Does Home Insurance Cover Locksmiths & Lost Keys?

Standard home insurance policy agreements rarely cover routine locksmith callouts or lost keys. 

Your insurer might pay to replace locks following a forced break-in. 

But misplaced keys and accidental lockouts usually require dedicated home emergency cover. 

What standard home insurance covers (and what it misses)

Home insurance is typically made up of two components: buildings and contents cover. Together, they protect different parts of your property:

• Buildings insurance: Cover that protects the physical structure of your property
• Contents insurance: Cover that protects your personal belongings inside the home.

If you’ve misplaced your keys, standard home insurance doesn’t usually pay out. You’ll have to cover emergency locksmith callouts, lock replacements and cutting new keys for family members yourself.

However, it’s different if your locks have been damaged during a burglary or attempted break-in. This claim falls under buildings insurance and usually incurs an excess (the agreed amount you pay towards a claim). 

Additionally, some contents insurance policies cover stolen key replacement (if you’ve reported the theft and have a crime reference number).

Standalone house key insurance vs home emergency cover

Standalone house key insurance is a niche add-on product. It covers lock replacement and locksmith callout fees specifically for lost or stolen keys. Sometimes it extends to vehicle keys, too. 

However, standalone key policies do not assist with broader household emergencies, like plumbing leaks or boiler breakdowns.

By contrast, some home emergency cover includes emergency locksmith access and lock replacement on external doors alongside heating, plumbing, and electrical support.

How to check if you are already covered

Before purchasing a new policy, check whether your existing arrangements already protect you against home lockouts.

• Read the home emergency section of your current home insurance policy document.
• Check your bank account benefits, as many packaged current accounts include home emergency cover.
• Phone your insurance provider directly and ask: “Does my policy cover locksmith callout fees and lock replacement if I misplace my keys?”
• Speak with your landlord if you rent your property, as they may hold emergency cover for external door locks.

What to look for when choosing lock and key cover

If your current policy lacks lock and key cover, evaluate potential plans using a clear checklist. Look for a plan that provides:

No-cost emergency access

Look for cover with no hidden callout charges if you’re locked out.

Complete lock replacement

This sometimes covers all external doors and window locks, and applies to:

• Standard cylinder locks: A key-operated mechanism with a rotating plug

• Mortice locks: A lock set into a pocket cut into the door edge.

A 24/7 helpline

This connects you to vetted professionals registered with the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA).

Clear terms

These should explain whether cover applies to lost keys, broken locks, or both.

Upgrades to high-security hardware

This includes anti-snap cylinders or locks conforming to BS 3621 (a British Standard for thief-resistant locks).

If you want to learn more about hardware options, read our overview on the types of house locks.

Get home emergency cover with Hometree

Our home emergency cover includes unlimited repairs, an annual boiler service, zero parts & labour charges, and 24/7 claims support to keep your home warm. Subject to exclusions and T&Cs apply.

You can get covered today or contact us for a free quote.