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.

Car Insurance

Key takeaways

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?

ProviderKey replacement details
Optional
AANT
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,500
Up to $1,000
Up to $2,000
No
Limit not disclosed
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
Bank of Melbourne
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,500
BankSA
Up to $1,000
Bankwest
Up o $2,000
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
No
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
Up to $700
Up to $2,000
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
Optional
GMCU
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
Limit not disclosed
Mortgage Choice
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
No
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,500
Limit not disclosed
Up to $1,000
Limit not disclosed
Up to $750
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
No
Up to $1,000
Limit not disclosed
No
Up to $1,000
No
Ubicar
Up to $2,000
Up to $5,000
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000
Up to $1,000

Updated as of March 2025

FAQs

Peta Taylor's headshot
Written by

Publisher of Insurance

Peta Taylor is a publisher at Finder, working across all of insurance. She's been analysing product disclosure statements and publishing articles for over 2 years. Peta is passionate about demystifying complex insurance products to help users make well educated decisions with confidence. Peta is part of Finder's insurance awards team and works alongside editorial and insights experts to bring users the best insurance products every year. See full bio

Ask a question

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms Of Service and Finder Group Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

2 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    LesApril 28, 2018

    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?

      AvatarFinder
      JhezelynApril 28, 2018Finder

      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

More guides on Finder

Go to site