Keyless car theft | What do you need to know?

Car theft is an ongoing problem across the UK, and the vast majority of stolen cars are never returned to their owners. Most of them end up in so-called “chop shops” – black-market operations where the vehicles are stripped of their parts and sold on to unscrupulous mechanics.

And with only a small percentage of car thefts resulting in arrests by the police, the criminals who play the numbers game know that the stats are on their side.

As the name suggests, keyless car theft involves stealing a vehicle without needing the key. If you own a keyless vehicle, read on to learn how keyless vehicle theft works and how to protect it.

How does keyless vehicle theft work?

Keyless cars work by using a short-range transmitter that sends a signal to the vehicle. As long as you have the device with you, you can open the door at the click of a button or a pull of a door handle. Without the signal, the doors remain locked.

There are variations, though, as some ‘keyless cars’ aren’t actually keyless – they may have keyless entry, but you might still need the key to start the engine.

It’s no surprise that as technology advances, so does criminals’ ability to use it to their advantage. To maximise their chances of success, they have developed several methods that allow them to gain entry to keyless cars:

Relay attacks

Involves two people working together, one with a relay amplifier and one with a transmitter, to trick the car into thinking the key is nearby, which allows them to open it. This method involves ‘stealing’ the signal from car fobs inside people’s homes. The amplifier intercepts the signal from the key fob and sends it to the transmitter, which is with the other thief near the car. The transmitter tricks the car into thinking the key is nearby and unlocks it. If it also has keyless ignition, the engine can be started in the same way. This can be a very quick process, with cars being stolen in a matter of seconds.

Key code grabbing

Is a form of hacking that involves intercepting the radio signal when you use your remote key fob, for example, when you lock your car. Hackers use specialised devices to capture and replicate the radio frequency code, then use it to unlock your car later. While this allows them to gain access to your car, it does not necessarily enable them to start it.

Transponder key cloning

This method is similar to key code grabbing, but involves criminals intercepting the signal between your key and the car, then cloning the data stored in the transponder chip inside your key. They then use this data to create a duplicate key, allowing them to gain access to your car, deactivate the immobiliser and start the engine.

Signal jamming

Involves disruption rather than duplication. Thieves use a device that transmits on the same frequency as your key fob to block the signal when you try to lock your car. This means they can prevent your car from locking and enter it later without needing a key.

How to protect your vehicle from keyless theft

There are a number of things you can do to protect your vehicle from being stolen:

Keep your distance

Try to keep your car and the key fob as far apart as possible. For example, when you get home, don’t leave the device in your porch or near a front window. If you park on the street, consider leaving your car a little further down the road, rather than right outside your property. The greater the distance between the car and your key fob, the harder it will be for thieves to steal your car.

Use a Faraday pouch

This has a metallic lining that blocks the signal emitted by your unlocking device, preventing thieves from intercepting it. If you don’t have a Faraday pouch, consider storing your device in something like a metal toolbox under the stairs, or a tin kept in a kitchen cupboard. Ensure that you treat your spare keys with the same care as the ones you use regularly.

Use locks and barriers

A steering lock or wheel clamp is an easy visual deterrent. Although they are not insurmountable to determined thieves, they can put off someone who’s looking to make a quick getaway. And consider physical barriers – installing a lockable post that you can put up once your car’s safely on the drive is another way to deter would-be thieves.

Don’t go keyless

It might feel like a shame to disable one of the most convenient features of your vehicle, but with some vehicles, you can turn off the keyless technology. Some models also have fobs with a sleep mode, which disables the signal transmission when they haven’t moved for a set period of time.

Reprogramme your keys

If you buy a second-hand car, it may be worth having your keys reprogrammed, so you can be sure they haven’t been cloned or hacked. This is also worth doing if you lose one of your keys at any point.

Keep your software up to date

Car manufacturers provide regular security updates, so make sure you’re using the latest onboard software. Likewise, if your car has Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, make sure it’s switched off when you’re not using it. You may also want to consider fitting a lockable cap over your onboard diagnostic port, as thieves may utilise it to start your car if they gain access.

Park carefully

Avoid parking on the street if you can, but if you have to, make sure you don’t leave any valuables in your car that might tempt thieves. And of course, wherever you park, make sure you’ve locked your doors before you leave it.

What are the most stolen cars?

According to the DVLA, 61,343 vehicles were stolen in the UK in 2024. The most stolen models were:

Ford Fiesta
Volkswagen Golf
Ford Focus
BMW 3 Series
Toyota RAV4
Mercedes C-Class
Range Rover Evoque
Nissan Juke
Vauxhall Corsa
Range Rover Sport

Although it’s true that some vehicles are easier to steal than others, bear in mind that popular models are likely to be higher on the list of stolen vehicles, simply because there are more of them about to be stolen.

While production of the Ford Fiesta ended in 2023, the volume of them on the roads means there are plenty of opportunities for people to steal them.

Are any models particularly vulnerable to keyless theft?

When it comes to keyless theft, some makes of car are especially targeted. While the Ford Fiesta tops the list in terms of the total number stolen, DVLA data for 2024 reveals that Lexus and Abarth models are proportionally much more likely to be stolen.

Fiat’s luxury brand, Abarth, tops the risk table, with a 1-in-116 chance of being stolen, closely followed by Lexus with a 1-in-120 risk ratio. Land Rover (1-in-210), Mitsubishi (1-in-298) and Jaguar (1-in-318) complete the top five.

High-performance Abarth cars are relatively rare, meaning there are fewer available on the market, with a high demand for parts. This makes them popular targets for stripping or resale.

Lexus models often use keyless entry systems that can be vulnerable to theft. Additionally, their high spec and luxury branding make them valuable to criminals.

What to do if your car is stolen

The first thing to do is tell the police, making sure you give them all the details such as the make, model, registration number, and its last known location. Let them know if you have a tracker in the vehicle, and mention anything that might make the car stand out – any modifications, for example.

You should also let your insurer know what’s happened – they’ll be able to talk you through the information they require from you.

If your car is on finance, you’ll also need to let the lender know as soon as possible that it’s been stolen.

Will car insurance cover keyless theft?

Most car insurance policies will cover keyless car theft. However, as with all insurance policies, you should check what your insurer’s position on this issue is, as policies can vary.

Some motorists will find it harder to get car insurance if they have a certain make or model of vehicle. For example, you may find that you have to pay a higher premium for car brands or models that are commonly targeted by thieves.

In general, there’s an increased cost to insurers when vehicle crime goes up; therefore, premiums for all car insurance customers will increase to account for this.

If you bought your motor insurance policy through Alan Boswell Group, you can talk to our highly experienced claims team, who will provide help and support throughout your claim.

Need help with your insurance?

Whether you need a quote, have a general enquiry, or want to talk it through over the phone, we're here to help.

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Keyless car theft | What do you need to know?

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