Key Fob Stolen high urgency

Key Fob Stolen: What to Do for a 2023 Honda Accord (US)

If your 2023 Honda Accord key fob was stolen, treat it as a security issue—not just an inconvenience. A stolen fob may allow someone to unlock or start the vehicle, especially if they know where it’s parked. Acting quickly can reduce theft risk and prevent costly damage.

Understanding Your Situation

A stolen key fob means an unauthorized person has a working credential to access your Accord. Even if the car isn’t taken immediately, the thief may return later, so the priority is to secure the vehicle and have the stolen fob removed (erased) from the car’s memory, then replace and program a new fob.

🚀 Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Move the car to a secure location (garage or monitored lot) and remove valuables; if you can’t move it, use additional physical security (steering wheel lock) and park in a well-lit, high-traffic area.
  2. Report the theft to local police and document everything (date/time/location, any surveillance info); contact your insurance company if you have comprehensive coverage.
  3. Schedule service with a Honda dealer or qualified automotive locksmith to erase all missing/stolen fobs from the vehicle and program replacement key fob(s) as soon as possible.

Your Options

Honda dealer: erase stolen fob + program new OEM fob

Cost: $300-$700+ Time: Same day to 1-3 days

The dealer verifies ownership, connects factory diagnostic equipment, removes the stolen/missing fob(s) from the vehicle’s authorized list, and programs new OEM Honda key fob(s). You’ll typically need your ID, registration, and/or proof of ownership. If all keys are gone, the dealer can still complete an all-keys-lost procedure, but it may take longer.

âś“ Pros:
  • Most reliable way to ensure the stolen fob is fully deauthorized
  • Uses OEM parts and factory procedures; best compatibility
âś— Cons:
  • Often the highest cost
  • May require towing or an appointment if the car can’t be driven

Mobile automotive locksmith: replace + program and (if supported) erase missing fobs

Cost: $200-$500 Time: Same day

A reputable locksmith comes to the vehicle, supplies a compatible fob, and programs it on-site. Many locksmiths can also clear lost/stolen keys from the system, but capabilities vary by equipment and vehicle configuration—confirm in advance that they can remove missing keys, not just add a new one.

âś“ Pros:
  • Convenient on-site service (no towing in many cases)
  • Often less expensive than the dealer
âś— Cons:
  • Not all locksmiths can deauthorize missing fobs on every model
  • Quality varies—using cheap aftermarket fobs can cause reliability issues

Insurance claim (comprehensive): theft-related key replacement and rekeying support

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

If your policy includes comprehensive coverage, you may be able to claim key/fob replacement and related anti-theft measures after a police report. Coverage depends on your insurer and deductible; some policies treat keys as personal property, others as part of the vehicle.

âś“ Pros:
  • May significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost
  • Creates a documented trail tied to the theft report
âś— Cons:
  • Deductible may exceed the cost of replacement
  • Claim may affect premiums depending on insurer and history

⚠️ What to Avoid

✕ Don’t assume the car is safe because it’s currently in your driveway—thieves often return later once they have the fob.

✕ Don’t only buy a replacement fob without also erasing the stolen/missing fob from the vehicle (otherwise the stolen fob may still work).

✕ Don’t use unknown online sellers or DIY “programming tools” that can be scams, fail to work, or risk damaging vehicle modules.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone steal my 2023 Accord using the stolen key fob?

Yes. A stolen fob can allow unlocking and potentially starting the vehicle, depending on proximity and whether the thief can access the car. The safest response is to secure the vehicle and have the stolen fob removed from the vehicle’s authorized keys as soon as possible.

Do I need to replace locks or change the ignition on a 2023 Honda Accord?

Usually not. The Accord uses an electronic immobilizer system, so the key step is deauthorizing the stolen fob(s) and programming new ones. Physical lock changes are typically only considered if a mechanical key (or a door/key cylinder) was also compromised or if there’s evidence of forced entry damage.

If I still have one working key fob, do I still need to erase the stolen one?

Yes. Keeping one good fob doesn’t prevent the stolen fob from working. Ask the dealer or locksmith to remove the missing/stolen fob from the vehicle’s key memory and then confirm your remaining and new fobs work properly.

Can I disable the stolen fob myself through vehicle settings?

Typically, no. Deauthorizing keys on modern Hondas usually requires specialized diagnostic equipment and security access. Plan on a dealer or qualified automotive locksmith.

What should I bring to get a replacement key fob made?

Bring a government-issued ID and proof of ownership (registration/title and insurance). If the vehicle is locked and you have no keys, you may also need to arrange towing or on-site service depending on who is doing the programming.

⏱️ Urgency Note: High urgency: a stolen fob is an active security risk. Secure the vehicle immediately and arrange deauthorization (erasing the stolen fob) and replacement programming as soon as possible—ideally the same day.

Related Information

Need Detailed Information?

Get vehicle-specific key fob compatibility, part numbers, and a complete price comparison for your 2023 Honda Accord.

View Accord Key Fob Guide →

Last updated: 2026-01-04