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Key Replacement for a Honda Accord

When you need a Honda Accord key replacement, there are three things you can do, according to Lost Car Key Replacement. Basically, though, it boils down to working with a dealer or a private party to get it replaced.

The Three Options

Your three options for getting a Honda Accord key replaced are calling a locksmith who offers mobile service and is able to work on Honda cars, having your car towed to a dealership or buying a blank key and then having your dealer or locksmith cut and program it. Different types of keys can add to your Honda Accord repair costs for key replacement. For example, an intelligent fob, transponder key or key with remote start function will cost more to get replaced than a regular key or valet key.

Information You Need to Provide

If you're calling a locksmith, there's some information you need to have ready. First, you need to share the exact year, make and model of your car with the locksmith. The locksmith will also need the vehicle identification number (VIN) in order to determine what type of key you need. The VIN tag is typically found on the dash by the lower left corner in front of the steering wheel where the windshield meets the dashboard. It's also usually located inside the driver's door.

Consider the Expense

While the cost can vary widely, there are a couple of factors that increase or lower how much it costs to get a key replaced. First, if you need to get your car towed to the dealership or locksmith's location, that is an extra expense. Although, a dealership typically charges ten or fifteen percent less than a locksmith, according to Lost Car Key Replacement. So, if you're very price-sensitive, consider asking for an estimate and then you'll need to calculate whether the amount charged for towing your car to the dealership plus the estimated key replacement price at the dealership is lower or higher than the estimated price of key replacement from a locksmith.

Programming a Key Yourself

If you have a key cut but not programmed to save money, it should open the doors but won't operate the car because of the transponder chip not being programmed. For some makes and models, you could do the programming yourself. There are videos and instructions online explaining the process of programming a key, according to Consumer Reports. To find these instructions and videos, enter the year of your Honda Accord plus the search term "key programming."

Check the Battery in the Key Fob

If your key still starts the car but the fob portion isn't operating properly, check the battery in the fob before replacing the whole unit. In addition to picking up a new fob battery at the dealership, you can often find the batteries in retail stores and drug stores, according to Consumer Reports.