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Lost Key Fob for a 2024 Toyota Highlander (US): What to Do Next

Losing the key fob for a 2024 Toyota Highlander can leave you stranded and worried about vehicle security. The good news: you have several safe, legitimate ways to get back on the road. Acting quickly can reduce the risk of unauthorized access and minimize downtime.

Understanding Your Situation

A lost smart key/fob means you may not be able to unlock, start, or drive your Highlander. If the missing fob is still nearby, the vehicle may still unlock/start when it’s within range, so it’s important to secure the car and replace/disable the lost credential as soon as practical.

🚀 Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Confirm it’s truly lost: retrace steps, check common spots, and use any key-finder app/tag if attached; check with venues (gym, restaurant, rideshare, airport lost & found).
  2. Secure the vehicle: park in a well-lit area, remove valuables, and if you can access the car, lock it and keep any remaining fobs far from doors/windows at home (to reduce relay-theft risk).
  3. Plan replacement: gather your VIN, registration/title, and photo ID; call a Toyota dealer and a reputable automotive locksmith for quotes and earliest availability.

Your Options

Toyota dealer replacement smart key (OEM) + programming

Cost: $350-$700+ Time: Same day to 1-3 days (parts availability dependent)

The dealer supplies an OEM Toyota smart key/fob and programs it to your 2024 Highlander. They can also remove/disable the lost fob from the vehicle’s authorized keys during registration (recommended when a fob is lost). Towing may be needed if you have no working key.

âś“ Pros:
  • OEM key and correct FCC/compatibility for your exact trim
  • Dealer can properly register keys and remove lost keys from the system
  • Strong documentation/warranty support compared with many third parties
âś— Cons:
  • Often the most expensive route
  • May require towing/appointment delays if you have zero working keys

Mobile automotive locksmith (smart key replacement + programming)

Cost: $250-$600 Time: Same day (availability dependent)

A licensed automotive locksmith comes to your location, supplies a compatible smart key (OEM or high-quality aftermarket depending on availability), and programs it to the vehicle. Many can also delete missing keys from the system, but capabilities vary by equipment and vehicle security system.

âś“ Pros:
  • Convenient—often no towing needed
  • Can be faster than dealer scheduling
  • May cost less than the dealer
âś— Cons:
  • Quality and capability vary—verify licensing, reviews, and that they can program a 2024 Highlander smart key
  • Some may not be able to delete lost keys or may require a dealer for certain security functions

Use your spare key/fob now + add a replacement (recommended)

Cost: $200-$500 Time: Same day to 1-3 days

If you still have one working fob, use it to operate the vehicle while you order/program an additional fob. This is typically simpler and cheaper than an all-keys-lost situation, and you can request deletion of the lost fob during programming.

âś“ Pros:
  • Avoids being stranded while you wait
  • Usually less complex than all-keys-lost programming
  • Restores a backup key so you’re not down to one
âś— Cons:
  • If the lost fob isn’t deleted, it may still work if found by someone else
  • Parts availability can still cause delays

Insurance or roadside assistance support (reimbursement/tow)

Cost: $0-$500+ out of pocket (after coverage/deductible) Time: Same day to 1-7 days (claims/reimbursement timing varies)

If you have comprehensive coverage, an endorsement for lost keys, or a roadside plan, you may be eligible for towing to a dealer/locksmith and/or partial reimbursement for replacement. Coverage varies widely by policy and provider.

âś“ Pros:
  • Can reduce towing and replacement costs
  • Useful if you’re stranded without any working key
âś— Cons:
  • May require paying up front and submitting receipts
  • Deductibles/limits may make it less worthwhile

⚠️ What to Avoid

✕ Buying cheap online fobs without confirming exact compatibility (FCC ID/part number) and return policy—many won’t program or won’t support all functions.

✕ Using unverified “key programming” services that ask for remote access, unusual payment methods, or won’t show licensing/ID—key work should be done in person with proof of ownership.

✕ Waiting too long to delete the lost fob from the vehicle—if someone finds it, they may be able to unlock/start the Highlander if it remains authorized.

⚠️ 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 someone drive my 2024 Highlander if they find my lost key fob?

If the fob is still authorized to the vehicle, yes—someone who has the fob can typically unlock and start the vehicle. That’s why it’s smart to have the lost fob removed/disabled from the vehicle’s key list as soon as possible.

Do I need to tow the vehicle to the dealer if I lost all keys?

Sometimes. If no working smart key is available, a dealer or qualified mobile locksmith may still be able to program on-site, but in other cases towing to the dealer may be required depending on equipment, security procedures, and your exact configuration.

Will a used key fob from eBay work on a 2024 Toyota Highlander?

Often not reliably. Many used smart keys are already “locked” to a vehicle or may not match the correct FCC ID/part number for your Highlander. Even when a used fob is physically identical, programming may fail or functions may be limited. It’s usually safer to use OEM new or a verified compatible aftermarket key from a reputable locksmith.

If I still have one working fob, should I replace the lost one right away?

Yes. Being down to one key increases the chance of an all-keys-lost situation, which is typically more expensive and disruptive. When you add a replacement, ask to remove the missing fob from the authorized list.

⏱️ Urgency Note: If the fob was lost with identifying info (address, registration, garage remote) or near your home, treat it as time-sensitive: secure the vehicle, consider moving it to a safer location, and arrange key deletion/replacement promptly.

Related Information

Need Detailed Information?

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

View Highlander Key Fob Guide →

Last updated: 2026-01-04