Key Fob Stolen high urgency

Key Fob Stolen: What to Do for a 2024 Honda Accord (US)

If your 2024 Honda Accord key fob was stolen, treat it as an immediate security issue—not just an inconvenience. A stolen fob can allow someone to unlock and potentially start the vehicle, especially if the car is parked where the thief can find it. Acting quickly can reduce the risk and limit replacement costs.

Understanding Your Situation

In a “key fob stolen” situation, the missing fob may be in someone else’s hands (not simply lost). Because modern Accord smart keys can unlock the doors and enable starting when nearby, you should assume the vehicle is at elevated theft risk until the stolen fob is removed (erased) from the car’s authorized key list and new keys are programmed.

🚀 Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Move the car to a secure location (locked garage if possible) or have it towed to a safer place if you’re unsure it’s secure. Remove valuables and ensure doors are locked.
  2. Contact your local police to file a theft report (useful for insurance and, in some cases, dealer key replacement documentation). If your wallet/ID was taken too, treat it as identity theft risk.
  3. Arrange key deactivation and replacement ASAP: contact a Honda dealer or a reputable automotive locksmith who can program 2024 Honda smart keys and erase the stolen fob from the vehicle.

Your Options

Honda dealer: erase stolen fob + program new OEM smart key

Cost: $250-$600+ per key (plus possible diagnostic/programming fees) Time: Same day to 1-3 days (parts availability dependent)

The dealer verifies ownership, erases the stolen key from the vehicle’s memory, and programs one or more new OEM Honda smart keys/fobs to your 2024 Accord. They may also cut/initialize the emergency key blade (if equipped) and confirm remote functions.

✓ Pros:
  • OEM parts and factory-correct programming
  • Dealer can reliably erase the stolen fob from the car
✗ Cons:
  • Often the most expensive option
  • May require appointment and towing if you have no working key

Automotive locksmith: on-site key replacement + key deletion (if supported)

Cost: $200-$500 per key (varies by region and after-hours service) Time: Same day (often within a few hours)

A qualified locksmith comes to the vehicle, confirms ownership, and programs a replacement smart key. Many can also delete/disable the stolen fob from the vehicle’s authorized key list, depending on equipment and model support.

✓ Pros:
  • Convenient mobile service (no dealer visit needed)
  • Can be faster and sometimes cheaper than a dealership
✗ Cons:
  • Not all locksmiths can program 2024 Honda smart keys or perform key deletion
  • Quality varies—verify licensing, reviews, and warranty

Insurance claim (comprehensive): theft report + key replacement

Cost: $0-$500+ out of pocket (depends on deductible and coverage) Time: 1-7 days (claim handling varies)

If you carry comprehensive coverage, your insurer may reimburse some or all key replacement and reprogramming costs after you provide a police report and receipts. You still need a dealer or locksmith to erase the stolen fob and program new keys.

✓ Pros:
  • May significantly reduce your cost
  • Documentation helps if the vehicle is later stolen or recovered
✗ Cons:
  • Deductible may exceed the cost of replacement
  • A claim could affect future premiums depending on insurer and history

Replace all remaining keys proactively (recommended if multiple fobs were stolen)

Cost: $400-$1,200+ total (based on number of keys) Time: Same day to 3 days

If more than one fob was stolen or you’re unsure how many were taken, replace and reprogram enough keys for all drivers and erase all unknown keys from the system. This reduces the chance a stolen/uncounted fob still works.

✓ Pros:
  • Best security outcome when the number of stolen keys is uncertain
  • Restores a known-good set of authorized keys
✗ Cons:
  • Higher upfront cost
  • May require ordering additional OEM keys

⚠️ What to Avoid

✕ Don’t assume the thief can’t use the fob—treat the vehicle as vulnerable until the stolen fob is erased from the car.

✕ Don’t rely on just changing the key fob battery or using a Faraday pouch as a “fix” for a stolen key—those steps don’t deactivate the stolen fob.

✕ Don’t use unknown online sellers or “cheap programming” services that can’t verify ownership or won’t provide receipts/warranty; poor programming can leave the stolen key active or cause starting/locking issues.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a stolen key fob start my 2024 Honda Accord?

Potentially, yes. If the stolen fob is still authorized and can get close enough to the vehicle, it may unlock the doors and allow the car to start. The safest step is to have the stolen fob erased (deleted) from the vehicle’s authorized key list and program new keys.

Do I need to tow the car to the dealer if my key was stolen?

If you have no working key, towing may be required for dealer programming. A mobile automotive locksmith may be able to come to the vehicle instead. Either way, keep the car in a secure location until the stolen fob is removed from the system.

Will erasing the stolen fob stop it from unlocking the car?

In most cases, yes—once the vehicle’s system deletes that key, it should no longer be able to unlock or start the car. Ask the dealer/locksmith to confirm that all unknown keys were removed and that only your new keys are registered.

How many keys should I program after a theft?

Program at least two working keys if possible (a primary and a spare). If you suspect multiple keys were stolen or you’re unsure how many were taken, discuss replacing and reprogramming enough keys so you end up with a complete, known set.

What documents will I need to get a replacement key?

Typically you’ll need a valid ID and proof of ownership (registration/title) and may be asked for the VIN. If you’re using insurance, a police report and claim information may also be required.

⏱️ Urgency Note: High urgency: a stolen smart key is a security risk. Until the stolen fob is erased and new keys are programmed, the vehicle may be vulnerable to theft—especially if it’s parked near where the theft occurred.

Related Information

Need Detailed Information?

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

View Accord Key Fob Guide →

Last updated: 2026-01-04