Car insurance and lost or stolen keys
If you have comprehensive car insurance, stolen keys are typically covered. Lost keys are unlikely to be covered.
Key takeaways
- If your keys are lost, car insurance probably won't cover you. Although roadside assistance might.
- If your keys have been stolen, you'll likely be covered by your comprehensive car insurance policy.
- Key replacement can cover the replacement, re-coding and locksmith fees.
Will car insurance cover lost keys?
Typically, no. Comprehensive car insurance will usually cover you for stolen keys only. This is because insurance is designed to cover unpredictable and unforeseen circumstances - like theft or accidents. Anything that can be deemed preventable usually won't be covered.
However, if you hold a roadside assistance policy - you may be covered for lost keys.
Stolen keys and car insurance
If your car keys have been stolen, then this is a claimable event that your insurer will likely cover you for. However, be warned, most insurers will only cover you for stolen keys if you've made a police report detailing the theft of the keys. Don't expect to have your claim approved without this.
What does key replacement in a car insurance policy mean?
When reading your product disclosure statement, you'll likely see a benefit called 'key replacement' or something similar. Essentially, this means that your insurer will pay to:
- Replace your keys
- Recode your keys and car locks
- Cover locksmith fees
All policies come with a limit for this benefit, meaning they'll only cover the amount for up to a certain limit. If the cost to recover your keys costs above this limit, the rest will be on you. This limit varies a lot by insurer (compare the limits in the table below), and some insurers don't cover key replacement costs at all.
Keep in mind, every policy differs and it's wise to read your product disclosure statement so you understand if and how you're covered, plus any requirements to make a claim (like a police report).
Which car insurers offer key replacement?
| Provider | Key replacement details |
|---|---|
| AAMI | |
| AANT | Up to $1,000 |
| ahm | Up to $1,000 |
| ALDI | Up to $1,500 |
| Allianz | Up to $1,000 |
| ANZ | Up to $2,000 |
| Apia | |
| Australian Seniors | Up to $1,000 |
| Australian Unity | Up to $1,000 |
| Bank of Melbourne | Up to $1,000 |
| Bank of Queensland | Up to $1,500 |
| BankSA | Up to $1,000 |
| Bankwest | Up o $2,000 |
| Bendigo Bank | Up to $1,000 |
| Beyond Bank | Up to $1,000 |
| Bingle | |
| BMW | Up to $1,000 |
| Budget Direct | Up to $1,000 |
| Bupa | Up to $1,000 |
| Carpeesh | |
| CBA | Up to $1,000 |
| CGU | |
| Club 4x4 | Up to $1,000 |
| Coles | Up to $1,000 |
| Everyday | Up to $1,000 |
| GIO | |
| GMCU | Up to $1,000 |
| Huddle | Up to $1,000 |
| Hume | Up to $1,000 |
| ING | Up to $1,000 |
| Kogan | Up to $1,000 |
| Mortgage Choice | Up to $1,000 |
| NAB | Up to $1,000 |
| National Seniors | Up to $1,000 |
| NRMA | Up to $1,000 |
| Over Fifty | Up to $1,000 |
| Ozicare | Up to $1,000 |
| PD | |
| People First Bank | Up to $1,000 |
| Qantas | Up to $1,500 |
| QBE | Limit not disclosed |
| RAA | Up to $1,000 |
| RAC | Limit not disclosed |
| RACQ | Up to $750 |
| RACT | Up to $1,000 |
| RACV | Up to $1,000 |
| Real | Up to $1,000 |
| ROLLiN' | Up to $1,000 |
| ROLLiN' | Up to $1,000 |
| Shannons | |
| St. George | Up to $1,000 |
| Stella | Limit not disclosed |
| Suncorp | |
| TIO | Up to $1,000 |
| TrueCover | |
| Ubicar | |
| Vero | |
| Virgin Money | |
| Westpac | Up to $1,000 |
| Youi | Up to $1,000 |
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I lost one car key and just wondering what if my car will be taken with that key in the future? Will my comprehesive car insurance cover that?
Hello Les,
Thank you for your comment.
Yes, comprehensive policy can generally cover you for theft, vandalism, storms, floods, hail damage, fire, key replacement, emergency accommodation and accidental damage to your car.
Moreover, it’ll be best to check with your insurer to verify any details.
Regards,
Jhezelyn