Does Home Insurance Cover Lockouts and Lost Keys?
Getting locked out of your home is an unfortunate event, and often the quickest solution is to call a locksmith. However, before reaching for your phone and dialing a locksmith near you, it's worth exploring whether your home insurance can alleviate some of the costs associated with lockouts and lost keys.
Which Insurance Policy Covers Locksmiths?
While homeowners insurance typically offers liability coverage for various incidents on your property, not all policies cover accidental lockouts or lost key situations. If you're unsure about your coverage, contact your insurance agent or check the terms and conditions of your policy for information on coverage related to lock replacement, lockout emergencies, and key change services.
Some insurance companies may offer add-ons for locksmith services, but these are not very common. If you're fortunate enough to have such coverage, it usually comes in the form of add-ons and may cover a portion of the costs, often up to $100.
Locksmith Expenses Covered by Homeowners Insurance
If your homeowners insurance covers locksmith services, it's essential to understand what expenses are included. Typically, these may include:
- Damage caused by vandalism: If your home is vandalized, and the door locks are damaged, you may be reimbursed for necessary lock repair or replacement costs.
- Damage due to natural disasters: Locks damaged by natural disasters, such as storms or tornadoes, might also be covered by your homeowners insurance.
- Missing or stolen keys: Some policies cover the replacement costs for keys stolen due to theft.
- Home safe theft: If your home safe is compromised by vandals or burglars, you may receive reimbursement.
Does Home Insurance Cover Lost or Stolen Keys?
A limited number of home insurance policies cover the costs of home key replacement services and lockout emergencies. This coverage typically applies to keys stolen during a break-in, not to keys that are simply lost. You may be able to add this coverage to your policy for an extra cost.
If you decide to upgrade your home security by replacing locks and cutting new keys, some home emergency coverages may include these services. In certain cases, the insurer might even contact a preferred locksmith service on your behalf.
Home Lockout Protection Assistance
While it's not common, some homeowner's insurance policies may include home lockout protection assistance. In this scenario, you could file a claim for reimbursement of locksmith costs, but there's a catch. To file a claim, you must first pay your deductible, which typically ranges between $500 and $1,000. Since locksmith services for a home lockout are usually less than the deductible amount, it's often more cost-effective to pay out of pocket.
Key Takeaway: While home insurance might reimburse some lockout costs, the associated deductibles often make paying out of pocket a more affordable option.
Home Lockout Protection Assistance through AAA Membership
Apart from insurance, some alternative options offer home lockout protection assistance. For example, auto clubs like AAA often include this service as a perk of premium membership. AAA may reimburse premium members up to $100 for the costs associated with a home lockout.
However, there are limitations. Only the primary home is covered, and the assistance can typically be used once per term of AAA membership. Additionally, lock replacement is usually not included in this coverage.
If you find yourself in a lockout situation, some memberships, like AutoVantage, coordinate locksmith services for you but don't provide reimbursements. It's essential to understand the terms of your specific membership.
Conclusion
While the extent of coverage for lockouts and lost keys varies among homeowners insurance policies, it's crucial to know your policy's details and limitations. If you're unsure, reach out to your insurance agent for clarification. Additionally, consider alternative assistance options like AAA memberships for added peace of mind.
For expert locksmith services, Brothers Locksmith is here to help you navigate through lockouts and key-related concerns. Feel free to share your experiences or thoughts on dealing with lockouts in the comments below. Remember, staying informed is the key to a secure home.
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