Where and how to hide a key fob on your car spare key? When it comes to hiding a key fob on your car, the goal is to keep it accessible while also ensuring it’s secure from potential thieves.
Here are some of the best strategies for keeping your key fob safely hidden, along with detailed pros and cons for each method.
10 Secret Places To Hide Car Key
1. Use a Magnetic Key Holder
A magnetic key holder can be attached to inconspicuous metal parts of your vehicle. Make sure it’s placed in a location that is difficult to spot, such as the frame under the car or near the wheel well. Avoid placing it on easily accessible parts like the exhaust or bumper, where thieves often check first.
- Pros: Easy to use, inexpensive, can be attached to various parts of the car.
- Cons: Thieves may know common spots; magnets can lose grip over time, especially on bumpy roads.
2. Hide It in a Wheel Well Compartment
If your car has a wheel well with some hidden space, you can secure your key fob there. Ensure it’s tightly packed and that the compartment is sturdy enough to keep the key in place while driving. It’s also a good idea to place it in a waterproof container to avoid moisture damage.
- Pros: Concealed location, easy access when needed.
- Cons: Wheel wells are often checked by thieves, can be affected by dirt and water.
3. Inside the Gas Cap Compartment
Another less common place to hide a key fob is inside the gas cap compartment. This location is not typically the first place thieves will check. Ensure the fob is secure and protected from fuel residue that might damage the electronics.
- Pros: Uncommon hiding spot, relatively secure.
- Cons: Risk of fuel residue damage, not all cars have spacious gas cap compartments.
4. Underneath or Inside a Bumper
If your vehicle’s bumper has a small opening, you could consider hiding a key fob in a secure, hidden spot there. Make sure it’s attached firmly to avoid losing it. For extra security, you can use Velcro or a small adhesive container.
- Pros: Out of sight, can be securely attached.
- Cons: Can be difficult to access quickly, potential for the key to fall off if not secured properly.
5. Create a False Compartment
You can create a false compartment inside your car, such as under the trunk lining, the dashboard, or even under a seat. These are less accessible to opportunistic thieves and can keep the key safe and out of sight. False compartments are particularly effective because they are not obvious and require knowledge of the car’s interior to locate.
- Pros: Highly secure, hidden from sight.
- Cons: Requires effort to create, may not be easily accessible in an emergency.
6. Inside the Trailer Hitch
If your car has a trailer hitch, you can use a hollow hitch safe to hide a key fob. These hitch safes are designed to fit securely in the receiver and can be locked, providing an added layer of security. This option keeps your key out of sight and is not a place thieves commonly check.
- Pros: Secure, lockable, uncommon hiding spot.
- Cons: Requires a trailer hitch, can be difficult to access without tools.
7. Behind a License Plate
Another creative spot to hide a key fob is behind your car’s license plate. You can use a small holder or pouch and secure it behind the plate with screws. This spot is less likely to be checked by thieves and keeps the key well hidden from view.
- Pros: Well hidden, not an obvious spot.
- Cons: Requires tools to access, can be time-consuming to remove the license plate.
8. Inside a Roof Rack Compartment
If your car has a roof rack with a compartment, this can be a great place to hide a key fob. It’s elevated, out of direct sight, and less likely to be checked by a thief.
- Pros: Elevated, hidden from casual observation.
- Cons: May require climbing to access, can be affected by weather conditions.
9. Behind Interior Panels
Some cars have removable interior panels that can be used as a hiding place. This is a very discreet location that requires some knowledge of the car to access.
- Pros: Extremely secure, not easily accessible without knowledge of the car.
- Cons: Time-consuming to access, requires tools to remove panels.
10. Inside the Spare Tire Compartment
Many cars have a compartment for the spare tire in the trunk. This can be an excellent place to hide a key fob, as it is hidden from plain sight and well-protected.
- Pros: Secure, hidden, easy to access when needed.
- Cons: Requires opening the trunk, may be cumbersome if you need quick access.
Tips for Added Security
- Signal Blocking Pouch: Key fobs emit signals that can be intercepted. Place your key fob in a signal-blocking pouch (like a Faraday bag) to prevent keyless car theft.
- Avoid Obvious Locations: Never hide your key fob in places like the top of the tire or inside door handles—these are the first places thieves check.
- Waterproof Container: Always use a waterproof container when hiding your key fob outside the vehicle to protect it from moisture, dirt, and other environmental factors.
Precautions
While hiding a key fob can be convenient, it also comes with risks. Thieves often know common hiding spots, so it’s essential to think creatively and avoid the most obvious locations. Always prioritize safety, ensuring your car is parked in a well-lit area when hiding your key fob.
Hiding a key fob might be necessary in certain situations, such as outdoor activities or when sharing your car, but it’s important to be cautious. By choosing a secure, discreet location and using additional security measures, you can reduce the risks of theft.
Written by : Carlo Di Leo
At the age of 24, with no experience in the security industry or any money in the bank, Carlo quit his job and started Spotter Security from his parent's basement. Founded in 2004, Spotter grew from a single man operation into a multi-million dollar security system integrator that caters to businessess and construction sites across Canada.