Most renter’s insurance policies include lock replacement expense protection as part of the personal property protection provision.
Lost key coverage helps to cover the cost of replacing keys and locks under certain circumstances. Depending on the cost of replacement, however, lock replacement expense protection may or may not be helpful.
Licensed insurance broker Jerry
has compiled this handy guide to help you understand what your renters insurance
does and does not cover. Read on to find out more. Lock replacement expense protection
Lock replacement expense protection is a facet of the personal property protection that comes with renter’s insurance
. When a lock or key must be replaced due to a covered event, it is possible to file a claim with the insurance company to pay for the cost of replacement. The cost of such replacements are generally low, but the price for a new lock or key can go up if the need occurs after regular business hours or the locksmith must travel a great distance.
When are costs covered under lock replacement expense protection?
The occasions when you can use lock replacement expense protection are actually quite limited. The following scenarios are usually the only times the insurance company will foot the bill for key or lock replacement:
Vandals tamper with your lock
The lock and/or key is damaged in a fire
Lock replacement expense protection does not help in the following situations:
Mechanical issues or breakdowns
Rust or other wear to the lock
Loss due to floods or earthquakes
The times when you can use lock replacement expense protection are limited. Renters insurance does not offer lost key coverage.
Bear in mind that many landlords have an extra set of keys or will provide a fresh set of keys at a discount price. Refer to your lease agreement for any opportunities for cheap lock or key replacement.
Key Takeaway: Insurance will cover you if your keys are stolen, the lock is vandalized, or either of them gets damaged in a fire. However, there is no coverage for losing your keys.
Should you file a lock replacement expense protection claim?
Even if lock replacement expense protection applies, it may not be advisable to file a claim. This is because locks and keys don’t cost that much.
Oftentimes, the personal
property deductible on renter’s insurance claims is higher than the cost of getting a new lock or key. Deductibles usually range between $500 and $1,000, while a lock replacement is at most a few hundred dollars. If this is the case, it doesn’t make sense to file a lock replacement expense protection claim.
When it is possible to file a claim and makes financial sense to do so, here’s how to file a lock replacement expense protection claim:
Take pictures of the damage.
File a police report if needed.
Get your lock and key replaced and save the receipt.
Collect your renter’s insurance documents.
Contact your insurance company within 48 to 72 hours, according to your policy’s instructions.
Talk with your insurance’s claims adjuster and provide your policy number, photos of damage, police report, locksmith receipt, and any other information requested to start your claim.
Allow time for an investigation of the incident.
Pay your deductible once the claims adjuster reports that the investigation is complete and you qualify for a claim.
Get your reimbursement check from the insurance company.
To prevent lock and key theft or damage in the future, consider installing additional lighting by your doorway or cameras to deter thieves and vandals. Also, have a spare key made, and give it to a relative or trusted friend for safekeeping. That way, getting inside your home if locked out is just a call away.
Key Takeaway: Filing a lock replacement claim is usually not worth it, since the deductible tends to be higher than replacement costs. But if you do file a claim you'll have to document the incident, replace your lock and key, get in touch with your insurance provider, and possibly with the police as well.
FAQs
What does a lock replacement cost?
The average cost to replace a lock is between $100 – $250.
Should my landlord pay for a locksmith?
It depends on the reason for contacting a locksmith. If you need a replacement lock because the previous lock broke due to something out of your control, the landlord should pay for a locksmith. However, if you lose your keys or you break the lock, you may be liable to cover the replacement keys and locks.
There may be a section on your lease about locksmith services and what's covered, so be sure to check your lease first.
Saved $725 annually
4.7
