The price comparison website is advising homeowners to secure their spare keys properly to avoid being left out of pocket if a break-in occurs.
Home insurance policies typically require you to take “reasonable care” to secure your home and belongings. If a thief gains entry using a poorly hidden spare key, your insurer could argue the break-in was preventable and deny your claim, leaving you to cover the cost of damage and stolen items.
Many policies also only accept theft claims if there are signs of forced entry. So, if you leave a spare key with a neighbour, friend, or family member and it falls into the wrong hands without a visible break-in, your claim could be at risk.
According to MoneySupermarket, there have been 478,000 searches for ‘key safe’ in the last month in the UK alone, indicating that more people are looking for safer ways to secure their spare keys. But even this solution can backfire if you don’t check your policy first.
Alicia Hempsted, home insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: “While hiding a spare key for emergencies may seem like a smart move, burglars know all the classic hiding spots – under a doormat, plant pot, or even the old fake rock trick.
How life insurance can benefit your health and wellbeing over the decades
Sponsored by Post Office
“A safer option is to install a police-approved key safe, but keep in mind that your insurer still may not approve it. Some insurers only accept specific models or require professional installation, and others could deny theft claims if a key from the safe was used to enter the property. Always check your policy before purchasing or consult with your insurance provider.
“If you choose to give someone you trust and who will be responsible a spare key, don’t put any identifiable information on the keyring, like your name, address, or postcode.”
Top tips for spare key security
Forget the plant pot
If it’s easy for you to find, it’s easy for burglars too. Avoid obvious locations such as under plant pots, rocks and doormats.
Invest in a police-approved key safe
Look for models certified by independent security bodies like ‘Secured by Design’ and change the code regularly.
Check with your insurer
Some policies only approve specific key safe models or installations.
Choose who you trust carefully
If you leave a key with someone you trust and you know will keep it safe, don’t put any identifiable details on the keyring.
