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, with some covering up to $500 and others covering up to $1,500. There are also insurers that 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 | Optional |
| 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 | No |
| Australia Post | Limit not disclosed |
| 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 | No |
| BMW | Up to $1,000 |
| Budget Direct | Up to $1,000 |
| Bupa | Up to $1,000 |
| Carpeesh | Up to $700 |
| CBA | Up to $2,000 |
| CGU | Up to $1,000 |
| Club 4x4 | Up to $1,000 |
| Coles | Up to $1,000 |
| Everyday | Up to $1,000 |
| GIO | Optional |
| GMCU | Up to $1,000 |
| HSBC | Up to $1,000 |
| Huddle | Up to $1,000 |
| Hume | Up to $1,000 |
| ING | Up to $1,000 |
| KOBA | Up to $1,000 |
| Kogan | Limit not disclosed |
| 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 | No |
| People's Choice | 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 | No |
| St. George | Up to $1,000 |
| Stella | Limit not disclosed |
| Suncorp | No |
| TIO | Up to $1,000 |
| TrueCover | No |
| Ubicar | Up to $2,000 |
| Vero | Up to $5,000 |
| Virgin Money | Up to $1,000 |
| Westpac | Up to $1,000 |
| Youi | Up to $1,000 |
Updated as of March 2025
FAQs
More resources on Finder
Ask a question
2 Responses
More guides on Finder
-
High risk car insurance
Learn the factors that may cause you to be considered a high-risk driver and whether you might be eligible for cover.
-
Claiming pothole damage
Discover how to get covered for pothole damage with this guide.
-
Will car insurance cover paint damage?
Discover if your car insurance policy will cover you for paint damage with this guide.
-
Car insurance excess, explained.
Your comprehensive guide to car insurance excess, what it is and when it needs to be paid.
-
Suncorp car insurance review
Suncorp’s benefit limits are high in comparison to many other providers, but its policies are more expensive than most.
-
APIA car insurance
APIA car insurance is issued by AAI Limited and offers 3 levels of cover, a range of discounts and a lifetime guarantee on repairs.
-
Short term car insurance Australia
Find out what short term car insurance options are available in Australia.
-
GIO car insurance review
GIO offers strong cover at a low price. However, drivers in QLD, SA and TAS will have to look elsewhere.
-
Switching car insurance
Is it time to make the switch? If you're not happy with your current car insurance provider then the answer might be yes.
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