Losing your car key fob can be a stressful experience. Whether you’re constantly misplacing it, want a backup in case of emergencies, or need to provide access to your vehicle for a friend or family member, finding a secure and discreet hiding spot is essential. This article explores numerous hiding places, considering both convenience and security, to help you choose the perfect location for your spare key fob.
Understanding the Importance of Secure Key Fob Hiding
The days of hiding a simple metal key under a doormat are long gone. Today’s key fobs, with their complex electronic components, require a more thoughtful approach. It’s not just about preventing theft; it’s about protecting the fob from the elements and ensuring it functions correctly when needed. A compromised or damaged key fob can lead to expensive replacement costs and potential security breaches.
Consider the security implications. A visible or easily accessible key fob hiding place is an invitation to thieves. They know the common spots and will check them first. Choose a location that is unexpected and offers some level of protection from prying eyes and opportunistic individuals.
Risks of Obvious Hiding Spots
Avoid the cliché hiding places. These are the first locations a thief will check. These include under the doormat, in a fake rock, above the door frame, or inside the mailbox. While convenient, these spots offer little to no security. Choosing such locations essentially hands your car keys to anyone who knows where to look.
Think about the environmental factors as well. A key fob exposed to direct sunlight, rain, or extreme temperatures can become damaged or malfunction. Moisture can corrode the electronic components, rendering the fob useless. Similarly, extreme heat can damage the plastic casing and internal circuitry.
Creative and Discreet Hiding Places Around Your Car
When choosing a hiding place around your car, you need to consider accessibility, visibility, and protection from the elements. The goal is to find a location that is easily accessible to you but remains hidden from potential thieves.
Under the Vehicle
While not ideal due to exposure to the elements, the underside of your vehicle can offer some concealment if done carefully. Look for areas that are not easily visible at a glance.
- Inside the Bumper: Many cars have plastic bumpers with small compartments or crevices where a small key fob can be tucked away. Ensure it’s secured to prevent it from falling out.
- Behind the Wheel Well: The wheel wells often have plastic liners that can provide a degree of protection. You might be able to tape the key fob to the back of the liner, ensuring it’s out of sight.
- Using a Magnetic Key Holder: A magnetic key holder specifically designed for hiding keys under a car can be a good option. Ensure the magnet is strong enough to hold the fob securely, even when driving over bumps. Choose a holder that is weather-resistant to protect the key fob from moisture and debris.
Inside the Car (With Caution)
Hiding the key fob inside the car presents unique challenges due to the potential for it to be detected by the car’s security system. Furthermore, in hot weather, the interior of a car can become extremely hot, potentially damaging the fob.
- Glove Compartment (Modified): If you’re comfortable making some modifications, you could create a hidden compartment inside the glove box. This would require some DIY skills, but it offers a secure and inconspicuous hiding place.
- Under the Seats: The area under the seats can offer some concealment, especially if the seats are low to the ground. Look for areas where the key fob won’t be easily visible from the windows. Consider using a small pouch or container to protect the fob from dirt and debris.
- Inside a Car Manual: Tucking the key fob inside the car manual, which is typically stored in the glove compartment, could work as long as the glove compartment can be locked. Remember that this location becomes useless if the car is stolen.
Disguised Hiding Spots
- Fake Car Part: You could purchase or create a fake car part, such as a dummy sensor or reflector, and hollow it out to create a hidden compartment for the key fob. This requires some creativity and fabrication skills, but it can be a very effective hiding place.
- Inside a Tow Hitch Cover: If your car has a tow hitch, the cover can be a good place to hide a key fob, providing that it can be secured or locked to prevent easy removal.
- Attached to the Gas Tank Cover: Use a magnetic box attached to the inside of the gas tank cover. Make sure it is secured well and hidden from view.
Creative and Secure Hiding Places Around Your Home
If you prefer to hide the key fob closer to your home, there are several options to consider. Focus on areas that are inconspicuous and offer protection from the elements.
In the Garden or Yard
The garden or yard can provide several hiding places, but it’s important to choose locations that are not easily accessible or visible.
- Inside a Fake Sprinkler Head: You can purchase fake sprinkler heads that are designed to conceal small items. These can be placed among your existing sprinkler system and blend in seamlessly.
- Buried in a Waterproof Container: If you’re willing to do some digging, you can bury the key fob in a waterproof container. Choose a location that is not easily disturbed, such as under a bush or near a fence. Make sure to mark the location discreetly so you can find it easily when needed.
- Inside a Birdhouse (Modified): Modify a birdhouse to include a hidden compartment. Ensure the birdhouse is securely mounted and not easily accessible to passersby.
Around the Exterior of Your House
These locations are more convenient, but also more vulnerable to theft if not chosen carefully.
- Behind a Loose Brick or Stone: Many homes have loose bricks or stones in their exterior walls. You can carefully remove one and create a small compartment behind it to store the key fob. Ensure the brick or stone is securely replaced and doesn’t look out of place.
- Inside a Fake Electrical Outlet Cover: You can purchase fake electrical outlet covers that are designed to conceal small items. These can be installed on the exterior of your house and blend in with the other electrical outlets.
- Under a Porch Swing: If you have a porch swing, the area underneath it can provide some concealment. Attach the key fob to the underside of the swing using a magnetic key holder or a secure clip.
Inside Your Garage (If Applicable)
If you have a garage, it can provide a more secure hiding place for your key fob, especially if the garage is attached to your house.
- Inside a Tool Box (Modified): Modify a tool box to include a hidden compartment. This can be done by adding a false bottom or creating a hidden space behind the tool trays.
- Behind a Shelf or Cabinet: The area behind shelves or cabinets can provide some concealment. Attach the key fob to the back of the shelf or cabinet using a magnetic key holder or a secure clip.
