Will my car insurance pay for a locksmith?

Updated 1 July 2026 · 4-minute read

Short answer

Yes, in most cases. UK comprehensive car insurance policies typically include some form of "key cover" or "personal effects" benefit that pays for locksmith callouts, replacement keys and even onward travel. Limits range from £500 to £1,500 per claim. Third-party-only policies generally do not.

What's usually covered

Most policies cover:

• Locksmith callout fee — the labour cost of the locksmith coming to you.
• Replacement key — the cost of cutting and coding a new key, including smart keys and keyless fobs.
• Lock changes — if the key was stolen, the insurer usually pays to change the locks so the old key can't be used to access the vehicle.
• Onward travel — sometimes, if you've been stranded a long way from home. This varies by insurer.
• Relay-theft loss — increasingly common, since 2022. Many policies specifically cover keyless car theft via relay attack under "theft" cover, subject to your excess.
• Accommodation — for thefts that happen far from home and you need a hotel for the night.

What's usually NOT covered

• Wear-and-tear (e.g. fob buttons wearing out)
• Damage you caused yourself (e.g. snapping the key deliberately)
• Replacement keys that are upgrades to a different specification than the original (e.g. you had a flip key, you want a smart key)
• Cosmetic damage to the key (broken case, scratched shell) — most insurers consider this wear-and-tear
• Battery replacement (you should be doing this as routine maintenance)
• Keys locked in the car when the keys are visible and unlocked onto the roof, or in a vulnerable position — most insurers consider this preventable

How to make sure your claim is paid

1. Call your insurer on the policy number within 24 hours. Most require prompt notification. Get a claim reference number and write it down.
2. Get a crime reference number from North Wales Police (call 101, non-emergency) if the key was stolen. Not required for lost keys but very useful for the claim.
3. Use any qualified auto locksmith. You are not required to use a particular firm. The only requirement is that the locksmith's invoice is itemised and credible.
4. Get a clean, detailed invoice. The invoice should show: business name, address, VAT number (if registered), date, time, callout location, registration of the vehicle, itemised labour, parts (key blank + transponder chip), programming, total and VAT breakdown.
5. Keep the broken key if there is one. Take a photo of it next to the new one. Insurers sometimes want to see it.
6. Submit promptly. Don't sit on it for weeks. Most insurers allow 30–90 days to submit documents but it's better to do it within 7 days.

Sample wording for the claim

When you call the insurer, or write the claim description, use plain English. The clearer you are, the faster the claim is processed. Try something like:

"On [date], at [time], [I locked my keys in the car / I lost my only key / my car key was stolen, crime reference [number]]. Keymotive Auto Locksmith attended at [location] and opened the vehicle without damage. They then cut and programmed a replacement key on the spot. Total cost £[X], broken down as £[X] callout, £[X] labour, £[X] parts, £[X] VAT. Invoice and photographs attached."

Avoid vague words like "I had a problem with my car" — be specific about what happened and when.

What about a stolen key without a crime reference?

You can still claim on most policies. The crime reference just strengthens the claim and may be required for the "theft" element specifically (e.g. lock changes). If the keys were simply lost or you locked them in the car, no crime reference is needed.

Should I claim at all?

Sometimes the right answer is no, depending on:

• Your excess — if the locksmith bill is £200 and your excess is £250, claiming loses you money.
• Protected NCD — many UK policies now protect your no-claims discount for non-fault claims like keys. Check your policy.
• Future premiums — a single key claim is usually neutral, but multiple in a short window can be flagged at renewal.
• Paying out of pocket — sometimes cheaper than the long-term risk. If the bill is £120 and your excess is £100 with NCD protection, paying the locksmith is fine.

Common reasons claims get declined (and how to avoid them)

1. "Outside policy terms" — usually because the keys were lost under suspicious circumstances (e.g. left on car roof with door unlocked). Insurers consider this contributory negligence. Always lock keys away properly.
2. Late notification — some policies require notification within 24–48 hours. Late claims can be reduced or declined.
3. No proof of loss or theft — vague circumstances weaken the claim. A clear timeline and (where relevant) a police reference number help.
4. Maintenance issue — if the key failed because of a known mechanical issue (e.g. snapped blade, water damage) and you've ignored it, the insurer may say it's wear-and-tear.

Taxi and onward travel

Many policies include taxi fare or train fare if your car is unusable after a key loss. Limits are usually modest (£50–£150). If you're stranded, ask the insurer before booking the taxi — keep the receipt.

Special cases worth mentioning

Relay theft (keyless): many modern policies treat this as theft and cover the key replacement plus any damage. Document the time, location and circumstances. CCTV or doorbell footage is gold if you have it.

Lost at the airport: policies often have separate "travel key cover" through the airline, credit card or travel insurance. Check these as well as your car policy — you can often claim twice if both apply (one for the key, one for the trip disruption).

Lost at work: home insurance "contents away from home" may apply if the keys were in your work bag. Again, double-cover is allowed.

Spouse/partner takes the only key — most policies extend to any driver named on the policy, plus spouse/partner in many cases. If you're not the policyholder but the named driver's key is lost, claim anyway — most insurers will pay.

Working with Keymotive on your claim

We make insurance claims easy by default:

• Every invoice we issue is fully itemised, with our VAT number, address and a clear callout / labour / parts / VAT breakdown.
• Your invoice includes your vehicle registration and the location/date of the callout — the two details insurers always ask for.
• If your insurer needs additional information (a description of the callout, a breakdown of the programming work, etc.), we can write and sign a statement.
• If you want to claim on a stolen key, we can also provide a written confirmation of the work done, the date and time, and the location.

Just ask on the call and we'll make sure the paperwork is right.

Need a locksmith first? Call 07803 473728 — we'll come to you anywhere in North Wales and the invoice will be ready for your claim.