Modern vehicles offer impressive convenience through keyless technology — but they also bring new security risks. Electronic car theft, often known as key hacking, is now one of the fastest-growing methods used by criminals across the UK. Understanding how these attacks work can help you protect your car and avoid the stress, cost and insurance implications of theft.
Below, we break down the three most common types of key hacking and the practical steps you can take to stay secure.
1. Key Jamming (Signal Blocking)
Key jamming usually happens in public places such as supermarket car parks, motorway services or petrol stations. When you press your key fob to lock your car, thieves may use a jammer that blocks the signal — meaning your car never actually locks. Once you walk away, the vehicle is left unsecured.
If criminals gain access, they may attempt to start the car by connecting to the onboard diagnostic (OBD) port and manipulating the security system.
How to prevent key jamming:
Always check your vehicle is locked — look for flashing indicators, folding mirrors or try a door handle.
Use an OBD port lock to make electronic tampering harder.
Stay alert when locking your vehicle in busy car parks.
Insurance note:
If your insurer believes the vehicle was left unlocked, a claim may be affected, so always double-check your car has locked correctly.
2. Relay Theft (Keyless Entry Attacks)
Keyless entry is convenient, but it’s also one of the most vulnerable features when it comes to car theft. Relay attacks typically involve two criminals: one captures the signal from your key (often through a wall or from inside your home), while the other uses a receiver to “relay” that signal to your car.
The vehicle believes the key is nearby, unlocks automatically, and can often be started and driven away within seconds.
These thefts are increasingly common in residential areas, though they can also occur in public car parks.
How to protect against relay theft:
Disable keyless entry in your vehicle’s settings if you don’t need it.
Store your keys in a Faraday pouch (RF-blocking) to stop criminals from capturing the signal.
Keep keys away from doors and windows to reduce the chance of signal interception.
Protect spare keys in the same way.
Insurance note:
Many UK insurers now specifically mention relay theft in their policy documents. Using a signal-blocking pouch is often recommended as a recognised preventative measure.
3. Attacks on Vehicle Wiring
Some criminals bypass both the key and electronic systems by accessing the car’s wiring, sometimes through headlights, wheel arches or bumpers. With specialist equipment, they can manipulate the wiring to disable alarms and unlock the vehicle.
This method is more targeted and often used on high-value cars.
How to reduce risk:
Use visible security devices, such as high-quality steering wheel locks. These act as strong deterrents and slow thieves down.
Park in secure, well-lit areas where possible.
Consider additional aftermarket security, such as tracking systems or professionally installed immobilisers.
Insurance note:
Cars with added security features may qualify for lower premiums, and tracking devices can significantly improve recovery chances after a theft.
Why Prevention Matters for Your Insurance
Car theft not only causes inconvenience and emotional stress — it can also affect your insurance premiums and claims:
Insurers may request proof of forced entry or evidence that reasonable security measures were taken.
Some policies may require the use of secure key storage for keyless vehicles.
A stolen vehicle claim could lead to higher premiums at renewal.
Taking simple precautions now can help protect your car, your no-claims discount, and your long-term insurance costs.