Lost and Stolen Car Keys

Losing your keys can be hugely stressful, especially as you always seem to lose them at the most inconvenient moment just as you’re about to rush out of the door in a hurry. However having your car keys stolen is much worse, as a targeted attack on you often means that your car will be taken too, as well as the potential for your house to be broken into.

Stolen keys

When your car keys are stolen there are two major inconveniences you will face; the cost to replace them and the security of your car.

Replacing your car keys is most often done through the manufacturer itself, especially if you have a key card or keyless entry. Some older cars are more likely to be able to have the keys replaced wherever as they are just a cut-out pattern rather than technology.

Some steps you can take to secure your car if your keys are stolen:

  • Park your car away from your home or workplace
  • Use a steering wheel lock or wheel clamp
  • Call the police and get a crime reference number, this will be needed for any insurance claim.
  • Don’t leave your new keys lying around the house, and thieves usually strike twice.

If you’re worried about your keys being stolen, then keep your house and car keys separate. Having all your keys on one ring can make it more inviting for thieves to come and steal them. Hide your keys from view, and if you have keyless entry consider investing in a special box to prevent unauthorised entry to your car.

Putting your keys in a draw or by your bedside is safer than in reach of the door. Keeping your bag near you at all time and making sure that your keys are put somewhere safe, either on you or in a locked part of your bag is a good step to take.

Lost keys

Losing your keys is highly frustrating and can lead to delays for the whole family. If you lose your keys, the obvious thing to do is go and find them, but this is not always as easy as it sounds. Having to rush around the house, the garden, rummage through every single bag, coat and pocket you own trying to desperately remember where on earth you put the keys is very frustrating.

To help you find your keys, try using a tracker, such as the Tile app. These will often attach to your keyring and then have an app on your phone allowing you to ring the tracker, at which point it will emit a loud noise, allowing you to locate your keys quickly.

If you frequently lose your keys, then it may be worth looking at an insurance policy that covers keys as otherwise, it can be an expensive business to keep on replacing keys. Spares for some keys can be created by high street key cutters such as Timpsons, and they are often cheaper than going to the manufacturer.

Car keys insurance

If your car keys are stolen from your home, this is not usually covered by your home insurance. Stolen keys can be claimed through your car’s insurance. However, you will probably be faced with an excess which can be more than the costs to replace the keys or locks in the first place and may also increase your premium upon renew. This will also affect your no claims discount, even though it is not directly related to the physical car itself.

There are specific car key insurance policies available which mean that your keys will be covered and it won’t affect your car insurance premium or no claims bonus. This is an additional policy compared to the standard car insurance. We recommend taking out insurance as it is fairly inexpensive in comparison to the costs you could end up paying if you need to change your car’s locks, keys and the cost of call outs etc.

How to claim for lost and stolen keys

There are many ways that you can claim for lost or stolen car keys. The most obvious place to turn is to your car insurance provider. However, there are other ways you can claim including:

  • Your car warranty provider (only if keys are included in the policy)
  • Your breakdown cover provider may include car key protection
  • Specialist car key insurers which usually provide a key fob
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