Car Keys & Insurance Claims: What NZ Drivers Need to Know

Replacing modern car keys - especially transponder keys or smart/proximity keys - can be an unexpected expense. This often leads Auckland drivers like you to ask: "Are my car keys covered under my car policy?" Understanding how insurance typically works for lost, stolen, or damaged keys in New Zealand is crucial before you find yourself in that stressful situation.

Replacing modern car keys - especially transponder keys or smart/proximity keys - can be an unexpected expense. This often leads Auckland drivers like you to ask: "Are my car keys covered under my car policy?" Understanding how insurance typically works for lost, stolen, or damaged keys in New Zealand is crucial before you find yourself in that stressful situation.

As Auckland's trusted Automotive Master Locksmiths, the team at LockSmart frequently assists customers with insurance claims related to key replacement or lock repairs after keys are lost or stolen. This guide clarifies typical NZ policy coverage for keys, outlines the claim process, and explains how LockSmart helps streamline the process with major insurers once your claim is approved.

Are Your Keys Insured? Understanding NZ Car Policy Cover

So, to directly answer "Are my keys covered?" - the answer truly depends on your specific insurance policy type and provider. Simply losing or having keys stolen isn't automatically covered by all car insurance in New Zealand. Coverage for the cost of replacement keys, necessary lock changes, and electronic programming primarily hinges on having the right level of cover, usually Comprehensive.

Let's compare the typical scenarios:

 

Table 1: General Guide to NZ Car Insurance Key Cover by Policy Type

Policy Type

Typical NZ Cover for Lost or Stolen Keys (Guide Only - Check Your Policy!)

Comprehensive

Often Covered: Usually includes lost & stolen keys up to a specific policy limit. Typically covers key/lock replacement & programming costs within that limit. Excess may apply (see below).

Third Party, Fire & Theft

Limited Cover: Generally NO cover for simply lost keys. May offer cover only if keys are stolen (often only if linked to vehicle theft). Check policy wording carefully.

Third Party Only

Almost Never Covered: This basic policy typically provides no coverage for your own keys.

*** IMPORTANT: This is a general guide. You MUST check your own specific, current car insurance policy wording and schedule to confirm your exact cover.

Understanding Comprehensive Cover Details (Limits & Excess):

Even with Comprehensive cover, the details matter:

  • Coverage Limit: Insurers usually cap the amount they'll pay for key-related claims (e.g., common limits might be around $500 or $1000, but can vary).
  • Excess: Your standard policy excess might apply. However, some policies waive the excess for key claims, especially if the claim value is low (e.g., under $500) or sometimes specifically for stolen keys under certain conditions.

 

To give you a general idea of how different major insurers might handle key cover under their Comprehensive policies (based on publicly available info around August 2025), see the table below. Remember, this is illustrative only and policies change constantly:

 

Table 2: Illustrative Examples of Comprehensive Key Cover (Major Insurers, Aug 2025 - CHECK YOUR POLICY!)

Insurer

Typical Comprehensive Key Cover (Lost/Stolen)

Indicative Limit (Apr 2025)

Typical Excess Note (Apr 2025)

AA Insurance

Yes (Lost/Stolen/Damaged stated)

Check Policy

Often excess-free for stolen keys <$1k (T&Cs apply)

AMI

Yes (Lost/Stolen stated)

~$500

Often excess-free within this limit

Tower

Yes (Lost/Stolen stated)

~$1,000

Often stated as excess-free

State

Yes (Benefit Listed)

Check Policy for Limit

Check Policy for Excess Rules

Vero/Partners

Yes (Stolen explicitly mentioned)

~$1,000

Check Policy for Excess Rules (may vary)

Other Insurers

Coverage Varies Significantly

Must Check Own Policy

Must Check Own Policy

*DISCLAIMER: Insurance policies, specific benefits, limits, and excess rules change frequently and vary greatly. This table is a high-level illustration based only on publicly available information interpreted as of August 2025. It may be outdated or inaccurate for your specific situation and does NOT represent a guarantee of cover under any specific policy. You must check your own specific, current car insurance policy wording and schedule or contact your insurer directly for definitive information on your key cover. Do NOT rely solely on this table. For links to major insurer websites, please visit our dedicated insurance page.

 

What About Keys Locked Inside (Lockouts)?

It's important to differentiate lockouts from lost/stolen keys. Standard car insurance policies generally do NOT cover the locksmith service fee just to unlock your car if keys are simply locked inside.

