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Does Breakdown Cover Include Keys?

Losing your car keys or locking them inside your vehicle is frustrating and it always seems to happen at the worst possible time. Many drivers wonder: “If I have breakdown cover, does it include keys?”

The short answer is: sometimes. It depends entirely on your policy.

What standard breakdown cover usually includes

Most basic breakdown cover is designed for mechanical issues, not keys. Standard packages usually cover:

Recovery if your car won’t start.
Roadside repairs for breakdowns.
Transport to a garage if the vehicle can’t be fixed at the roadside.

Unless your policy specifically mentions keys, they may not be included.

Key cover as an add-on

Many breakdown providers offer key cover as an optional extra. This typically covers situations like:

Lost or stolen keys.
Keys locked inside the vehicle.
Damaged or broken keys that no longer work.
Replacement and programming of new keys.

If you’re unsure whether your current policy includes it, check the small print or give your provider a call.

What happens if you don’t have key cover?

If your breakdown policy doesn’t include keys, you still have options:

Pay for a locksmith – An automotive locksmith can often unlock your car or cut/program a new key.
Contact a specialist workshop – Companies like Technical Vehicle Solutions provide replacement keys and programming.
Call your insurer – Some insurance policies cover lost or stolen keys separately.

Why car keys are treated differently

Modern car keys aren’t just bits of metal, they’re electronic devices with immobilisers, transponders, and remote-control features. Replacing or reprogramming them can cost hundreds of pounds.

That’s why many breakdown providers keep keys as a separate add-on, rather than including them in standard cover.

Should you add key cover to your policy?

If you:

Only have one working key,
Regularly share your car with family, or
Rely on your vehicle daily for work or travel,

…then adding key cover is usually a smart move. It’s often inexpensive compared to the cost of replacing a modern smart key or fob.

So, does breakdown cover include keys?

To summarise:

Basic breakdown cover usually doesn’t include lost, stolen, or broken keys.
Many providers offer key cover as an optional extra.
If you don’t have cover, an automotive locksmith or specialist workshop can help.

Need help with lost or broken keys?

If your policy doesn’t cover keys, don’t panic. At Technical Vehicle Solutions, we offer professional key replacement and programming services to get you moving again.

📞 Call us today on 01763 230411 for fast, secure replacement keys.