Theft insurance claims soar more than 1,000% for Kia and Hyundai vehicles

Theft insurance claims for these vulnerable vehicles shot up more than 1,000% between 2020 and 2023, according to Highway Loss Data Institute.

News 12 Staff

Jan 5, 2024, 1:18 PM

Updated 337 days ago

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Many car thieves continue to prey on certain older Kia and Hyundai models.
Theft insurance claims for these vulnerable vehicles shot up more than 1,000% between 2020 and 2023, according to Highway Loss Data Institute.
The group says some Hyundai and KIA models from 2015 to 2019 aren't equipped with basic prevention technology like electric immobilizers.
After social media videos showing how to illegally start these cars went viral, thefts went up even more.
Hyundai and Kia recently agreed to a $200 million settlement with millions of car owners regarding the lack of security software.
Both automakers say they've been working alongside local police departments to hand out steering locks to drivers of affected models.