Over the past three years, theft cases of certain Hyundai and Kia models have seen a sharp increase of more than tenfold, causing widespread concern. This alarming increase is, in large part, attributed to a series of social media posts detailing the methods by which these vehicles are stolen.
According to data provided by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), an industry group specializing in statistics, insurance claims for theft of Hyundai and Kia cars increased by more than 1,000% from the first six months of 2020 to the same period in 2023. Insurance.
In the first half of 2020, about 1 in 1,000 insured Hyundai and Kia vehicles were reported stolen, which was in line with other car brands overall. However, by the first half of 2023, this rate had risen to 11.2 thefts per 1,000 insured Hyundai and Kia vehicles. Meanwhile, theft rates of other car brands remained relatively stable.
During the same period, Hyundai and Kia theft claims were more than seven times those of other car brands, according to HLDI.
Easiest models to steal
Certain older models manufactured between 2015 and 2019, such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson, and the Kia Forte and Sportage, are particularly vulnerable. These vehicles, especially those equipped with turnkey ignition, are twice as likely to be stolen as others of the same age.
This is how they steal cars
A theft method widely circulated on social networks involves using the metal tip of a USB cable to start a car, a technique that is one of the main reasons behind the rise in theft.
According to data crunched by HLDI, several states, including New York, Washington and Delaware, saw a significant increase in theft claims for Hyundai and Kia vehicles in the first half of last year. For example, in Maryland, claims per 1,000 insured vehicles went from four in the last six months of 2022 to 14 in the first half of 2023.
Sabotage
Vandalism claims also skyrocketed, three times higher than any other vehicle on the market during the first half of 2023, possibly as a result of failed theft attempts.
This alarming increase in theft has led some auto insurers in some markets to refuse to cover older Hyundai and Kia models, a rare practice in the industry.
Changes in car production
Hyundai and Kia have responded to the situation by entering into agreements with vehicle owners, and have committed to invest US$200 million to resolve claims related to vehicle safety. In addition to compensation for stolen or damaged vehicles, the settlement covers the installation of anti-theft software and other costs associated with theft prevention measures.
Faced with this growing problem, some states have intensified cooperation with automotive companies, distributing steering locks to owners of affected models.
Despite these efforts, experts suggest that the rapid increase in theft is linked to greater awareness of the vulnerability of these vehicles and the techniques used to exploit them. Matt Moore, senior vice president of HLDI, highlights the importance of owners understanding the vulnerability of their vehicles and taking steps to protect them, while noting that media coverage can also play a key role in raising awareness of ways to prevent accidents. Robbery.
