How to protect your campervan keys

Whether you’re at home, in the supermarket or at the beach, we all know that sinking feeling when you’re looking for your campervan keys and you have the sudden realisation you’ve lost them. Or even worse, they’ve been stolen!

Losing your keys can be a holiday disaster leaving you stranded, out of pocket and worrying about your campervan safety. You’ll obviously have insurance for your campervan to protect your vehicle from any financial fallout, but not all insurance policies cover loss of keys and it’s still a stressful experience.

There’s no better way to prevent this from happening than to read our ‘How to’ guide on protecting your classic camper’s keys and consider taking out additional ‘Key Cover’ from Lancaster Insurance for £19.95 – providing you with up to £3,000 cover for locks, alarms and immobilisers.

What if you lose your keys?

Hopefully you’ll have been provided with a spare set when you purchased your classic so at least you should still be able to use the vehicle.

Getting a replacement key cut with an auto locksmith means you’ll be back to normal in no time. One of the benefits of an older vintage vehicle is that without all the electronic anti-theft gubbins of modern keys it shouldn’t hit your pocket too much.

However, not all keys are created equal and the cost of replacement can range from as low as £25 to well over £200! The final price depends on the following factors:

• Vehicle model – The make, model and age of the vehicle you have. It also depends if it’s fitted with an immobiliser system.
• Key type – If it’s a remote key fob, keyless entry or made before 1995 without a chip inside.

Always get more than one quote when getting a key replaced. Depending on the type, you might be able to save.

What if your keys are stolen?

First report the crime to the police before contacting your insurance provider. Then it’s vital to secure your campervan quickly. Contact an auto locksmith to get the locks replaced as soon as possible.

While you’re dealing with this don’t leave your campervan unattended. Also secure your vehicle with alternate security such as steering wheel locks or wheel clamps. Perhaps block your van in with another vehicle so as to deter any thieves.

You might be able to make an insurance claim for the replacement locks and keys depending on who you have insurance with.

Lancaster Insurance can offer campervan insurance policies which include £1,000 cover for replacement locks and keys for the insured camper and are able to enhance this cover by including optional Key Cover for £19.95, providing up to £3,000 cover.

How to keep your keys safe

Keeping your keys safe in the first place is the only way to avoid the nerve-wracking experience of lost or stolen keys. Avoid the stress and strain of this happening by doing the following:

• Check you’re given both sets on purchase. When you buy your campervan, make sure the previous owner or dealer gives you both sets of keys, if two sets exist. If there aren’t two sets then you might be able to get a price reduction.
• Note down key numbers. If your campervan has key numbers then keep a record of them. That way if you lose the keys you might be able to get a replacement made without the need for new locks. A far cheaper and less stressful option!
• Make duplicate keys. Having an emergency set of keys is always well worth having. Leave them in a safe place or with a trusted friend or neighbour if ever the situation arises. Knowing you have a spare set will keep you calm and ready to deal with your predicament.
• Always lock your campervan and take your keys with you. When you’re busy hanging out on a secluded beach or a remote hilltop it’s all too easy to forget security precautions. The glove box is NOT a safe place to keep keys!
• Wear your keys and keep them close. Buying a cheap lanyard to hang your keys safely together around your neck could be an option. That way you’ll always know where they are. And being on your person they’re far less likely to be stolen when you’re not looking.
• Remember home safety. If your home is broken into, you don’t want to lose the keys to your cherished camper as well. So, always keep your campervan keys in a safe place which is out of sight and away from windows and doors. Classic campervans are a popular target for thieves, so don’t make their life any easier!
• Add a floatation device. Many of the UK’s best campsites are near water and it’s always wonderful to be able to enjoy that part of the outdoor experience. By adding a float to your keys you’ll be sure to avoid that sinking feeling if you drop them while out on the water.
• Invest in a GPS or Bluetooth tracker device. There are many makes of convenient GPS trackers you can pop on your key fob. Tile and Duet are a couple that have received positive online reviews from van owners. Link them to a phone app and you’ll always be able to find your keys in moments!
• Make your fob distinctive. Attaching a distinctive, eye-catching keyring onto your campervan keys will make them harder to lose.
• Sign up to a key recovery service. There are many companies offering such services. They’ll not only help you if you lose your keys but if someone else finds them, they’ll get a reward – making it much more likely lost keys will find their way back home!

Warning – Don’t hide your spare set of keys in your van. If it’s stolen with both sets then this has been known to invalidate insurance claims.

Caring for your classic camper with Lancaster Insurance

When you’re hitting the road in a classic VW campervan, you’ll want the right campervan insurance.

The specialist team at Lancaster have protected thousands of classic campers over the years. Policies arranged through us can include the following benefits:

• Up to 365 days EU cover available
• Cover of personal effects up to £6,000
• Optional Breakdown Cover Available from £49.95
• Limit mileage discounts
• Windscreen cover
• Gas bottle and awning cover
• Free EU cover up to 90 days
• 24-hour claims hotline
• UK based call centre
• Discounts for club members

Get a quick quote for campervan insurance today and protect your pride and joy.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.