Key Replacement Add-on Cover: Benefits & Importance Explained
Introduction
Losing your car keys is not just an
inconvenience — it can be an expensive problem, especially with modern smart
keys that come with advanced technology. A car key today is more than just a
piece of metal; it’s an integrated device equipped with transponders, sensors,
and remote locking systems. Replacing or reprogramming these keys can cost
anywhere from ₹5,000 to ₹30,000, depending on your car model.
That’s where the Key Replacement
Add-on Cover in car insurance becomes a lifesaver. It helps car
owners manage the cost of replacing or repairing car keys without worrying
about the financial burden. In this blog, we’ll explain what Key Replacement Add-on Cover is, its benefits, why it’s important,
and who should opt for it.
What is Key Replacement
Add-on Cover?
A Key Replacement Add-on Cover is an optional feature that you can
include in your comprehensive car
insurance policy. This add-on ensures that if your car keys are lost, stolen, or damaged, your
insurance company will cover the expenses of replacing or reprogramming them.
In most cases, the policy also
covers the cost of replacing the locks
if there’s a potential security risk or if the key has been stolen. It can also
extend to costs associated with
locksmith services or towing the
vehicle if the keys are misplaced while you’re away from home.
Why is Key Replacement
Add-on Cover Important?
Modern car keys come with advanced
electronic features that make replacement costly. Without an add-on like this,
you would have to bear the entire expense yourself.
Here are some key reasons why this
cover is important:
1. Rising Cost of Smart
Keys
Car manufacturers like BMW, Hyundai,
Kia, Tata, and Maruti Suzuki now provide high-tech keys with built-in chips and
sensors. Replacing these isn’t cheap — it often requires special reprogramming.
The Key Replacement Add-on Cover ensures you don’t pay these high costs from
your pocket.
2. Covers Loss or Theft
Keys can be easily lost or stolen.
With this add-on, you can claim reimbursement for replacement costs or even get
a new lock set installed to ensure your car’s safety.
3. Peace of Mind
Misplacing your car keys in a busy
area or during travel can be stressful. Having this cover ensures that such
incidents don’t disrupt your plans or cause financial strain.
4. Convenience and Quick
Assistance
Many insurers offer cashless services or doorstep key replacement
assistance under this add-on. This means less hassle and faster
resolution when emergencies occur.
Key Benefits of Key
Replacement Add-on Cover
Let’s break down the major benefits
that make this cover valuable for every car owner:
1. Financial Protection
The biggest advantage is cost coverage. Depending on your insurer,
the policy covers expenses for:
- Replacement of the lost or damaged car key.
- Reprogramming or recoding of the electronic key.
- Replacement of car locks (if required).
This means you are protected from
unexpected expenses that could otherwise burn a hole in your pocket.
2. Coverage for Multiple
Keys
In case your car comes with multiple
keys, some policies extend coverage to all sets — not just one. This adds extra
security for families who share vehicles.
3. Coverage for Damage
If your car key gets damaged due to
accidents, breakage, or exposure to water, the add-on will cover the cost of
repair or replacement, depending on the situation.
4. Protection Against
Burglary
If your car keys are stolen during a
theft or burglary, the policy not only covers the key replacement but may also
include lock set replacement to
ensure your car remains secure.
5. Enhanced Vehicle
Security
Getting new locks or reprogramming
your key after theft ensures your vehicle’s security isn’t compromised. This
reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
How Does the Key
Replacement Add-on Cover Work?
Here’s a simple step-by-step
explanation of how this add-on functions:
- Purchase the Add-on:
When you buy or renew your car insurance, opt for the Key Replacement Add-on with your comprehensive plan. - File a Claim:
If your car key is lost, stolen, or damaged, inform your insurer immediately and file a claim. - Provide Necessary Documents:
You may need to submit documents like your FIR (in case of theft), repair bills, or replacement invoices. - Claim Settlement:
Once your insurer verifies the claim, the cost of the key or lock replacement is reimbursed or settled directly with the service provider (for cashless claims).
What’s Not Covered Under
Key Replacement Add-on Cover?
While this add-on offers great
benefits, it’s important to understand the exclusions:
- If you misplace the key and
don’t file an FIR, the claim may be rejected.
- Damage caused due to
negligence, such as leaving keys inside
the vehicle, may not be covered.
- Wear and tear or mechanical
failure of the key may not qualify for reimbursement.
- Unauthorized repairs or replacements not approved by the insurer are
generally excluded.
Always read your policy wording
carefully to understand specific exclusions and terms.
Who Should Opt for This
Add-on?
The Key Replacement Add-on Cover is
suitable for almost every car owner, but it’s especially beneficial for:
- Owners of high-end vehicles (BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Kia EV6, etc.) with costly smart
keys.
- City dwellers, where theft or key misplacement is more common.
- People with shared vehicle
access, like families or employees.
- Frequent travelers who may lose keys during trips.
For a minimal extra premium, this
cover can save you thousands of rupees and significant inconvenience.
How to Add Key Replacement
Cover to Your Car Insurance?
You can easily include this add-on
when buying or renewing your comprehensive
car insurance policy online.
Here’s how:
- Visit your insurer’s website (for example,
SquareInsurance.in)
- Enter your vehicle details and select a comprehensive
plan.
- Add Key
Replacement Add-on Cover from the list of available add-ons.
- Pay the additional premium.
That’s it! You’ll receive your
updated policy document with the add-on included.
Conclusion
In today’s world of advanced car
technology, losing a key isn’t a small issue — it can be a costly one. The Key Replacement Add-on Cover ensures
that such unexpected situations don’t leave you financially burdened or
stressed. For a small additional premium, you can safeguard yourself against
high replacement costs, enhance vehicle security, and enjoy peace of mind every
time you drive.
So, when you renew or buy your next
car insurance policy, don’t forget to
add the Key Replacement Cover. It’s a small investment that guarantees
big protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)
Q.1. What is Key Replacement
Add-on Cover in car insurance?
The Key Replacement Add-on Cover is
an optional feature in a comprehensive car insurance policy that compensates you
for the cost of replacing, repairing, or reprogramming your car keys if they
are lost, stolen, or damaged. Some policies also cover lock replacement to
ensure your vehicle’s safety.
Q.2. Is Key Replacement
Add-on Cover worth buying?
Yes, it’s absolutely worth it —
especially for modern cars with smart or electronic keys. Replacing such keys
can cost thousands of rupees. This add-on provides financial protection and
peace of mind by covering these unexpected expenses at a minimal extra premium.
Q.3. How can I claim under
the Key Replacement Add-on Cover?
To file a claim, inform your
insurance company immediately after losing or damaging your key. You may need
to submit an FIR (if stolen) and
replacement or repair invoices.
After verification, the insurer will reimburse the cost or provide cashless key
replacement services.
Q.4. Are there any exclusions
under the Key Replacement Add-on Cover?
Yes. The add-on does not cover:
- Keys lost due to negligence or carelessness
- Normal wear and tear or mechanical issues
- Replacement without the insurer’s approval
- Loss without filing an FIR in case of theft
Always check your policy wording for
specific exclusions.
Q.5. Can I buy the Key
Replacement Add-on Cover separately?
No, this cover cannot be purchased
as a standalone policy. It can only be added to a comprehensive car insurance plan during purchase or renewal. You
can easily include it online while choosing your add-ons at SquareInsurance.in.

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