What Kia Models Are Not Being Insured: Current List

Kia and Hyundai Insurance Issue

Unraveling the growing issue surrounding Kia and Hyundai car insurance, this section will elucidate the decisions of insurance companies and how they impact Kia owners.

Insurance Companies’ Decision

Several insurance companies, including State Farm and Progressive, have made decisive steps to address the rise in theft involving specific Kia and Hyundai models. These companies have chosen not to provide coverage for various models manufactured from 2015 to 2021, primarily due to the absence of engine immobilizers in these vehicles. This decision aims to mitigate the risk posed by a significant rise in vehicle theft.

State Farm has taken a measured approach by limiting the acceptance of new customer applications for the at-risk Kia and Hyundai models in select states. On the other hand, Progressive has raised insurance rates and restricted the sale of new policies for these models in certain regions. Both companies have ceased to offer insurance on these older models, particularly in theft-prone cities like Denver, Colorado, and St. Louis, Missouri.

These pronounced actions were catalyzed by data indicating that Kia and Hyundai models from 2015 to 2019 are approximately twice as likely to be stolen compared to other vehicles of similar age. This vulnerability is largely attributable to the lack of basic auto theft prevention technology in these models (The Zebra).

Impact on Kia Owners

The decisions made by State Farm and Progressive have substantial consequences for Kia vehicle owners. Those owning Kia models manufactured between 2015 and 2021, particularly in high-theft areas, may experience difficulties in finding affordable insurance coverage. Higher insurance rates and limited policy options can impose financial burdens, and the refusal to renew existing policies further exacerbates the issue.

For Kia owners impacted by these changes, it’s essential to stay informed about the security measures being implemented by manufacturers and seek potential alternatives for their insurance needs. The modifications by insurance firms serve both to protect their own financial risk and to encourage the automotive industry to enhance vehicle security features.

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Specific Models Affected

Years Affected

The insurance companies’ decision to not cover certain Kia models centers around vehicles manufactured between 2015 and 2021 (The Zebra). These models were identified due to their higher theft rates, primarily attributed to the lack of engine immobilizers, which makes them vulnerable to theft.

Model Vulnerabilities

The primary vulnerability leading to the lack of insurance coverage for these Kia models is the absence of adequate anti-theft technologies such as engine immobilizers. Engine immobilizers are a critical component in preventing vehicle theft, and their absence in many Kia models from these years makes them easy targets for thieves.

The most affected areas include states such as Louisiana, Georgia, Oregon, Washington, and Pennsylvania, as well as specific cities like Denver, Colorado, and St. Louis, Missouri. In these regions, both State Farm and Progressive have either stopped offering new policies or have raised rates significantly for these high-risk models (The Zebra).

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Insurance Companies’ Response

State Farm’s Actions

State Farm has taken significant steps in response to the increasing vehicle theft rates among specific Kia and Hyundai models. According to The Zebra, State Farm has started limiting the acceptance of new customer applications to cover these at-risk models in certain states. The primary reason for this decision is the high susceptibility of these vehicles to theft.

The restriction on offering new policies is particularly focused on older Kia and Hyundai models, especially those manufactured between 2015 and 2019, which lack advanced auto theft prevention technologies (CNN). Regions that are particularly affected include:

State Farm has indicated that its decisions are based on theft data and aim to mitigate the financial risk posed by high vehicle theft rates. For current Kia owners who are encountering these challenges, it’s crucial to understand these policy limitations and explore alternative options for insurance coverage. For additional information on common issues with Kia vehicles, check out kia radio not working and kia remote start not working.

Progressive’s Policies

Progressive has also implemented strict measures regarding the insurance of certain Kia and Hyundai models. Similar to State Farm, Progressive has raised insurance rates and restricted the sale of new policies for these models in specific geographic areas (The Zebra).

The affected models, particularly from the years 2015 to 2019, have shown a higher incidence of theft due to their lack of basic theft prevention technology (CNN). Progressive has identified high-risk areas and specifically targeted them with policy restrictions. These areas include cities notorious for elevated vehicle theft rates, such as Denver and St. Louis.

Progressive’s policies are a direct response to the significant increase in theft rates. Current Kia car owners should be aware of these restrictions and the potential impact on their insurance coverage. It’s advisable to regularly check for updates from your insurance provider and consider additional theft prevention measures. For more on related issues, explore articles like my kia soul two key fobs are not working and kia bluetooth not working.

Overall, these responses from State Farm and Progressive illustrate the broader challenges and complexities that Kia owners may face in securing adequate insurance coverage. For further insights, review our detailed articles on what is not covered by kia warranty and why not to buy a kia telluride.

