Does Auto Insurance Cover Lost Keys?

Losing your car keys can be incredibly frustrating. In addition to being unable to drive your vehicle, replacing keys and locks can be expensive. This leads many drivers to wonder: does auto insurance cover lost keys?

Unfortunately, standard auto insurance policies do not provide coverage for lost or stolen keys. However, there are some insurance options that may help pay for car key replacement costs.

In this article, we’ll explain:

• What auto insurance does and does not cover
• Policies that may cover lost keys
• Tips to prevent losing your car keys
• What to do if you lose your keys

What Does Standard Auto Insurance Cover?

Auto insurance is primarily designed to cover damage from car accidents and other driving-related mishaps. Standard policies include:

• Liability coverage – Pays for injuries or damage you cause to others while driving. Required by law.

• Collision coverage – Covers repair costs if you collide with an object like another car or pole.

• Comprehensive coverage – Pays for non-collision damage from things like weather, fire, or theft.

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage – Covers injuries if you’re hit by a driver with no or inadequate insurance.

• Medical payments coverage – Helps pay medical bills for you and passengers after an accident.

Auto insurance does NOT cover:

• ❌ Mechanical breakdowns
• ❌ Routine maintenance
• ❌ Wear and tear
• ❌ Lost or stolen keys

So if you simply lose your car keys, your standard auto policy will not reimburse you for the cost of replacing them. Key coverage falls outside the scope of accidents and driving-related damages that auto insurance is designed to handle.

Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover Lost Keys?

While auto insurance does not cover lost keys, if your keys are stolen, comprehensive coverage may help.

Comprehensive insurance pays for damage from non-collision incidents, including theft and vandalism. If someone steals your keys, comprehensive coverage will typically pay for:

• Replacing the stolen keys
• Reprogramming the new keys and locks
• Any associated costs like a rental car or taxi while you don’t have keys

However, you’ll need a police report to prove the theft occurred. If you just misplaced your keys, comprehensive insurance will not apply.

Other Policies That May Cover Lost Keys

If you don’t have comprehensive coverage or didn’t have your keys stolen, there are some other insurance options that may help pay for replacing lost car keys:

• Renters or homeowners insurance – If you lose your keys at home, they may be covered under personal property protection in one of these standard policies.

• Roadside assistance – Some plans offered by auto insurance companies or auto clubs cover lockout service and key replacement up to a set limit per year.

• Deductible waiver – Available as an add-on to auto policies, this pays your comprehensive deductible if you make a claim.

• Optional equipment coverage – Add-on protection for items like custom wheels, stereos, and key fobs.

• Umbrella insurance – If you have this extra liability coverage, lost keys may be covered under the personal property section.

Review your policies or check with your insurer or agent to see if you have any coverage that could help pay for lost car keys. While not guaranteed, one of these options may provide some compensation.

Tips to Avoid Losing Your Keys

While insurance can ease the financial pain, it’s best to avoid losing your keys altogether. Here are some tips:

✅Get a tile tracker – Attach a Bluetooth tracker like a Tile Mate to your keyring so you can locate keys using your smartphone.

✅Make spares – Keep extra keys at home and give a spare to a trusted friend or family member.

✅Don’t overload your keyring – Carrying too many keys at once increases the chance of loss. Pare it down to just essentials.

✅Have a designated spot – Always put your keys in the same spot at home so they’re easy to find.

✅Take a photo – Snap a picture of where you parked and keep your keys in hand until you reach the car.

✅Get a locking key case – Protect your keys in a locking container attached to your bag when on-the-go.

✅Never leave keys in car – Even unattended for a minute. Asking for theft.

✅Pay attention – Avoid distractions when handling keys and be mindful not to set them down randomly.

What To Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

If you discover that your keys are lost for good, here are the steps to take:

• Look everywhere – Triple check your home, bag, pockets, car, office, etc. in case you misplaced them nearby.

• Retrace your steps – Mentally walk through your day and places you visited before losing keys. Check each spot.

• Call locations – Contact anywhere you visited to see if keys were turned in.

• Check with network – Notify friends and family in case you left keys at their home.

• Contact your insurer – Report lost keys to your insurance provider. File a claim if applicable.

• Replace keys – Call a locksmith or dealership to replace keys and reprogram locks. Tow vehicle there if you cannot drive it.

• Enhance security – Once you get new keys, consider adding anti-theft key covers, ID tags, or an immobilizer chip.

• Review insurance – Talk to your agent about comprehensive or roadside assistance coverage to prepare for any future lost key incidents.

The Bottom Line

Standard auto insurance policies do not cover replacement costs for lost keys. But comprehensive coverage and other supplemental insurance options may provide some reimbursement if you take proper precautions and document the incident.

Your best recourse is preventing key loss by staying organized, making spares, and keeping track of your keys at all times. But if you do wind up needing to replace lost car keys, report the loss to insurers promptly and take steps to get new keys made ASAP.

With some preparation and vigilance, you can avoid the headache and expense of lost car keys causing you to miss out on the important (and fun) things in life. Drive safely out there!