Key Fob Protection: How to Stop Your Car Disappearing from Your Own Driveway

Car theft isn’t just a broken window anymore, and a key fob protector can be a cheap way to fight back. The modern version is quiet, fast, and tech-driven. Thieves have learned how to exploit convenience features like keyless entry and push-button start, and owners are finding out the hard way that “I locked it” doesn’t always mean “it can’t be taken.”

This isn’t abstract. In mid-December 2025, Hyundai and Kia agreed to retrofit millions of U.S. vehicles to address theft concerns tied to missing anti-theft tech on certain models, according to Reuters’ report on the settlement and retrofits. That’s a big, expensive signal that theft has evolved.

We are talking about something called 'relay theft'. This is when thieves use a pair of small devices to “extend” the signal from your key fob so your car thinks the key is right next to it. One person stands near your house or pocket to pick up the weak fob signal, and the other stands by the car to rebroadcast it. The car unlocks and often starts because it can’t tell the difference between a real nearby key and a relayed signal—so the thief drives off without ever touching your fob.

Even those cars that normally immobilise when the key is not near are tricked; the clone is done once the clone is done. They can keep driving, turn it off and start again, even, all with a stolen signal from your fob.

Realistically, the moment you leave the lot, your new car key fob is an open door to anyone with a relay tool. Car in the drive, key in the kitchen? Easy car theft with readily available and cheap relay tools.

What to Do So Your Car Is a Harder Target

It's all the basics that still work.

If you drive a model that has been targeted on social media, don’t wait for someone else to solve it. Ask your dealer about any free updates, hardware sleeves, or retrofit programs. Also talk to your insurer, because theft spikes can change rates.

Park smart, lock up, hide valuables, and don’t leave keys in the car. NHTSA’s Vehicle Theft Prevention Month tips are plain, and they exist because the simple habits stop a lot of opportunistic theft.

Then address keyless risk. If your car uses a fob that constantly broadcasts, thieves can try relay attacks that extend the signal. A Faraday pouch or box blocks that signal. Keep your fobs away from doors and windows, and don’t hang them on the hook or pop them in a bowl right by the entrance like a gift to anyone with a relay device. Replace that hook or bowl with a faraday box. The thief's relay range is up to 100m; easily sitting down the street and yet still find your key's signal.

This means you need to 'layer' it like you mean it. Besides the faraday box/bag/pouch, a visible steering wheel lock is old-school, but you'd be surprised how effective these remain as deterrents. They add time and attention, which thieves hate. If your car offers settings like “sleep mode” for fobs, enable them. If your brand supports extra security features, turn them on.

Also, it might sound 'doi', but make sure you actually shut the car off. Keyless ignition brings its own risks, and NHTSA’s guidance on keyless ignition systems is worth reading because a running car in a driveway is theft on easy mode. A car these days can easily sound off but is not.

My Verdict

As essential as putting gas in your car, buy a Faraday pouch or box and make it your default parking habit at home. Add a physical steering lock if your area is hot. Then follow the boring basics. Your goal isn’t “perfect security.” Your goal is making your car the most annoying one in the street to steal.