
If you've had your car key stuck in the ignition or someone has accidentally locked their keys inside, you might be wondering if your insurance will cover the costs of getting back in.
Insurance typically covers the cost of key replacement, but it depends on the type of insurance you have. Comprehensive insurance, for example, usually covers key replacement, but you'll need to check your policy to confirm.
In most cases, insurance will cover the cost of key replacement, but you might need to pay a deductible. The cost of key replacement can vary depending on the type of key and the locksmith's fees.
If you're concerned about the cost of key replacement, you can consider purchasing a roadside assistance package that includes key replacement services.
Does Insurance Cover Keyed Car?
If you're wondering whether insurance covers keyed car, the answer is yes, but with some caveats. Comprehensive car insurance policies often cover keyed car repairs, but collision coverage does not.
Keyed car repair costs can vary widely, ranging from $50 to $1,500, depending on the extent of the damage. You'll need to pay a comprehensive deductible for insurance to cover repairs, so it's essential to weigh whether it makes financial sense to file a claim.
Most full-coverage policies will pay for keyed car repairs as long as you have comprehensive coverage, but you'll need to file a claim and pay the deductible. Before heading to the repair shop, consider whether it's covered through your insurance policy.
Repair Costs
Repair costs can be a significant concern when it comes to repairing a keyed car. The cost of repairs depends on the severity of the damage, with superficial scratches costing as little as $50 to $200, while deeper scratches or extensive keyed car repairs can run up to $1,000 or more.
If you have comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, the cost of repairs will be covered under your policy, but you'll likely have to pay a deductible before receiving any compensation. Paying for repairs yourself can make more sense if the costs don't significantly exceed your deductible and you haven't already contributed to it with another claim made this year.
The average cost of a vandalism claim is $1,528, but this amount varies based on several factors, including the make and model of your vehicle, the cost of labor in your city, and the type of glass used in your vehicle.
Here's a breakdown of typical repair costs for a keyed car:
- New paint job: $300 to $1,000
- Treat chipped glass: $30 to $150
- Replace window: $100 to $400
- Replace windshield: $160 to $1,000
- Fix dents: $50 to $200
- Repair scratches: $150 to $2,500
Keep in mind that these costs are estimates, and the actual cost of repairs may vary depending on the extent of the damage and the type of vehicle you own.
Filing a Claim
Filing a claim for a keyed car is a relatively straightforward process. You'll need to document the incident, including photos and videos, and file a police report. This will help you defend your claim with your insurance company.
If you have comprehensive coverage, inform your insurance company as soon as possible. They'll send an insurance adjuster to assess the damage and recommend an auto body shop for repairs.

Before you file a claim, consider the deductible associated with your comprehensive coverage. Deductibles range from $0 to $1,000 or more, and you'll need to pay this amount before your insurance company covers the rest of the repair costs.
If the repair costs don't substantially exceed your deductible, it might make more sense to pay for the repairs yourself. However, if the damage is significant, filing a claim may be the better option.
Here are the steps to file a claim:
- Document the incident by time and place, and take photos and videos.
- File a police report.
- Inform your insurance company if you have comprehensive coverage.
- Take your vehicle to a repair shop for inspection.
Your insurance company will either reimburse you after you've paid the mechanic, or they might pay their portion of the claim to the mechanic directly. If you choose to file a claim, your insurance company will take the comprehensive deductible from the payment.
For example, if your deductible is $500 and the damage claim is $1,500, you'll pay the $500 deductible to the repair shop and the insurer will pay the remaining $1,000.
Types of Vandalism and Break-Ins

Vandalism can take many forms, including smashed car windows, keyed cars, and even minor chips in the windshield. If you have comprehensive insurance, you should be protected from any form of vandalism or car theft.
Comprehensive policies typically come with a deductible that you'll have to pay before the policy kicks in, which might make more financial sense to pay for the repairs yourself. For example, if someone smashes your windshield and it will cost $550 to replace it, your comprehensive coverage includes a $500 deductible, so you could receive a $50 reimbursement from your car insurance company.
In certain cases, such as when you discover a minor chip in your windshield, your repairs might be covered without any deductible. For example, if you have a comprehensive policy with Geico, your deductible is waived for glass repairs when a crack is shorter than a dollar bill and a chip is smaller than a quarter.

Break-ins can also occur, and comprehensive auto insurance will cover vandalism and auto theft. This type of coverage typically includes repairs or replacements if your car is damaged due to a break-in. However, it’s essential to note that comprehensive coverage generally has a deductible that you must pay before the insurance starts covering costs.
Here are the steps to follow if you experience a break-in:
- Document the damage
- Make a list of stolen items
- File a police report
- Get a quote
It's also worth noting that some insurers like Geico offer special provisions, such as waiving your deductible for glass repairs if the damage is minor. This approach is intended to encourage prompt repairs to avoid more significant and costly damage.
Responding to Vehicle Break-In or Vandalism
If your car is vandalized, you'll want to document the damage as soon as possible. This will help when filing a claim with your insurance company.
Contact the police to report the incident, and they may send an officer to the scene. If they do, be sure to cooperate with them and provide any necessary information.

If your comprehensive insurance policy includes a deductible, you may need to pay for the repairs yourself if the cost is less than the deductible amount. For example, if your deductible is $500 and the repair costs $550, you'll only receive a $50 reimbursement from your insurance company.
You can document the damage by taking photos of the vandalism and making a list of any stolen items. This will help you keep track of the damage and provide evidence for your insurance claim.
Here are the steps to take when someone breaks into or vandalizes your car:
1. Document the damage
2. Make a list of stolen items
3. File a police report
4. Get a quote for the repairs
Keep in mind that filing a claim for vandalism can lead to higher insurance rates. This is because insurers view frequent or high-cost claims as increased risk.
Key Takeaways
Car insurance policies with comprehensive coverage often cover keyed car repairs, while collision coverage does not.

Keyed car repair costs can vary widely, ranging from $50 to $1,500, depending on the extent of the damage.
You'll need to pay a comprehensive deductible for insurance to cover repairs, so it's essential to consider whether filing a claim makes financial sense.
Here's a breakdown of the costs you might face:
- Deductible: You'll need to pay this amount out of pocket before insurance kicks in.
- Repair costs: This varies widely, but could be anywhere from $50 to $1,500.
- Total cost: This will be the sum of your deductible and repair costs.
Sources
- https://www.freeway.com/knowledge-center/auto/auto-insurance-claims/someone-keyed-my-car-will-insurance-cover-the-cost-to-fix-it/
- https://www.caranddriver.com/car-insurance/a31754474/does-car-insurance-cover-vandalism/
- https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/car-broken-into-vandalized
- https://www.autoinsurance.org/if-someone-breaks-into-your-car-does-insurance-cover-it/
- https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/keyed-cars/
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