Get covered for lost or stolen car keys
Know what to do if you happen to misplace your keys or they get stolen.
Is Losing Your Car Keys Covered By Car Insurance?
Not all car insurance policies cover lost or stolen keys. Some include it as standard, while others as an optional extra you can take. Some car insurance policies don’t cover it at all, not even as an optional extra. Therefore, if your car keys get stolen or you manage to lose them somehow, make sure to check with your car insurance for replacement key coverages.
Replacement key cover in car insurance, whether it is as standard or as an optional extra, can help you in so many ways, such as:
- A replacement of the same kind and type is provided if a car key, lock, lost, stolen, or destroyed.
- In the event of theft or burglary, the key and the lockset will be replaced.
- Your eligibility for a no-claims bonus at renewal will not be affected.
Key Points
- The more sophisticated your key is, the more it will cost.
- If your car insurance covers you for replacement keys, you probably don’t have to worry about the costs. In certain cases, however, you might still have to pay an excess charge.
- Contact the police immediately and obtain a crime reference number if your keys are stolen.
How Much Is a Replacement Car Key?
The cost of replacing your car key is determined by the vehicle and key you have. If it’s an old-fashioned car key it should be simple and inexpensive to replace, you simply need to have new keys made to match the locks on your doctor and your car’s ignition. Remote keys, on the other hand, are more expensive. In general, the more complicated the key, the higher the price.
You may need to take your car to a garage to finish the job in some cases. If your key is stolen, for example, parts of your car will need to be altered or replaced in order to accept a new key. In addition, if the repair is delayed, you will most likely need a rental car, which will quickly add up the costs. You probably won’t have to worry about the costs if your car insurance covers replacement keys. However, you may be required to pay an excess charge in some circumstances. While the excess is inconvenient, it is still less expensive than having to pay for the repair or replacement on your own.
What Type of Car Insurance Policy Will Replace Car Keys?
In Thailand, there are 2 types of car insurance policy that offers to replace your car keys:
- Comprehensive Car Insurance (Type 1 Car Insurance) – This type of car insurance in Thailand gives you the most coverages, although the coverage offered is different depending on the policy and the insurer, most type 1 car insurance in Thailand provides coverage for lost or stolen keys as standard. However, in some cases, you might have to buy an optional extra.
- Third-Party, Fire, and Theft (Type 2 Car Insurance) – Only a few type 2 car insurance policies include standard coverage for car key replacement and the terms may differ, for example, you may only be covered if your keys are stolen.
For a small fee, most insurance companies offer the option of adding key cover as an optional extra, which could save you a lot of money in the long run.
What Should You Do If You Lose Your Keys?
Contact the police immediately and obtain a crime reference number, which you’ll use to file a claim with your insurance company if your keys are stolen. However, if a family member or a friend loses them, your insurer is unlikely to compensate you. It can be considered as fraud if you tell the insurer they’ve been stolen instead.
If your car key gets, lock, lost, stolen, or destroyed, a replacement of the same kind and type is provided.
What Is the Claiming Process of Car Key Replacement?
To file a claim for the replacement or repair of your car keys, follow the instructions below:
Step 1: File a report with the local police station if the keys were stolen.
Step 2: Contact your insurance provider to report the loss of your car keys and the circumstances surrounding it.
Step 3: Have your car keys fixed or replaced, then file a claim with your insurance provider.
Step 4: Contact your insurance provider and submit the necessary documentation. If the claim is within the policy’s terms and conditions, the insurer will reimburse you for the cost of replacing or repairing your car keys up to the amount specified in your policy.
Tips On How To Keep Your Keys Safe
Here are some things you can do to avoid losing your car keys and prevent them from getting stolen:
– Your spare keys should never be kept in the glove compartment of your car.
– Don’t leave your car keys visible, such as on kitchen or hall tables.
– Always request a spare key from the dealer or previous owner when purchasing a vehicle.
– Keep all of your car keys in different places at home that only you and your family know.