tired button.
- Stolen keys with no crime reference number from the police.
- Keys lost before the policy started or during the first days of cover on some policies.
The policy wording lists the exact exclusions, and a quick read before a claim avoids a refused payout.
How does key cover differ from standard insurance?
Key cover differs from standard car insurance by keeping a key claim off the main policy, with little or no excess. The table below compares the two on four points.
| Point | Key cover add on | Standard policy |
|---|---|---|
| Excess | Little or none | The full policy excess |
| No claims discount | Usually untouched | At risk after a claim |
| Price | About £10 to £50 a year | Included on some higher cover policies |
| Limit | Often £1,000 to £1,500 | Varies, sometimes £500 |
A standard policy pays out only when the key costs more than the excess, and the claim still counts at renewal.
When does key cover pay off?
Key cover pays off when a key replacement costs more than several years of the add on, as with keyless and premium cars.
A basic transponder key costs little more than two or three years of cover. The price of a replacement car key in the UK climbs past £300 for many keyless cars, where one claim repays years of cover.
How do you claim on key cover?
To claim on key cover, call the policy helpline, report any theft to the police and keep the locksmith invoice. The list below gives the four steps.
- Call the claims helpline on the policy schedule before booking any work.
- Report a theft to the police and note the crime reference number for the insurer.
- Book the approved locksmith or a local locksmith the insurer accepts.
- Send the itemised invoice for the keys, the programming and any lock work.
An itemised locksmith invoice with the registration and the key type speeds up the payout.
What else do drivers ask about key cover?
No claims, local locksmiths, a lost key with no spare, spare keys and the yearly price raise five further questions about key replacement cover. The five questions below answer each topic.
Frequently asked questions
Does a key cover claim affect no claims?
No, a claim on a separate key cover add on leaves the no claims discount untouched on most policies.
A key claim on the main car insurance policy counts as a claim and often lifts the premium at renewal.
Does key cover pay a local locksmith?
Yes, most key cover policies pay a local locksmith invoice up to the limit, once the insurer agrees the job.
A quick call to the helpline before the work keeps the invoice inside the policy terms.
Lost car keys and no spare, what next?
Drivers with lost car keys and no spare call the cover helpline first, then the locksmith the insurer accepts.
The steps for lost car keys and no spare list the documents the locksmith asks for at the car.
Is a car spare key cheaper than claiming?
Yes, a spare key costs less than most excess payments and keeps the policy free of claims.
The options for a spare key for a car run from a key shop copy to a locksmith visit at the car.
How much does key cover cost a year?
Key cover costs about £10 to £50 a year as an add on to car insurance.
Key replacement cover at that price suits keyless and premium cars, where a single car insurance claim without the add on means paying the full excess.
Based in Liverpool and still stuck?
ADC Locksmith Liverpool repairs, programs and replaces car keys at the roadside across Liverpool and Merseyside, usually on the same day. Craig Evans holds SERMI approval and a 5.0 rating from 341 Google reviews. A call to 07731 544220 brings a fixed price before Craig travels.
Call 07731 544220