Key Fob Stolen high urgency

Key Fob Stolen: What to Do for a 2024 Chevy Colorado (US)

If your 2024 Chevrolet Colorado key fob was stolen, treat it as both a theft risk and a lockout risk. Acting quickly can prevent someone from accessing or starting your truck and helps you get back on the road with a properly programmed replacement.

Understanding Your Situation

A stolen key fob may still be able to unlock and start the vehicle if it remains programmed to your Colorado. Even if the truck is currently secure, the thief could return and use the fob later unless the missing fob is removed (deauthorized) from the vehicle’s key system.

🚀 Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Confirm the truck’s location and secure it now: lock it, move it to a garage or well-lit area if possible, and remove valuables and garage door openers from the vehicle.
  2. File a police report and document details (date/time/location, photos, VIN, plate). Contact your insurance company if you have comprehensive coverage.
  3. Arrange to have the stolen fob deauthorized and a replacement programmed (dealer or qualified automotive locksmith). If you only had one working fob, plan for towing or an on-site service visit.

Your Options

Dealer: Replace fob + deauthorize stolen fob

Cost: $250-$650+ (plus possible tow $100-$250) Time: Same day to 1-3 days (parts availability varies)

A Chevrolet dealer supplies an OEM key fob and programs it to your 2024 Colorado, then removes the stolen fob from the vehicle’s authorized keys. You may need proof of ownership and photo ID. If you have no working fob, the truck may need to be towed to the dealer depending on dealer policy and equipment.

✓ Pros:
  • OEM parts and factory-level programming
  • Stolen fob can be removed from the vehicle’s key list
✗ Cons:
  • Often higher cost than a locksmith
  • May require towing or an appointment wait

Mobile automotive locksmith: Replace/program + deauthorize stolen fob

Cost: $200-$550 Time: Same day (depends on availability)

A qualified automotive locksmith comes to the vehicle, verifies ownership, supplies a compatible fob (OEM or high-quality aftermarket), programs it, and deletes the stolen fob from the system when supported. This is often the fastest path if the truck is immobilized and you’re not near a dealer.

✓ Pros:
  • Convenient on-site service (often no tow needed)
  • Can be faster than waiting for a dealer appointment
✗ Cons:
  • Quality varies—choose a licensed/insured locksmith with modern GM capability
  • Aftermarket fobs may have reduced range or durability vs OEM

Insurance claim (comprehensive) for theft-related key replacement

Cost: $0-$500+ out of pocket (depends on deductible/coverage) Time: 1-7 days (varies by insurer and documentation)

If your policy covers it, insurance may reimburse part of the replacement/programming cost (and sometimes towing). You still need a dealer or locksmith to perform programming and remove the stolen fob from the vehicle’s system.

✓ Pros:
  • May significantly reduce out-of-pocket cost
  • Creates a documented record tied to the theft
✗ Cons:
  • Deductible may exceed the key replacement cost
  • Claim processing can add time

⚠️ What to Avoid

✕ Don’t wait to remove the stolen fob from the truck’s authorized keys—locking the doors alone may not prevent a programmed fob from unlocking/starting it.

✕ Don’t buy the cheapest online fob without confirming FCC ID/part compatibility and return policy; wrong fobs are common and may be non-returnable once opened.

✕ Don’t share your VIN, address, or proof-of-ownership documents with unverified sellers or “programming services”—key-related scams are common after theft.

⚠️ 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 Chevy Colorado?

Yes—if the stolen fob is still programmed to your Colorado, it may be able to unlock and start the truck. The safest fix is to have the stolen fob removed (deauthorized) and program replacement fobs.

Do I need to replace the locks or ignition if the fob is stolen?

Usually not for modern push-button-start systems, as the primary risk is electronic authorization. In most cases, deleting the stolen fob from the vehicle and programming new fobs is sufficient. If the thief also has a mechanical key blade or personal info that makes targeted theft more likely, ask a dealer/locksmith about additional physical security options.

What if I only had one key fob and it was stolen?

Expect a more involved process: you’ll need a dealer or capable locksmith to add new keys without an existing working fob. This may require an on-site service call or towing, plus proof of ownership and ID.

Will remote start still work after I replace the fob?

If you replace the fob with an OEM or fully compatible fob and it’s programmed correctly, remote functions (lock/unlock/remote start, if equipped and subscribed where required) should work. Functionality can vary with some aftermarket fobs.

How many keys can be programmed to a 2024 Colorado?

The system supports multiple fobs, but the exact maximum can vary by configuration and programming method. A dealer or locksmith can confirm current stored keys and remove any unknown/stolen ones.

⏱️ Urgency Note: High urgency: a stolen, still-programmed fob can allow quick access and starting. If the truck is parked at or near where the theft occurred, relocate it and schedule deauthorization/reprogramming 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 2024 Chevrolet Colorado.

View Colorado Key Fob Guide →

Last updated: 2026-01-04