🚀 Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Confirm the truck’s location and secure it now (garage if possible; otherwise a well-lit area, wheels turned, consider a steering wheel lock). Remove valuables and any paperwork showing your address.
  2. Report the theft (police report if it was stolen as part of a burglary/robbery or from your bag/house). If you have comprehensive insurance, start a claim and ask whether key replacement/rekeying is covered.
  3. Arrange key deauthorization + replacement ASAP: contact a Ford dealer or a reputable automotive locksmith who can erase the stolen fob and program new keys for a 2024 F-150 (push-button start). Ask about towing/mobile service if you have no working key.

Your Options

Ford dealer: erase stolen fob + program new OEM keys

Cost: $350-$900 Time: Varies

A Ford dealer can access Ford systems and program new OEM fobs, then remove the stolen fob from the vehicle’s key list. This is the most straightforward route for a 2024 F-150, especially if you want everything documented and done to factory procedures.

âś“ Pros:
  • Factory-correct OEM keys and programming
  • Can erase the stolen fob from the truck’s memory
  • Good paper trail for warranty/insurance documentation
âś— Cons:
  • Often higher cost than locksmith options
  • May require towing or a scheduled appointment if you can’t drive the truck in

Automotive locksmith (mobile): erase missing key + program replacement fob(s)

Cost: $250-$650 Time: Varies

A qualified automotive locksmith can often come to your truck, cut an emergency key (if applicable), and program new fobs while deleting the stolen one. For a stolen fob situation, confirm they will perform key “all keys lost” style programming and remove lost keys from memory—not just add a new fob.

âś“ Pros:
  • Usually faster and more convenient (mobile service)
  • Often less expensive than a dealer
  • Can typically handle deletion of lost/stolen keys on-site if properly equipped
âś— Cons:
  • Quality varies—verify credentials and capability for 2024 F-150
  • Some providers may only “add a key” and not properly remove the stolen fob

Insurance claim (comprehensive) + approved repair path

Cost: $0-$500 (deductible-dependent) Time: Varies

If the fob was stolen during a covered event (burglary, theft from vehicle/home), comprehensive insurance may help pay for replacement keys and programming. Your insurer may have documentation requirements (police report, receipts) and may direct you to certain repair options—ask what choices you still have.

âś“ Pros:
  • Can significantly reduce out-of-pocket cost
  • Creates a record of the theft
  • May cover towing if the vehicle is immobilized (policy-dependent)
âś— Cons:
  • You may pay a deductible and rates could be impacted (varies by insurer/state)
  • May take longer than paying out-of-pocket for immediate service

Temporary risk-reduction (while waiting): secure/immobilize and limit exposure

Cost: $0-$150 Time: Varies

If you can’t get immediate programming, focus on preventing access and theft: keep the truck in a locked garage if possible, use physical deterrents, and avoid leaving it in predictable locations. This doesn’t replace deleting the stolen fob, but it can reduce risk until service is completed.

âś“ Pros:
  • You can do it right away
  • Reduces opportunity for theft while you arrange programming
  • Low cost
âś— Cons:
  • Does not disable the stolen fob
  • Not a long-term solution

⚠️ What to Avoid

✕ Avoid “cheap key fob online” sellers that can’t confirm compatibility with a 2024 Ford F-150 and won’t guarantee the fob is new/uncoded—used/refurb units can fail or be locked to another vehicle.

✕ Avoid any provider who says they’ll just “add a new key” without deleting/erasing the stolen fob from the vehicle’s memory (that leaves the stolen fob potentially usable).

âś• Avoid sharing your VIN, address, or photos of ownership documents publicly (or with unverified callers). A stolen fob plus personal info increases theft risk.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone start my 2024 Ford F-150 with the stolen fob?

Potentially, yes—especially if the fob is close enough to the truck and still authorized. The key step is having the stolen fob erased from the truck’s authorized key list and programming new fobs. Until then, secure the vehicle and avoid leaving it in easy-to-access locations.

Do I need to replace locks if my key fob was stolen?

Usually the priority is electronic deauthorization (erasing the stolen fob) and programming new keys. Physical lock changes are more situational—consider them if the thief also has your address, if a mechanical/emergency key was stolen, or if there’s evidence they targeted your vehicle specifically.

Will deleting the stolen fob stop it from working completely?

When the vehicle’s system successfully removes that key from memory, the stolen fob should no longer be able to start the truck. If the fob also had a mechanical/emergency key blade that fits your door, that blade could still unlock the door mechanically unless locks are changed—ask your provider about your truck’s specific key setup.

Need Detailed Information?

Get vehicle-specific key fob compatibility, part numbers, and a complete price comparison for your 2024 Ford F-150.

View F-150 Key Fob Guide →

Last updated: 2026-01-04