Lost Your Car Key? Here’s What You Need to Do!

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What to do if you lose your car key?

You cannot operate your car without a key! It is hence one of the most important parts of a car. Most people insure their cars and not their keys. Is it important for you to insure your car keys too?

Taking insurance for the keys to a car is quite uncommon, especially in India, because people think that car keys can be easily replaced. This could be true in the case of manual keys but when it comes to remote-operated or electronic keys; it is highly difficult to replace them locally.

Here’s what to do if you have lost your car keys

• Thoroughly check the area: Firstly, check for the keys thoroughly in all the places including purses, bags, or any possible places where you could have lost the key.
• Inform the insurance company: One of the crucial steps to follow when you lose your car key is to inform the insurance company of the incident in writing. The chances of your car getting stolen with the lost key are quite high. If you do not inform the insurance company of the lost key in time, the chances of your claim being rejected are high in case of theft.
• Do not use unauthorized keys: One major drawback of using unauthorized keys to your car in case of lost car keys is that you will not be able to claim a warranty. It would be a breach of warranty if you use any key apart from the car’s own to operate the same. These unauthorized keys may damage the lock of your car if not operated properly.
• Get your spare key out: Spare keys come as a saviour when your original key is lost.
• File an F.I.R.: People tend to ignore the necessity to inform the police and file for an F.I.R. in case of lost keys. This report should be shared with the insurance company for processing any claim related to the theft of a vehicle.

Types of Car Keys in India

There are 5 types of car keys in India, and they may differ from traditional to advanced ones.

1. Traditional Key

2. Transponder key

3. Key with Fob (Frequency Operated Button)

4. Keys Attached to the Fobs

5. Smart key

Key Replacement Cover in Car Insurance

If you opt for the key replacement cover or key protection cover in car insurance, it provides the amount incurred to replace the lost key. Key protection cover is an add-on in car insurance.

People with high-end vehicles must opt for the key replacement or key protection cover while availing car insurance as such high-end vehicles mostly have Frequency operated Button (FOB) keys and the replacement for these keys are provided only by the manufacturer, thus perhaps posing to be more expensive than the regular keys.

Advantages of key replacement cover in your car insurance policy

• The car key/lock/lockset of the same kind and type is replaced in case it is lost, stolen, or damaged.
• The key is replaced in case of theft or burglary and the lockset will be replaced in case of theft or damage.
• Smooth and simple online experience.
• It will not affect the policyholder’s eligibility for an NCB (No Claim Bonus) during renewal.

What Does Lost Car Key Cover Include?

Car Key Cover or the Key Replacement Cover is an add-on to the insurance policy. The insurer will reimburse the insured, up to the insured amount specified in the insurance policy to replace the insured car key if the key happens to be:

• Lost
• Stolen
• Damaged
• Repaired
• Replaced when the key is damaged or broken.

Wrapping it up

Lost or stolen, key replacement is essential for you to operate your car. It is therefore very important to be careful with your car key. Along with being careful, you must be a responsible car owner. You must know the next steps in case you have lost your key to the car.

As a responsible car owner and a citizen of the country, it is your duty to inform the said authorities, may it be the insurance company or the police about the loss of the key to your car. There is nothing to worry about in such situations. A locksmith or the manufacturer of your vehicle will soon come to help you release the locked car.