Key Fob Stolen high urgency

Key Fob Stolen: What to Do for a 2024 GMC Sierra (US)

If your 2024 GMC Sierra key fob was stolen, treat it as a security issue—not just an inconvenience. A stolen fob may allow someone to unlock and potentially start your truck, depending on proximity and vehicle settings. Acting quickly can reduce theft risk and help with insurance and police reports.

Understanding Your Situation

A key fob was taken by someone else (theft), meaning an unauthorized person may have physical access to a working credential for your Sierra. Unlike a “lost” fob, theft increases the likelihood of intentional misuse, so disabling the missing fob and securing the vehicle are priorities.

🚀 Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Move the truck to a secure location (garage if possible), lock it, and remove valuables; if you suspect the thief knows where it’s parked, consider towing to a secure facility.
  2. File a police report and document details (date/time/location, any surveillance, fob type, VIN, license plate); notify your insurance if you have comprehensive coverage.
  3. Contact a GMC dealer or qualified automotive locksmith to erase/disable all missing fobs from the vehicle and program replacement fob(s); ask about rekeying locks if the thief also has your address or registration.

Your Options

Dealer: Disable missing fob(s) + program new OEM fob(s)

Cost: $250-$700+ Time: Same day / 1-3 days (parts-dependent)

A GMC dealer uses factory tools to remove lost/stolen fobs from the truck’s authorized list and program new OEM fobs. You’ll typically need proof of ownership (ID, registration/title) and the vehicle present.

✓ Pros:
  • Factory-correct programming and compatibility
  • Stolen fob is disabled so it can’t operate the truck
✗ Cons:
  • Often the highest cost
  • May require appointment and towing if you have no working key

Mobile automotive locksmith: Disable missing fob(s) + program replacement fob(s)

Cost: $200-$600+ Time: Same day

A reputable locksmith can come to the vehicle, erase missing fobs, and program a new fob (OEM or high-quality aftermarket, depending on availability). Confirm they can service a 2024 GMC Sierra push-to-start system and provide an itemized invoice.

✓ Pros:
  • Convenient on-site service (no dealer trip)
  • Often faster and sometimes less expensive than a dealer
✗ Cons:
  • Capability varies—some locksmiths may not support all 2024 systems
  • Aftermarket fobs may have inconsistent range/features compared to OEM

Insurance claim (comprehensive): Key/fob replacement and rekey (if covered)

Cost: $0-$500+ (deductible-dependent) Time: 1-7 days

If you have comprehensive coverage, your policy may cover stolen keys/fobs and related reprogramming; some policies may also help with lock rekeying or replacement. You’ll usually need a police report and receipts.

✓ Pros:
  • Can reduce out-of-pocket cost
  • Creates documentation trail for theft-related losses
✗ Cons:
  • Subject to deductible, coverage limits, and claim approval
  • May take time and could affect premiums depending on insurer

Rekey/replace mechanical locks (if theft includes address/registration)

Cost: $200-$1,200+ Time: Same day / 1-3 days

If the thief has your address (e.g., stolen registration, garage opener, mail, or ID), consider rekeying or replacing door/ignition-related mechanical components where applicable. This is separate from disabling the fob and is about physical security.

✓ Pros:
  • Reduces risk of targeted burglary or vehicle access using mechanical entry methods
  • Adds peace of mind if personal info was stolen with the fob
✗ Cons:
  • Can be expensive and may require parts availability
  • Not always necessary if only the fob was stolen and your address wasn’t compromised

⚠️ What to Avoid

✕ Don’t wait to “see if it turns up”—a stolen fob should be assumed compromised until it’s erased from the truck.

✕ Don’t buy the cheapest online fob without verifying FCC ID/part compatibility and return policy; mismatched fobs can’t be programmed and waste time during a security emergency.

✕ Don’t leave the truck parked in the same predictable spot while you’re still vulnerable (before the stolen fob is disabled).

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not deactivating stolen key
  • Delaying reprogramming
  • Not filing police report
  • Ignoring security risk

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone start my 2024 GMC Sierra with a stolen key fob?

Potentially, yes. If the stolen fob is still authorized and the person can get close enough to the truck, it may unlock and allow starting depending on the system and conditions. The safest approach is to have the stolen fob erased/disabled and new fobs programmed as soon as possible.

Will disabling the stolen fob stop it from working completely?

When the vehicle’s system is updated to remove the missing fob(s), the stolen fob should no longer unlock or start the truck. If you later recover the fob, it typically won’t work again unless it’s re-added/programmed.

Do I need the truck present to program and erase fobs?

In most cases, yes. Disabling old fobs and programming new ones is done through the vehicle’s onboard modules, so the vehicle generally needs to be accessible (and sometimes powered). If you have no working key, ask about mobile service or towing.

What documents are usually required to get a replacement fob programmed?

Expect to provide a government-issued ID plus proof of ownership (registration, title, or purchase paperwork). This helps prevent unauthorized key programming.

⏱️ Urgency Note: High urgency: Until the stolen fob is erased from the vehicle, your Sierra may be vulnerable to unauthorized entry and starting. Prioritize disabling the missing fob(s) and securing where the truck is parked.

Related Information

Need Detailed Information?

Get vehicle-specific key fob compatibility, part numbers, and a complete price comparison for your 2024 GMC Sierra.

View Sierra Key Fob Guide →

Last updated: 2026-01-04