New research from temporary car insurance provider Tempcover suggests that drivers may not realise these keyless car theft prevention tools can degrade and lose effectiveness over time,
This can leave vehicles vulnerable to theft and owners legally exposed.
Faraday pouches are designed to block the signal from keyless car fobs, preventing so-called “relay attacks” where thieves capture and amplify the signal to unlock and steal vehicles in under a minute.
Jake Lambert, a temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, said: “An insurer can consider a claim invalid under the ‘reasonable care’ clause where drivers need to demonstrate they have taken all practical steps to safeguard their vehicle.
“Relying on a degraded pouch that no longer blocks a signal could be seen as a failure of that duty.”
The potential problems with Faraday pouches
It is estimated that up to 70% of vehicle thefts now involve keyless entry models, so Faraday pouches have quickly become a staple security accessory.
However, a survey of 2,000 drivers by Tempcover reveals a critical flaw in how these devices are used.
Most treat them as ‘buy-once’ solutions, unaware that the metallic mesh lining can wear out through regular use.
This wear and tear can allow signals to leak, leaving vehicles exposed to theft.
Half of motorists (50%) wrongly believe that a failed or degraded Faraday pouch would still guarantee an insurance payout.
In reality, insurers may deny claims under the “failure to take reasonable care” clause if theft occurs due to neglected security.
Lambert said: “We are urging motorists to test their Faraday pouches today.
“While these are effective tools, they are not ‘buy-once’ products.
“This doesn’t just leave the vehicle vulnerable; it leaves the owner financially exposed, so it’s important to ensure you’re protected as much as possible before a theft occurs by testing regularly.”
DVLA data analysed by Tempcover reveals the scale of the problem, with 148 cars stolen every day across the UK—about one every 10 minutes.
Despite the risk, many drivers are using aged pouches.
The study found that the average driver uses a Faraday pouch that is more than two years old, with 14% owning theirs for up to five years.
Claudia Rennie, a buyer at Halfords, said: “Faraday pouches are a tried and tested technique, but they experience degradation driven by wear and tear, not time on shelf.
“The inner metallic lining—usually a blend of nickel and copper—is what blocks the radio frequency, but it can degrade, crack and rip over time through constant folding.
“As Tempcover’s data suggests, many drivers are unaware of this ‘invisible’ wear.
“That’s why it’s vital to regularly inspect the lining for damage and test it if your key fob unlocks your car while inside the pouch.”
How to make sure your Faraday pouch isn’t expired
Tempcover has suggested a few tips to help protect people from keyless car theft:
- Test frequently: Every few months, place your key inside the pouch, seal it, and stand next to your car. If the door unlocks, the pouch needs replacing.
- Keep it dry: Moisture compromises conductivity, so keep it dry and never put it in the wash.
- Protect the inner lining: Be careful with sharp objects or loose coins, as they can easily rip the delicate inner conductive lining (nickel/copper).
- Avoid overstuffing: Filling your pouch to the brim can impact its performance and strain the seams. If you have multiple keys, use separate pouches.
- Park ‘Nose-In’: Continue to park ‘nose-in’ against a wall or garage door where possible. This acts as a physical deterrent against technical attacks like ‘headlight hacking,’ making it significantly harder for thieves to reach the wiring used to bypass security.
While a quarter of motorists (25%) test their pouches monthly, 27% admit they never check if the device is working.
A further 7% say they test their pouch only once a year or even less frequently.
Recommended reading:
This lack of regular testing leaves many drivers unprotected against modern, tech-enabled car theft.
Certain models are especially at risk from high-tech attacks, including the Toyota C-HR Dynamic HEV CVT and the Nissan Juke.
These can be targeted using methods such as CAN-bus injection or “headlight hacking” to bypass the vehicle’s security system.
Have you tested your car’s Faraday pouch recently? Let us know in the comments.
