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What Is Key Replacement Cover In Car Insurance And Its Benefits?

It can be stressful to lose your car keys, and the cost of repair or replacement can be high. However, losing your car key nowadays is not very uncommon. But, if you do, a spare car key could help you escape this sticky situation. 

However, current electronic key Frequency Operated Buttons (FOBs), in particular, are far more expensive to replace than conventional car keys due to advancements in automotive technology. So, you can opt for a key replacement cover add-on policy to abate your key replacement costs.

What Is Key Replacement Cover in Car Insurance?

Key Replacement Cover is an add-on and not a stand-alone coverage to your car's comprehensive insurance policy. This add-on will pay the costs associated with changing the key for an insured vehicle for an extra premium. This can be the cost to replace the lock set if the lock or the key is damaged or the expense of replacing the key if it is lost, broken, or stolen.

Why is Key Replacement Cover Important?

If you lose your original car keys, a key replacement auto insurance policy can help. This coverage guarantees payment for the expense of replacing your car keys. You can avoid paying high replacement fees for automobile keys by just making a nominal annual payment.

Along with the basic comprehensive auto insurance, this car key replacement insurance add-on policy is also available for an insuree. If your car's key is lost, damaged, stolen, or misplaced, this policy can take care of your expenses. The cost of lock-set repairs is also covered by this add-on if it is harmed. However, in most cases, there is an upper limit that is applicable following an insurance company's terms and conditions.

What Are the Benefits of Key Replacement Cover in Car Insurance?

Here are a few advantages of this key replacement cover insurance add-on policy:

  • This optional coverage helps a policyholder replace a lost or damaged car key, lockset, or lock.
  • If a burglary or theft occurs, it aids the policyholder in replacing the key, and if a lockset is damaged or stolen, it aids in repairing the lockset.
  • When a policy is renewed, the policyholder's eligibility for no-claim bonuses is unaffected.

How To Purchase Key Replacement Cover Add-on?

As an add-on to a comprehensive auto insurance policy, you can purchase a car key protector cover. When purchasing or renewing your basic comprehensive insurance, you can choose to buy it. 

Regardless, a few steps for purchasing this key protection add-on cover online are as follows:

Step 1: Open the mobile app or website of your insurance provider.

Step 2: Before making a payment and purchasing the policy, purchase a regular comprehensive auto insurance coverage and add this add-on protection.

Step 3: Otherwise, when you renew your auto insurance, you can add this key replacement cover for your purchase. After that, they will instantly send the policy document to you.

What Are the Exclusions of Key Replacement Cover?

A few exclusions that come with this car insurance add-on cover include:

  • If a policyholder cannot present payment receipts for the car key cover replacement of the insured vehicle's lost car key, the claim will not be considered.
  • Wear and tear, mechanical or electrical failure, cleaning, mending, restoring, or anything else that occurs gradually are not covered when it comes to damage to the vehicle keys or lockset.
  • If the repair is not made at an insurer-authorised or manufacturer-authorised dealership, the insurer will not provide indemnification.
  • After three days of the incident, the insurer might not accept any claims made on behalf of the police authority.
  • Intentional harm done to the insured vehicle's key, lock, or lockset is not included. 
  • The price incurred to replace just the child components of the key/lockset for the insured vehicle.
  • Existing damage of any kind.
  • Damage or loss is covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
  • Key duplication claims of the concerned vehicle.

How to Claim under Key Replacement Cover?

If you lose or misplace your car keys, you might have to claim against your policy. If you opt for an online method to raise your claim, the process is incredibly effortless. Regardless, here are a few steps to raise a claim:

  • Notify the insurance provider. You can call them or send them an email to raise a claim.
  • You should file a claim to file a police FIR in the event of theft.
  • If feasible, send the claim form and the necessary paperwork. After that, the insurance provider will confirm the issue and settle the claim by covering associated costs.
  • In cashless claims, the insurance company settles the claim directly with the garage.

The days of finding a replacement for lost car keys on a budget are long gone. So, if you drive a four-wheeler vehicle with an advanced model, these tactics are useless. Therefore, choosing a key replacement cover with your comprehensive standard auto insurance coverage is a wise decision to save money.

FAQs About Key Replacement Cover in Car Insurance

Why is buying a key replacement add-on essential?

The coverage makes sure that your insurer will fund replacement if you lose the FOB or remote key. Additionally, replacing the item with one from an authorised OEM might cost thousands of rupees.

Why is it expensive to replace a car key or keys, like a FOB?

High-end automobile keys, such as a FOB, are used to operate the car's convenience and safety features. Additionally, technology can change between various car manufacturers or models. Because of this, replacing or even repairing these kinds of automobile keys is expensive.

What occurs if only the automobile lock is broken but not the key?

The cost of repairing the lock/lockset will be covered by the insurance carrier following the terms and conditions of the policy. You should remember that the only time a key will be replaced is if it is lost, damaged, or stolen.