Lost keys cost the UK 500 million

More than 1.2 million adults will lose their keys as many as six times this year, according to research by Halifax Home Insurance.

Halifax Home Insurance has revealed that more than 12 million adults in the UK have lost their keys six times or more in the past ten years. Amassing a bill for £5.9 million worth of key replacements, locksmith bills and call out charges.

Vicky Emmott, senior underwriting manager, Halifax Home Insurance said: “Our research shows that losing keys is not only inconvenient, it can be costly too. Calling in locksmiths and replacing keys and locks in the event of loss soon adds up especially when you consider that the majority of adults (more than 35 million) keep up to five keys together on one ring.”

Perhaps, unsurprisingly, with the pressures of a stressful career as well as juggling family and social lives, the 25-34 year old age group has suffered the highest number of key loss incidents with more than one and a half million key losses over the last ten years. However, it’s the 35-44 year olds who have suffered the most expense - with more than 200,000 adults in this age group spending in excess of £200 each time they replace their keys.

We would advise people to take greater care with their keys; never have anything containing your name and address attached to your keys, try not to leave your keys in common hiding places e.g. under doormats or stones, on string through the letter box, or on top of doors or window frames.”

Links:
Halifax Home Insurance