Does Renters Insurance Cover Locksmith Fees?

Finding yourself locked out of your apartment can be an incredibly frustrating experience. You come home after a long day dig around for your keys only to realize you left them on your kitchen counter. Or maybe you accidentally locked your keys in your car before heading into the grocery store.

In moments like these, your first instinct may be to call your rental insurance company to see if they’ll cover the cost of a locksmith But will your renters insurance really pay for a locksmith if you’re locked out?

Unfortunately, in most cases the answer is no. Renters insurance is designed to cover your personal belongings inside your rental unit not the physical structure itself. Issues with locks doors, and keys usually fall under your landlord’s responsibility.

However, there are a few scenarios where you may be able to file a renters insurance claim for locksmith fees. Let’s take a look at what renters insurance does and does not cover when it comes to locksmiths, keys, and locks.

What Does Renters Insurance Cover?

First, it helps to understand what types of losses a renters insurance policy covers. Standard renters insurance contains two main components:

• Personal property coverage – This covers loss or damage to your personal belongings like furniture, clothes, jewelry, and electronics. Renters insurance covers your stuff if it’s stolen or damaged by covered perils like fire, lightning, windstorms, vandalism, and more.

• Liability coverage – This protects you if someone is injured in your rental or you accidentally damage another person’s property. It covers legal fees and any settlement costs up to your policy limits.

That’s the basics of what renters insurance covers. Next, let’s look at specific lock and key scenarios to see if they would fall under your policy’s coverage.

When Renters Insurance May Cover Locksmith Fees

There are a few instances where you may be able to file a renters insurance claim for locksmith services:

• If your keys are stolen – If a burglar steals your keys during a break-in, most renters insurance policies will cover the cost of changing your locks. Since theft is a named peril under renters insurance, replacing your stolen keys falls under your personal property coverage.

• If vandalism damages your locks – If a vandal intentionally breaks your door lock, your policy will likely cover repairs or replacement, up to your personal property limits.

• If you lose your keys during a covered peril – For example, if a wildfire forces you to evacuate and you accidentally leave your keys behind, renters insurance may pay for new locks since it was due to a covered loss.

• If your lease makes your landlord responsible – Some landlords specify in the lease that they are responsible for lockouts and lock repairs. In this case, the landlord’s property insurance would provide coverage rather than your renters policy.

The common thread is that for renters insurance to pay, the issue with your locks must stem from a covered loss like theft, vandalism, or fire. Damage alone is not enough.

When Renters Insurance Does Not Cover Locksmiths

In most standard lockout situations, your renters insurance will not kick in to cover locksmith fees:

• If you lock yourself out – If you lose your own keys, get locked out after walking your dog, or lock your keys in your car, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for a locksmith. This isn’t considered a covered loss under renters insurance.

• If your lock stops working – General wear and tear or malfunctioning locks won’t be covered by renters insurance. For example, if the internal mechanism fails after years of use.

• If you want to rekey for non-emergency reasons – Proactively rekeying your locks for extra security isn’t an insurable loss, so you’ll have to pay the locksmith fees.

• If damage occurs during a non-covered peril – For instance, if a pipe bursts and damages your locks due to landlord negligence, it wouldn’t fall under the renters policy.

The key takeaway is that standard locksmith services you pay for out of convenience – like being locked out, improving security, or fixing a broken lock – aren’t covered losses under renters insurance.

What Does Your Lease Say About Locksmiths?

If your renters insurance won’t pay for a locksmith, who does foot the bill? In many cases, it falls to your landlord.

That’s why it’s important to review your lease agreement to understand responsibilities regarding locks, doors, and keys. Many leases have clauses addressing:

• Who pays for locksmith fees if the tenant is locked out

• Who covers repairs if locks stop working or become damaged

• Whether tenants can change locks or make copies of keys

• If landlord provides extra keys to tenants

• Any fees charged if tenants lose keys and need replacements

For instance, your lease may state that the landlord will cover locksmith services during business hours but the tenant must pay after hours.

Or the landlord may immediately rekey the apartment if a tenant loses keys, passing that cost to the tenant.

The lease lays out how liability for locks and keys is divided. Locksmith costs due to wear and tear or tenant negligence often fall to the tenant. Damage from break-ins or vandalism are generally the landlord’s responsibility.

How Much Does a Locksmith Cost?

If you do wind up needing to pay for locksmith services out of pocket, how much should you expect to spend?

The price can vary widely depending on your location, the time of day, the specific service, and local rates. But here are some average costs:

• Unlocking a door if locked out: $50-$100

• Making new keys: $60-$120

• Rekeying locks: $50-$100 per lock

• Installing new locks: $100-$300

You’ll usually pay more for emergency after hours service. Locksmith costs also tend to be higher in major metro areas.

Get a detailed estimate upfront so you aren’t surprised by the final bill. Legitimate locksmiths will ask for proof you live at the residence and will not drill locks until confirming you are the legal tenant.

How to Find a Reputable Locksmith

It’s tempting to go with the first locksmith that pops up in a Google search after you lock yourself out. But take time to find a trustworthy professional.

Unfortunately, there are many locksmith scams to watch out for:

• Avoid locksmiths who only list a call center number or P.O. box with no local address.

• Be wary of craigslist ads, flyers on poles, or canvassers soliciting business.

• Research companies online and read reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.

• Ask if the locksmith is licensed, bonded, and insured – don’t use them if not.

• Get a written estimate of total costs before agreeing to any work.

A reputable locksmith will be transparent about pricing, clearly licensed, and have a longstanding local operation. Members of trade groups like the Associated Locksmiths of America adhere to ethical standards.

Why Still Get Renters Insurance?

While a standard lockout likely won’t be covered, renters insurance still provides invaluable protection for tenants. It covers your belongings and liability, plus provides additional living expenses if you can’t stay in your rental after a covered loss.

Renters insurance can give you peace of mind by protecting against threats like fires, storms, water damage, and theft. For just $15-$30 per month, it’s an affordable way to safeguard your possessions and finances as a renter.

Even if locksmith fees aren’t covered in a lockout, renters insurance can still pay for a locksmith needed after events like break-ins, fires, or floods. It also covers repairs to your property, temporary accommodations, and losses due to theft.

So don’t let the lack of locksmith coverage discourage you. Review your lease, research locksmiths in advance, and get renters insurance for comprehensive protection. Then if you ever find yourself locked out, you’ll be prepared!