Industry Data and Reports

Vehicle Theft Statistics

The recent insurance decisions regarding Kia models stem from troubling vehicle theft statistics. Data from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety in September 2022 highlights that vehicle theft claims for Kia and Hyundai models were nearly twice as common as those from all other manufacturers. The primary reason for this increased theft rate is the absence of immobilizers in these vehicles.

According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, 2015-2019 Hyundai and Kia models are significantly more prone to being stolen compared to other vehicles of similar age. During this period, only 26% of Hyundai and Kia vehicles were equipped with electronic immobilizers, in sharp contrast to the standard 96% immobilizer inclusion rate for vehicles sold.

Insurance Institute Insights

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) have both conducted extensive studies on vehicle theft rates. Their findings reveal a disconcerting trend for specific Kia and Hyundai models, which face a much higher likelihood of theft. The lack of electronic immobilizers has been pinpointed as a significant vulnerability, making these vehicles easier targets for theft.

This rising trend in theft claims has had a direct impact on the insurance industry. Major insurers like Progressive and State Farm have responded by deciding not to renew policies or write new ones for certain models of Kia and Hyundai vehicles. This decision is detailed further in our section on Progressive’s policies and State Farm’s actions.

Owners of affected models are increasingly experiencing higher insurance premiums due to elevated risk factors. The Financial Conduct Authority’s investigation into the cost of paying for car insurance in installments highlights that paying in this manner can add up to 30% to the total policy cost. Discover more about insurance nuances in our report on why not to buy a Kia Telluride.

For Kia car owners, understanding these statistics and insights is crucial. Elevated vehicle theft rates not only impact insurance policies but also influence overall ownership costs. For more specific issues related to Kia models, check out our articles on what is not covered by Kia warranty and 2016 Kia Sorento brake lights not working.

Manufacturer Responses

Hyundai’s Security Measures

Hyundai has undertaken several initiatives to address the security concerns associated with their vehicles. Their primary measure is the introduction of engine immobilizers as a standard feature on all new models (CNN). This technology is designed to prevent the vehicle from being started without the correct key, thereby reducing the likelihood of theft.

Hyundai has also been proactive in updating the software of older models to bolster their security. On February 14, 2023, Hyundai commenced these updates for specific models:

For models not covered by these pre-scheduled updates, Hyundai is making the software available at dealerships starting June 2023. Additionally, the company is distributing free steering wheel locks to various police departments and offering security kits for purchase and installation through its dealers (The Zebra). These multiple layers of security measures are aimed at reducing the susceptibility of Hyundai vehicles to theft.

Kia’s Security Enhancements

Kia has also implemented significant steps to enhance the security of their vehicles, echoing Hyundai’s approach by making engine immobilizers a standard feature on all their models (CNN). For older models initially not equipped with immobilizers, Kia is developing a security software update to improve their safety.

This software update, which is being provided free of charge, will start rolling out later in February 2023. Vehicle owners are being notified about its availability and can schedule the update at authorized dealerships (The Zebra).

In early 2024, Kia settled a class action lawsuit by establishing a $145 million fund to implement security enhancements in affected vehicles. Owners can check their eligibility for these improvements by entering their vehicle identification number (VIN). Despite these efforts, reports continue to indicate a rise in car thefts affecting both Hyundai and Kia models.

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Ongoing Developments

Software Updates

To address the rising concerns about vehicle theft, both Hyundai and Kia have begun rolling out software updates to enhance the security features in their vehicles. Hyundai started releasing updates on February 14, 2023, specifically targeting models like the 2017-2020 Elantras, 2015-2019 Sonatas, and 2020-2021 Venue vehicles. For models not covered by these automatic updates, owners can receive the software updates at dealerships starting June 2023.

Kia also plans to roll out their updates later in February 2023, aiming to increase vehicle security and make it harder to steal their cars. These updates are crucial to mitigate theft and improve the overall safety of their models.

For more specific information on the software updates and the models affected, Kia owners should check with their local dealership or visit Kia’s official website.

Settlements and Reactions

In early 2024, Kia settled a class action lawsuit by establishing a $145 million fund to implement necessary security improvements in affected vehicles. Owners can verify their eligibility for these funds by entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the designated settlement website.

The settlement aims to compensate owners for their losses and provide the required enhancements to prevent future thefts. Despite these efforts, reports indicate that the theft of Hyundai and Kia vehicles remains a significant issue.

Insurance companies like State Farm and Progressive have already taken measures due to the theft rates. Progressive witnessed an alarming increase in theft for specific Hyundai and Kia models, making them nearly 20 times more likely to be stolen in certain markets. Consequently, Progressive has increased rates, limited the sale of new policies on some models in particular regions, but continues to provide coverage for existing policyholders, along with offering theft prevention advice.

Kia owners should remain vigilant and stay updated on the latest security enhancements and available resources. For more related issues, you may refer to articles like kia remote start not working and kia bluetooth not working.