- Inside a Vacuum Cleaner: Store the key fob inside the vacuum cleaner. This isn’t one of the first places a burglar would look.
Key Fob Protection Considerations
Protecting the key fob from the elements and potential damage is crucial, regardless of the hiding place you choose.
Waterproof Containers
Using a waterproof container is essential, especially if you’re hiding the key fob outdoors or in a location that is exposed to moisture. Look for containers that are specifically designed for storing small items and are made from durable, waterproof materials.
Protective Cases
Consider using a protective case to shield the key fob from scratches, dents, and other types of damage. These cases are typically made from silicone or other durable materials and can help extend the lifespan of your key fob.
Faraday Bags
A Faraday bag can block electronic signals and prevent thieves from using signal amplifiers to unlock your car. While not strictly necessary for all hiding places, a Faraday bag can provide an extra layer of security.
Additional Security Measures
Beyond choosing a secure hiding place, there are additional measures you can take to protect your car and key fob.
Install an Alarm System
An alarm system can deter thieves and alert you to any potential break-ins. Look for systems that include features like motion sensors, door and window sensors, and remote monitoring.
Use a Steering Wheel Lock
A steering wheel lock can prevent thieves from driving away with your car, even if they manage to get inside. Choose a lock that is made from durable materials and is difficult to cut or break.
Install a GPS Tracker
A GPS tracker can help you locate your car if it is stolen. Look for trackers that are discreet and can be easily hidden inside your vehicle.
Consider a Kill Switch
A kill switch can disable your car’s engine, making it impossible to start. This can be a valuable deterrent to thieves and can help prevent your car from being stolen.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect hiding place for your key fob requires careful consideration of security, convenience, and protection from the elements. Avoid obvious locations, and prioritize spots that are discreet and offer some level of protection from thieves and environmental damage. By taking these precautions and implementing additional security measures, you can ensure that your spare key fob is safe and accessible when you need it most. Remember that the best hiding place is one that is unique to your situation and not easily discoverable by others.
What are the riskiest places to hide a key fob?
Hiding a key fob under the doormat or a fake rock in your garden are among the riskiest choices. These spots are the first places a potential intruder will look, as they are incredibly common and easily accessible. Avoid these obvious locations at all costs to maintain the security of your home.
Furthermore, leaving a spare fob visible through a window, even slightly obscured, is also extremely risky. Similarly, attaching it directly to the car itself, using magnetic boxes or zip ties, is a bad idea. Thieves are becoming more sophisticated and often target these easily-found locations with specialized tools and knowledge.
How can I make a fake key fob to use as a decoy?
Consider using an old, deprogrammed key fob, or purchasing a non-functional one online to serve as a decoy. Place this fake fob in an obvious, yet seemingly clever, hiding spot like inside a birdhouse or under a prominent plant pot. This could distract a potential thief and buy you valuable time.
Remember, the goal of a decoy is to mislead. So make sure the decoy looks realistic enough to be mistaken for the real thing, but is ultimately useless for starting your car. It should be easily discovered but offer no actual benefit to the intruder, diverting their attention from more secure hiding spots.
What are some less common, yet still easily accessible, outdoor hiding spots for a key fob?
A less common, yet still accessible, option is to hide the key fob inside a waterproof container, buried shallowly in your garden. Camouflage the container well and remember its precise location for easy retrieval. Another option is to place it inside a locked utility box, ensuring the lock is not easily broken.
You could also consider hiding the fob inside a decorative garden ornament, making sure it is heavy enough to deter casual handling. The ornament should also blend in with its surroundings and not appear out of place. Remember to regularly check on these outdoor locations to ensure the fob’s safety and functionality.
How can I prevent electronic theft from a hidden key fob?
To prevent electronic theft, invest in a Faraday bag or similar signal-blocking pouch for your hidden key fob. These pouches block the radio frequencies used by key fobs, preventing thieves from remotely accessing and cloning the signal. This is especially important for modern keyless entry systems.
Regularly test the Faraday bag to ensure it is still effectively blocking the signal. You can do this by attempting to start your car with the key fob inside the bag. If the car doesn’t start, the bag is working correctly. Replace the bag periodically, as the shielding material can degrade over time.
What role does disguising the hiding place play in the security of a key fob?
Disguising the hiding place is crucial because it adds a layer of security by obscuring the fob’s location. The more convincingly you can camouflage the hiding spot, the less likely it is that a potential thief will discover it. This could involve using natural materials, clever placement, or blending the hiding spot into its surroundings.
Consider using elements that would deter investigation, such as thorny bushes around a container or a messy-looking pile of garden equipment. The aim is to make the hiding place appear uninteresting or inaccessible at first glance. Remember to document the exact location and disguise method for future retrieval.
How often should I change the hiding place of my key fob?
You should change the hiding place of your key fob periodically, ideally every few months. This prevents potential thieves from learning the location of your spare fob through observation or repeated attempts. Regular changes ensure your home’s security isn’t compromised by predictable hiding spots.
When choosing a new hiding spot, be sure to consider the same safety and security factors as before. Think about the accessibility, potential for electronic theft, and the level of disguise required. Document the new location carefully so you don’t forget where it is.
What are the alternatives to hiding a key fob on my property?
If you are uncomfortable hiding a key fob on your property, consider alternative solutions like entrusting it to a trusted neighbor or family member who lives nearby. This eliminates the risk of someone finding it on your premises and gaining access to your vehicle.
Another option is to invest in a smart lock system with a keypad or smartphone access. This allows you to enter your home without needing a physical key or key fob. You can also explore professional key-holding services that securely store your key fob in a secure location offsite.