From breaking windows to cloning keys, thieves will try anything to steal cars. And they don’t always have to touch them to do it!
Thieves are now using sophisticated technology to break into cars with keyless systems.
In this guide, we explain how different types of keyless theft work, how to keep your car safe and if your car insurance covers it.
What is relay entry theft?
Relay theft is a type of keyless theft. It’s a way of stealing a car by tricking its keyless entry system.
How does relay theft work?
It’s usually done by two thieves. One will stand by your front door, where most people keep car keys, while the other stands by your car.
The thief uses a transmitter, or relay box, to extend the signal from your key fob and trick the car into opening.
Police say thieves can steal cars in under two minutes using this system!
Which car models are vulnerable to relay theft?
Any car with a keyless entry system could be broken into. But don’t worry, car manufacturers are working on how they can make your car safe.
Here’s a couple of things they’ve done so far:
- Ford, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi added motion sensors to their keyless fobs. They stop sending codes if the key hasn’t moved in a while, so thieves can’t use it to break in.
- Jaguar and Land Rover use a radio technology called ultra-wideband (UWB) in some of their newer car models. It sends signals in different ways, so it’s harder for thieves to copy the code.
Because of this new technology, our Claims team have seen less claims for relay theft – but it can still happen.
What is key emulation?
Another type of keyless theft is key emulation.
It works in a similar way to relay theft, by tricking your car into thinking your car key is present or being used.
How does key emulation work?
Modern cars use electronic keys that communicate with the car via a radio frequency.
Thieves use a special device that hijacks that frequency and pretends to be the real key. The devices they use can sometimes be disguised as something else, like a speaker.
Once they’ve used it to trick the car into thinking the real key is present, the car will unlock and they can drive away.
What is CAN bus theft?
It’s another type of keyless theft, where a thief steals a car or van by hacking into the car’s computer.
It’s sometimes known as headlight hacking, as thieves can get in through the headlight. But it’s different depending on what make and model of car you have – they could hack in through another weak spot just as easily.
CAN bus refers to the Controller Area Network (CAN) Bus system in your car.
It might sound complicated, but it’s just your car’s computer. It controls things like the engine and safety features.
How does CAN bus theft work?
- Access the CAN bus – thieves use your headlight’s weak spot to access your car’s computer
- Put in false commands – they manually put in commands, like turning the immobilizer off and bypassing the keyless entry system
- Override your security systems – once the car thinks the keyless entry system has been turned on, the doors are unlocked and the thieves are free to drive away!
Are vans affected by keyless theft too?
Thieves can use any of the keyless theft methods we’ve spoken about above to steal vans too.
They break into vans the same way they do with cars.
Check out our guide on different van locks and some van security tips to keep your van safe.
How to prevent keyless theft
- Store your car keys in a signal blocker – you can use things like Faraday pouches or RFID blockers to help stop your keys sending out signals. If you don’t have one of these, keep your keys as far away from your door as possible.
- Turn off your key fob overnight – only some key fobs can do this, so check your car manual if you’re not sure how to do it.
- Get your keys re-programmed – if you bought your car second-hand, you might not have been given all sets of car keys. Get them re-programmed either by your car manufacturer or with an auto locksmith to be on the safe side.
- Use physical or mechanical security methods – use a steering wheel lock or wheel clamps to keep your car safe while you’re not using it.
- Fit outdoor motion detector lighting and CCTV – either you’ll put off criminals straight away, or you'll be able to hand that information straight to the police if your car is stolen.
- Invest in a ‘ghost immobiliser’ – a ghost immobiliser is a system you can install in your car that stops key cloning, signal jamming and relay theft. It’s more expensive but could be worth it to protect your car.
- Keep on top of your security updates – your vehicle manufacturer will sometimes bring out security updates. Either you’ll just be able to enable them on your car’s system, or you might need to take your car to the dealer.
Does car insurance cover keyless car theft?
All of our car insurance policies cover you for keyless theft apart from third party only. The same goes for our van insurance.
If your car or van gets stolen, call the police straight away and then let us know. You’ll need to give us a crime reference number within 24 hours.
Also, check your policy book. It covers everything you need to do next if your car or van is stolen.
