Orlando Harmon
Hyundai vehicles have been deemed by some insurance companies as too easy to steal, resulting in higher insurance premiums or outright refusal of coverage. This issue came to light in 2022 when a trend emerged on TikTok, showcasing how a flathead screwdriver and a USB cable could be used to steal certain Hyundai models. In response, Hyundai has released software updates and provided free steering wheel locks to address the vulnerability. Despite these efforts, some insurance companies continue to deny coverage for specific Hyundai models, while others have increased their rates. This has created a challenging situation for Hyundai owners, who may struggle to find affordable and comprehensive insurance plans for their vehicles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hyundai models affected | 2015-2021 |
| Reason | Vehicles are easy to steal |
| Insurance companies dropping coverage | State Farm, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, Travelers |
| Software updates | Available for 2017-2020 Elantras, 2015-2019 Sonatas and 2020-2021 Venue vehicles |
| Security kits | Available at Hyundai dealers |
| Steering wheel locks | Provided to some police departments |
| Higher insurance premiums | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Hyundai models are easy to steal
Hyundai models, particularly those produced between 2011 and 2021, have been deemed easy targets for car theft. This is due to a combination of factors, including a missing component and social media influence, which have contributed to a surge in thefts of these vehicles.
In July 2022, a group called the "Kia Boys" posted a video on TikTok, showcasing how easily some modern Hyundai and Kia models could be stolen using common tools. This sparked a trend, with people across the nation attempting to replicate these thefts and sharing their successes on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube. The affected cars lacked engine immobilizers, a standard security feature that prevents a vehicle from starting without the matching key or key fob. This security vulnerability has made it possible for thieves to start these cars with just a screwdriver and a USB cable.
The high incidence of thefts has had a significant impact on insurance coverage for Hyundai owners. Several insurance providers, including State Farm and Progressive, have stopped writing policies for certain Hyundai models, citing the increased risk of theft. Other insurers have raised rates for existing customers or denied coverage for new policies, reflecting the challenge of insuring these vehicles.
In response to this issue, Hyundai has taken steps to address the vulnerability. They started rolling out software updates in February 2023 for select models, including the 2017-2020 Elantras, 2015-2019 Sonatas, and 2020-2021 Venue vehicles. The update is designed to make it harder for thieves to hotwire the cars. Additionally, Hyundai has made immobilizers standard equipment across all new models starting in 2022.
While these measures are a step in the right direction, millions of vulnerable cars are yet to receive the software update. As a result, Hyundai owners continue to face challenges in obtaining affordable insurance and protecting their vehicles from theft. The situation has also led to negative publicity and legal repercussions for the company, including a $200 million class-action payout.
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Hyundai's TikTok car theft scandal
Hyundais TikTok Car Theft Scandal
Hyundai and Kia vehicles have been the target of a dangerous challenge spreading on TikTok and other social media platforms. The challenge involves stealing certain makes and models of 2010-2021 Kia and Hyundai vehicles that use a mechanical key and a "turn-to-start" ignition system. The trend started in 2021 and has led to a surge in car thefts across the country, with police departments in various cities reporting a significant increase in the theft of Hyundais and Kias compared to previous years.
The issue has been attributed to the lack of immobilizers in these vehicles, which are standard equipment on most other vehicles from the same period. Thieves known as "Kia Boyz" or "Kia Boys" posted instructional videos on YouTube and TikTok, demonstrating how to bypass the vehicles' security systems using simple tools like a flathead screwdriver or a USB cable. As a result, insurance companies have started blacklisting certain Hyundai and Kia models, refusing to provide coverage or charging higher premiums due to the increased risk of theft.
In response to the scandal, Hyundai and Kia have taken several steps to address the issue. They have offered free software updates to extend the length of the alarm sound and require a key in the ignition switch to start the vehicle. Additionally, they have distributed steering wheel locks and plan to sell a security kit to enhance the security of their vehicles. Despite these efforts, some insurance providers, such as State Farm and Progressive, have confirmed that they will no longer write policies for several Kia and Hyundai models, impacting customers' ability to obtain insurance for these vehicles.
The scandal has also led to legal repercussions. Multiple class-action lawsuits have been filed against Hyundai and Kia, with attorneys general from several states demanding that the companies take more effective measures to prevent thefts. Hyundai recently settled one class-action lawsuit for $200 million, and insurers have also filed lawsuits, estimating significant payouts for stolen cars. The scandal has not only affected Hyundai and Kia's reputation but has also caused financial losses for both the companies and their customers, highlighting the potential consequences of security vulnerabilities in modern vehicles.
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Hyundai's engine immobilizers
Hyundai vehicles produced since November 2021 are equipped with an engine immobilizer. However, some 2011-2022 models without engine immobilizers cannot accommodate the software upgrade. This issue came to light in July 2022 when thieves began stealing Kia and Hyundai vehicles using only a flathead screwdriver and a USB cable, as shown in a TikTok trend. As a result, some major insurance providers stopped writing policies for several Hyundai models, deeming them too easy to steal.