Lockout assistance is usually covered (if at all) by an optional Roadside Assistance add-on to your insurance policy, or a separate membership (like AA). Even then, always check your specific plan for details like callout limits or coverage specifics. If you are locked out of your car right now in Auckland and need immediate help, call LockSmart directly on our 24/7 Emergency Hotline: 0800 334 122.

 

The Claims Process for Lost/Stolen Keys: Working with Your Insurer & LockSmart

If you have Comprehensive cover and believe your situation qualifies:

  1. Check Your Policy & Contact Insurer: Understand your specific cover, excess, and claim process by checking documents or calling your provider. Get a claim number if proceeding.
  2. Contact LockSmart & Provide Approved Claim #: Let us know you'll be making an insurance claim. Once your insurer approves the claim and gives you the approved claim number, provide this to LockSmart. You can often do this easily via our dedicated Car Keys & Insurance page.
  3. LockSmart Assists: With the approved claim number, LockSmart provides the detailed, GST-compliant quote or final invoice needed. We liaise where necessary according to your insurer's process to help things run smoothly.

 

How LockSmart Helps with Approved Car Key Insurance Claims

Dealing with insurance admin on top of key troubles isn't fun. LockSmart aims to make it easier:

  • We Work With Major NZ Insurers: Our Auckland team regularly works alongside all major providers once a claim is approved. We know their general requirements. For links to major insurer websites, please see our insurance page.
  • Streamlined Process via Dedicated Page: Our dedicated Car Keys & Insurance page guides you and allows easy submission of your approved claim number.
  • Direct Coordination (with Approved Claim #): Once we have your approved claim number, we handle the paperwork and coordinate invoicing with your insurer for the covered amount, minimising hassle for you. (You typically pay any applicable policy excess).
  • Guidance & Support: "We know navigating insurance claims can be tricky," says Nicola Hunt, LockSmart owner. "That's why we've set up a clear process, outlined on our Insurance page, to work efficiently with major insurers once a customer's claim is approved. Our goal is to restore your vehicle's security while fully supporting your claim."
  • 24/7 Assistance with Queries: Need help understanding the process for an insurance job? Our knowledgeable team is on call 24/7.

Tip: Before you actually need it, take 5 minutes to find the insurance section in your car policy documents (most are online). Specifically look for "key cover" or "locks and keys" to understand your coverage limit, excess, and if you have roadside assistance for lockouts. Knowing this upfront saves confusion later!

Tip 2: If your keys are stolen, report it to the NZ Police immediately (Call 105) and get an event number – your insurer will require this for any theft-related claim.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Car Keys & NZ Insurance

  • Q: Are my car keys covered under my car policy in NZ? A: It depends heavily on your policy type. Comprehensive insurance often covers lost or stolen keys (up to a limit), while lower tiers usually don't. Check your specific policy documents or visit LockSmart's Insurance Info page for links to insurer sites.
     
  • Q: So, am I insured if I just lose my keys? A: Only if you have a Comprehensive policy that specifically includes cover for lost keys, subject to that policy's limits and excess. You must check your personal policy documents.
     
  • Q: What should I do first if I lose my car keys in NZ? A: After a thorough search, contact a specialist mobile auto locksmith like LockSmart (0800 334 122) for replacement. 
     
  • Q: How do I claim insurance for a lost car key? A: 1. Confirm cover/excess with your insurer. 2. Lodge a claim & get an approved claim number. 3. Provide the claim number to LockSmart via telephone on 0800 334 122  or by submitting the form on our Insurance Page or any contact form on our website. 4. LockSmart provides the required invoice to support your claim; we liaise with the insurer as needed based on the approved claim.
     
  • Q: Can LockSmart bill my insurance company directly? A: Once you have an approved claim number from your comprehensive insurer, provide it to us. We can then often work directly with the insurer regarding the covered portion of the invoice. You would typically still be responsible for paying any policy excess.

 

About the Author: This insurance information guide includes insights from Nicola Hunt, Co-Owner of LockSmart, based on extensive experience helping Auckland drivers navigate key replacement processes and insurance claims.

 

Why Choose LockSmart Auckland?

Contact LockSmart for Key Replacement & Insurance Claim Support:

Need a replacement car key due to loss or theft and navigating an insurance claim? Visit our dedicated Car Keys & Insurance page for more info or contact LockSmart today for expert automotive locksmith services.

Phone: 0800 334 122 Website / Enquiry: www.locksmart.co.nz