diff --git a/plugin/snake/__init__.py b/plugin/snake/__init__.py
index 13ee227..f146505 100644
--- a/plugin/snake/__init__.py
+++ b/plugin/snake/__init__.py
@@ -456,7 +456,10 @@ def wrapped():
             fn = wrapped
 
         call = register_fn(fn)
-        command("%s <silent> %s :%s %s<CR>" % (map_command, key, PYTHON_CMD, call))
+        if mode == INSERT_MODE:
+            command("%s %s <C-\\><C-O>:%s %s<CR>" % (map_command, key, PYTHON_CMD, call))
+        else:
+            command("%s <silent> %s :%s %s<CR>" % (map_command, key, PYTHON_CMD, call))
 
     else:
         command("%s %s %s" % (map_command, key, maybe_fn))
diff --git a/tests.py b/tests.py
index fab6355..93d11b4 100644
--- a/tests.py
+++ b/tests.py
@@ -439,6 +439,17 @@ def process(stuff):
         self.assertEqual(output, "quick")
         self.assertEqual(changed, "The really fast brown fox jumps over the lazy dog")
 
+    def test_insert_key_map(self):
+        script = r"""
+@key_map("a", mode=INSERT_MODE)
+def change_words_and_move():
+    replace_word('Test')
+    keys('1w')
+
+keys("aaaa")
+"""
+        changed, output = run_vim(script, self.sample_text)
+        self.assertEqual(changed, "Test Test Test Test jumps over the lazy dog")
 
 
 class OptionsTests(VimTests):