Simple, Cheap Ways to Protect Your Car From Key Theft

Modern car stealing may skip the step where the thieves smash the car window. Proximity key owners can fall victim to a relay device which helps them catch signals sent by the car owner's key to the car and drive the vehicle using that device without touching the stolen key. Luckily, some inexpensive actions help avoid the issue. See our car key replacement service. You can also read our spare key guide.

How relay theft works

Smart key sends a continuous silent signal. During the process called relay theft, the thief needs two devices – one catches the signal sent from the smart key and the other repeats the signal in front of the car. Thus, car thinks that the key is close.

Blocking the signal

All one needs for protection is a small Faraday pouch or a signal blocker to put the key in. It can be made even by putting the key in a sealed metal tin.

Where to store the key

Do not keep the key near the front door and near any window. Place the key as far as possible from the parking spot. The farther and deeper the key will be placed, the harder for the thieves to steal it via the relay.

Good old tricks still work

Steering wheel lock may not look very effective to protect your car, but thieves usually do not want to spend extra time to break it and ruin their silent plan. That is why installing the lock discourages the criminals from stealing the car.

Easy habits to stick with

Always lock the car, do not keep spare keys in the car, try to park in well-lit and visible places. All these tips may seem boring, yet they remove all chances for the thief to take advantage of those moments.

What to do if the key is lost or stolen

Firstly, you need to stop feeling like a fool for letting it happen and start taking measures. Changing your lock to ensure your safety is always better than getting into trouble. That is why we recommend doing the same thing in case of buying used car (as explained here: why you should rekey a used car).