Hyundais that lack engine immobilizers are at a higher risk of theft. The Highway Loss Data Institute found that Kia and Hyundai models manufactured between 2015 and 2019 were nearly twice as likely to be stolen compared to other car brands. This prompted Hyundai to address the issue by offering a free anti-theft software upgrade for eligible vehicles. The software upgrade modifies certain vehicle control modules, enabling an "ignition kill" feature that prevents the car from being started when the theft mode is activated.
Hyundai has partnered with local law enforcement, government officials, and community organizations to combat the rise in vehicle thefts and raise awareness about the free software upgrade. The upgrade can be installed at any Hyundai dealership in under an hour, and customers are encouraged to take advantage of this service to enhance the security of their vehicles.
In addition to the software upgrade, Hyundai has also collaborated with AAA to offer insurance options for affected owners and lessees. Hyundai is reimbursing customers who purchased steering wheel locks and other anti-theft devices for their vehicles that cannot accommodate the software upgrade. These efforts demonstrate Hyundai's commitment to addressing the security concerns and providing support to its customers.
While the software upgrade is voluntary, it is important for eligible Hyundai owners to consider taking advantage of this opportunity to enhance the security of their vehicles and protect them from potential theft. With the upgrade, Hyundai vehicles gain an extra layer of protection, making it more difficult for thieves to target them using the methods circulated online.
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Hyundai's software updates
Hyundai has been offering software updates to its vehicles to address security concerns and enhance user experience. In February 2023, Hyundai initiated a software update to address security vulnerabilities in specific models, including the 2017-2020 Elantras, 2015-2019 Sonatas, and 2020-2021 Venue vehicles. The update aimed to make these cars harder to steal, as they had gained notoriety for being easy targets for theft.
The software updates were made available through dealerships, with Hyundai stating that the process would take less than an hour. The update was voluntary, and those who received it were provided with a sticker indicating the activation of anti-theft protection. This move came in response to a trend on TikTok, where videos demonstrating how to steal certain Hyundai and Kia models using only a flathead screwdriver and a USB cable surfaced.
Hyundai has continued to release software updates to improve their vehicles' performance and functionality. For instance, a March 2025 software update was made available for download through the Navigation Updater app. This update was applicable to the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy and the 2024 Kona Limited. While some users eagerly anticipate these updates, others have expressed disappointment over unmet expectations, such as the absence of modern cluster styles or additional gauge cluster themes.
Hyundai also offers over-the-air (OTA) software updates, which can be pushed directly to vehicles without the need for a dealership visit. This feature allows Hyundai to address bugs and improve the user experience remotely. However, some users have reported issues with updating their vehicles, with some models not finding the latest updates or being incompatible with certain updates.
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Hyundai's insurance ineligibility
Hyundai owners have been facing a challenging situation when it comes to obtaining auto insurance for their vehicles. The issue of Hyundais being deemed "ineligible for insurance" has gained significant attention, and it's important to understand the factors contributing to this development.
The primary reason for the insurance ineligibility of certain Hyundai models is the heightened risk of theft associated with these vehicles. In 2022, a trend emerged on TikTok, known as the "Kia Boys" or "TikTok theft scandal", where videos demonstrated how to steal specific Kia and Hyundai models using just a flathead screwdriver and a USB cable. This vulnerability stems from the lack of standard engine immobilizers in cars manufactured between 2015 and 2019, making them nearly twice as likely to be stolen compared to other vehicles of similar ages. As a result, insurance companies have become increasingly reluctant to provide coverage for these high-risk cars.
Major insurance providers like State Farm and Progressive have confirmed that they will no longer offer policies for several Hyundai models, specifically those produced between 2015 and 2021. This decision is based on the significant increase in theft claims, with Hyundai and Kia vehicles accounting for nearly double the theft claims compared to other manufacturers, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety in September 2022. The absence of immobilizers, a standard security feature in other cars, has made these models particularly attractive to thieves.
The impact of this situation extends beyond insurance challenges. Hyundai's reputation has taken a hit, and they, along with Kia, agreed to a $200 million class-action payout due to the ease of stealing their vehicles. Additionally, Hyundai has been working to address the issue by releasing software updates to enhance security. These updates started rolling out in February 2023 for select Hyundai models, and remaining vehicles can receive the updates at dealerships. However, the upgrade is voluntary, and millions of cars have yet to receive it.
While some insurance companies have opted to discontinue coverage for these high-risk Hyundai models, it's important to note that not all insurers have followed suit. Some major insurance providers are still offering coverage for older Kia and Hyundai vehicles. As a result, owners of these cars are advised to shop around and explore alternative insurance options to secure the necessary protection for their vehicles.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Hyundai cars are hard to insure due to their high risk of theft.
Hyundai vehicles manufactured between 2015 and 2019 lacked electronic immobilizers, which prevent thieves from simply breaking in and bypassing the ignition. This feature was standard in most other vehicles of the same period.
Progressive, State Farm, and Allstate are some of the major insurance providers that have confirmed they will no longer write policies for several Hyundai models.
Hyundai has started rolling out software upgrades that can prevent some of the affected cars from being hotwired. They are also providing free steering wheel locks to residents with Hyundai models that could be easily stolen.
Yes, several major insurance companies still insure older Hyundai models. It is recommended to shop around and compare rates from different providers.
