Replacement Spare Key Cut

[Jonop]

I’ve lost the spare key for my 2021 ETech Technology. Skoda want around £450. I’ve tried an independent car key specialist but they can’t do it as it’s too new, they asked if it had virtual cockpit, it does. I’ve also tried Timpsons, they can’t do it either. The AA can do it, but want £450! Any ideas? 

[petrolcan]

Does your insurance cover missing keys?

[TheWanderer]

It will be that sort of cost, as they have to deal with not only the cutting of the key blade, but program the key correctly along with getting all of the security coding done. 

Edited 24 June, 2023 by TheWanderer

[SteveTheElder]

On 24/06/2023 at 15:17, petrolcan said:

Does your insurance cover missing keys?

That's a good shout, I'm going to check mine and if it doesn't find out what the top up premium is.

 

On the assumption that at some point pretty much everyone loses a key, and I haven't in 40+ years of motoring - so statistically it's becoming more likely as each year goes by (plus I'm getting older...).

 

No help to @Jonop, sorry. Hope you can source one at a more reasonable cost though I guess @TheWanderer could well be right.

[J.R.]

Don't hold your breath!

 

If you were an insurer would you want to cover a claim where someone wants an extra key for their vehicle?

 

Keys stolen during a house break in or in a handbag stolen on holiday might be covered on those policies but not your vehicle insurance.

 

If you genuinely have lost your second key then your preoccupation should be to get a new one via VAG ASAP so that the old one will become disabled.

Edited 26 June, 2023 by J.R.

[TheWanderer]

It might also be wise to get both of the keys replaced and the immobiliser system reprogrammed that way of anyone finds the key it's rendered to all intents purpose useless.

 

However that would most definitely would be an insurance job, but the most secure option. 

[J.R.]

Why replace the functioning key unless the lost one was a clone?

 

I don't think you can delete a key that you do not physically have, but VAG can so it can be done but I think its beyond the devices like VCDS available to you and I.

 

Happy to be proved wrong.

 

No vehicle insurer is going to pay out on a supposed single lost key claim.

 

Happy to be proved wrong again.

Edited 26 June, 2023 by J.R.

[SteveTheElder]

Just had a look at my Direct Line policy.

 

Section 2: Fire and Theft: ... Theft of car keys : Limit £1000

Section 4: Accidental damage:... Loss of car keys : Limit £1000

 

They may not be the cheapest but certainly at the time of last renewal, the best value for the cover I wanted (and I didn't even think about lost keys at that time).

[J.R.]

I bet the T&C's would not cover "I have lost one of my keys"

 

Losing your keyring away from the home, having to call out a breakdown service which could not start the vehicle, the cost of a hotel and train journey or hire car home would be covered but it might even have a clause saying that you should have 2 working keys, otherwise they would pay for one replacement key from the manufacturer.

[Aarond]

Separate insurance products such as https://www.ala.co.uk/keycare is fairly cheap (I think I paid about £25 for 12 months cover), and you can get one of those Bluetooth keyfinder thingies that helps you locate your keys, in the event you have misplaced them. Very handy! 

 

PS: I think cover includes lost keys

[Jonop]

Thanks for the responses. My insurance don’t cover it. If I get the new key from Skoda they automatically disable the missing key as they give the current keys a new code.