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Lost All Keys to Your 2024 Honda Civic? Here’s the Fastest Way Back on the Road

Complete loss of all vehicle keys

🚀 Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Confirm the car is secure and note its exact location; if it’s in a tow zone or unsafe area, prioritize moving it to a safe spot (tow may be needed).
  2. Gather documents now: driver’s license + registration/title (or lease paperwork) and write down your VIN (driver-side dash or insurance/registration).
  3. Call ahead to compare two paths—Honda dealer vs. mobile automotive locksmith—and ask if they can originate/program a 2024 Civic smart key with ALL keys lost (AKL) and what proof they require.

Your Options

Honda dealer: new OEM smart key + programming

Cost: $450-$900 Time: Varies

A Honda dealership can order or supply an OEM smart key fob and program it to your 2024 Civic’s immobilizer system. This is often the most straightforward path for an all-keys-lost situation, especially if the car’s security system is picky about aftermarket keys. You may need the vehicle towed to the dealer if they can’t dispatch help.

✓ Pros:
  • OEM key/fob with the best compatibility and warranty support
  • High success rate for all-keys-lost immobilizer programming
  • Dealer can update software or address security-related issues if needed
✗ Cons:
  • May require towing the vehicle to the dealership
  • Often the highest total cost, especially after tow fees

Mobile automotive locksmith: originate + program a smart key on-site

Cost: $300-$700 Time: Varies

A qualified automotive locksmith may be able to come to your vehicle, cut any emergency key blade needed, and program a compatible smart key to your 2024 Civic. This can be faster and may avoid towing. However, capability varies—some locksmiths can handle late-model Honda smart keys with all keys lost, and some cannot.

✓ Pros:
  • Usually the fastest way to get moving if they can come to you
  • Often cheaper than dealer + tow combined
  • Convenient if the car is at home/work and you can meet them with ID
✗ Cons:
  • Not every locksmith can do 2024 Honda Civic all-keys-lost programming
  • Key quality varies (OEM vs aftermarket), which can affect reliability

Tow to dealer (when on-site programming isn’t possible)

Cost: $550-$1,050 (includes tow + dealer key/programming) Time: Varies

If the vehicle is in a garage with poor access, has a dead 12V battery, or local mobile options can’t handle a 2024 Civic AKL job, towing to a dealer is the dependable fallback. The dealer can then complete programming with the vehicle present. This is also common if proof-of-ownership checks are stricter at the dealer.

✓ Pros:
  • Most reliable path if mobile providers can’t do the job
  • One-stop solution once the car arrives
  • Good option if the vehicle is already immobile or blocked
✗ Cons:
  • Added towing cost and coordination
  • More downtime if scheduling is tight

⚠️ What to Avoid

✕ Using online “cheap replacement fobs” without confirming compatibility and whether they can be programmed for a 2024 Civic all-keys-lost situation—many can’t, and returns can be a hassle.

✕ Calling a provider who won’t give at least a ballpark total (including service call, key cost, programming, and any AKL or diagnostic fees) before dispatch.

✕ Letting anyone bypass proof-of-ownership checks—legitimate providers in the U.S. should verify ID and ownership for an all-keys-lost job.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Calling dealer first without getting quotes
  • Not checking insurance coverage
  • Rushing to tow to dealership
  • Not considering mobile locksmiths

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start or drive my 2024 Honda Civic without a key fob?

No. The 2024 Civic uses an immobilizer and smart key system; the vehicle must recognize a programmed key to start. A mechanical key blade (if present) may unlock the door, but it won’t start the engine without a programmed fob.

Do I need to tow my 2024 Civic to the dealer if I lost all keys?

Not always. Some mobile automotive locksmiths can originate and program a smart key on-site for an all-keys-lost situation. If no capable mobile option is available, the car is inaccessible, or there are battery/security complications, towing to a dealer is the common solution.

Will my old lost fob still work if someone finds it?

Typically, when new keys are programmed in an all-keys-lost situation, the vehicle’s key list is updated and missing keys can be removed/invalidated. Ask the provider to confirm they will erase/disable all lost keys during programming for security.

Related Information

Need Detailed Information?

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

View Civic Key Fob Guide →

Last updated: 2026-01-04