Question: I lost my Honda key fob, and now I don’t know what to do. It had my metal key in it as well. Are there steps I can take to find my lost Honda key fob?
Answer:
Keeping track of keys is always a challenge, and losing them can be really frustrating. Unfortunately, unless you’ve added a separate Bluetooth or GPS tracker to your key ring, there’s not a built-in way to track a lost Honda key fob. So what do you do when you’ve retraced your steps, cleaned every inch of your house, and searched every pair of pockets?
If you’ve tried all of that and you still can’t find your keys, you’ll probably have to visit your local Honda dealer or service center to get a new key fob. Typically, all the dealership will need is proof of ownership.
How much does a Honda key fob replacement cost?
It can cost an average of $150 to $450 or more to replace your key fob, depending on the type of fob and key required for the model of your Honda.
Getting a new car key used to be about as complicated as replacing your house key—you could just go to a hardware store and ask them to cut a new metal key. But replacing the modern version isn’t nearly as easy—the metal key has to be precision-cut with lasers and the key fob must be programmed specifically for your car.
Some dealerships will require that you bring in either a spare key or the vehicle itself in order to have the new key programmed. If you lost your only key, you may need to arrange to have your vehicle towed to the Honda dealership to get a key replacement. However, you may be able to find an automotive locksmith in your area who can come to you to help program a new key.
Keep in mind that no matter where you go to get a new key for your Honda, you’ll likely need to show proof of ownership of the vehicle.
Pro tip: Avoid aftermarket keys. You may see online retailers offering inexpensive aftermarket keys for your Honda, but dealerships have reported mixed results when trying to program these keys—and you’ll likely be charged for the programming service even if it fails. So it’s usually best to purchase a key directly from the dealership.
Will my old key still work if I find it later?
Chances are high that your old key will not work after you get a replacement. When you get a new key, you car is programmed to respond to the signal from that key. The old key may work to open the doors, but it probably won’t start the ignition.
It might seem inconvenient, but this is actually a safety feature that helps protect you from theft if someone else happens to find your key. However, you may be able to take your old key to the Honda dealership to have it reprogrammed to match your car.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
