Lost your keys? What you should do

Take your time to think about where you last saw them and systematically search your bags, jackets or car. Often they will turn up. If you have left spare keys with family, friends or neighbors, use these for the time being.

If your own keys don't turn up after a short time, notify your property management company or landlord. If you lose your car keys, a garage or car manufacturer can usually help with a replacement key.

Report any lost keys – whether to your home, car or bicycle lock – to the lost and found office (also online, e.g. easyfind.ch). If theft is suspected, especially in the case of car keys or keys to company premises, it is advisable to inform the police.

Experience has shown that you may incur these costs depending on the situation:

Door opening by a locksmith

• Apartment or house: CHF 250–350
• Night/weekend surcharge possible
• Car keys (e.g. reading and programming): often several hundred Swiss francs, depending on the vehicle type and key technology

Tips for choosing a reputable locksmith:

• Always request a detailed quote and a fixed price in advance. In this way, you avoid surprises when you receive the bill. 
• Be wary of extremely cheap offers, as they may not include costs for things like travel or materials. Exercise caution when dealing with business websites that lack a legal notice, as the operator may be deliberately concealing their identity.
• Do not let yourself be talked into paying for unnecessary additional services and, if possible, do not pay in advance. A reputable locksmith usually only demands payment after the service has been provided.
• It is common for reputable providers to ask for proof that you as the client are authorized to open the door. The locksmith will usually try various opening methods before replacing the lock.
• If you have appropriate insurance coverage, call the company and arrange to have a locksmith come and help you.

Replacement

• Replacement keys for apartment/house: CHF 50–100
• Replacement of car keys: CHF 200–600 (depending on model and coding)
• Replacement of lock or cylinder: several hundred Swiss francs
• Replacement of the locking system or vehicle system: up to several thousand Swiss francs
• Replacement of bicycle lock: ABUS or special keys typically cost CHF 40–100; high-quality locks cost more

There are several ways to ensure you are covered if you lose your keys. The decisive factors are the type of keys and the level of insurance cover you chose. The following policies can be helpful:

Personal liability insurance – lost keys
This insurance usually protects you if you lose your house or apartment key as a tenant. In such a case, the insurance usually covers the costs incurred if locks have to be changed or keys replaced.

Household contents insurance – lost keys
This protection is particularly useful for homeowners. At Zurich, key loss is covered by the "simple theft away from home" or "super theft" modules – if your keys are stolen or lost (e.g. in a restaurant or on public transport). Costs for emergency opening, replacement keys and lock replacement are covered at up to 50% of the sum insured under the module.

Home Assistance – lost or stolen keys
Immediate assistance around the clock: This supplementary insurance is a kind of emergency service from Zurich. Home Assistance can be taken out flexibly as stand-alone cover or in combination with household contents or buildings insurance. There is no deductible. If you lose your keys, a specialist will open the door and install an emergency lock if necessary – e.g. if someone locks themselves out or a small child gets locked in the bathroom and can't get out.

Motor vehicle insurance – stolen keys
If car keys are stolen, single-vehicle accidental damage insurance or comprehensive insurance pays for the replacement of the stolen key and the reprogramming of the locking system. This ensures that no unauthorized access is possible and that your car remains protected.
Check what cover is provided by your insurer.

• Have spare keys: Leave a spare key with trusted people such as family, friends or neighbors. In this way, you always have a solution available in an emergency.
• Use technical tools: With a Bluetooth key finder, you can locate lost keys with an app. Smart door locks can be opened and closed using both conventional keys and digitally. They work via an app, a numerical code or a fingerprint, for example.
• Use the lost and found service: Use a keychain with a lost and found service and register your key. If your lost key is found, it can be assigned to you.
• No personal data: Avoid including name or address details on your bunch of keys to reduce the risk of burglary.
• Habits to keep your keys safe: Always keep your keys in the same place. Using a lanyard or a special cabinet ensures your keys stay safe and are always within reach.
• Do not leave your car keys in plain sight: Whether eating in a restaurant or shopping: Never leave your car keys in plain sight. Concealed storage protects against prying eyes and theft.