Following the activities of the Kia Boys, major insurance firms are now declining coverage for new Hyundai and Kia models due to their susceptibility to theft. A recent report from WWL-TV in New Orleans states that two State Farm workers have disclosed a list of Hyundai and Kia models that are restricted from insurance policies in Louisiana, Georgia, Oregon, Washington, and Pennsylvania. However, the Louisiana Department of Insurance claims it has not been officially informed of such limitations.
Hyundai has been contacted by The Drive for a statement, and this article will be updated with their response shortly.
Earlier this year, theft of specific Hyundai and Kia models became a trend on TikTok. Thieves could steal certain models within a minute if they gained access to the car’s interior, using only a flathead screwdriver and a USB-A cable. The stealing process involved pulling down the plastic steering wheel column housing, breaking it off, removing the ignition cylinder, and utilizing a USB cable end to start the ignition.
As per the list from WWL-TV, the barred Hyundai and Kia models are detailed as follows:
- 2015-2021 Hyundai Accent (all models)
- 2015-2021 Hyundai Elantra (2-door and 4-door)
- 2015-2021 Hyundai Kona
- 2015-2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2015-2021 Hyundai Tucson
- 2015-2018 Hyundai Veloster
- 2015-2021 Kia Forte
- 2015-2021 Kia Optima
- 2015-2016 Kia Optima Hybrid
- 2015-2021 Kia Rio (all body styles)
- 2015-2021 Kia Sedona
- 2015-2016 Kia Sorento
- 2015-2021 Kia Soul
- 2015-2021 Kia Sportage
The reasons behind the successful thefts were due to a significant number of Hyundai and Kia models lacking engine immobilizers, thus eliminating the necessity for a key or keyfob to start the engine. However, Hyundai has since implemented engine immobilizers as standard on all models since 2021, while Kia began doing the same in 2022. Some models, like the Kia Optima Hybrid (2016), Kia Sorento, and Hyundai Veloster (2018), had immobilizers earlier.
State Farm will not allow the inclusion of any Hyundai and Kia models lacking standard engine immobilizers in new insurance policies. Existing policies that include such models will remain unchanged.
If you have any tips, please share them at tips@thedrive.com
