Haris Ashley
Kia car insurance has become a hot topic in recent years, with some insurers refusing to cover certain models. The issue stems from a rise in thefts among Kia vehicles, which are reportedly easy to steal due to the lack of standard anti-theft measures in older models. This has resulted in higher insurance premiums and limited coverage options for Kia owners, with some insurers refusing to write new policies for specific models. However, it's important to note that not all insurers have followed suit, and several major insurance companies still offer coverage for older Kia models. While the situation has caused concern for Kia owners, it has also prompted the company to address security concerns by introducing software updates and engine immobilizers to deter theft.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Kias Insurable | Varies by model, year, and location |
| Reason | High theft rates due to lack of anti-theft measures |
| Affected Models | 2015-2021 Kia Forte, Optima, Rio, Sedona, Sorento, Soul, Sportage |
| Insurance Companies Dropping Coverage | State Farm, Progressive, Allstate, Travelers, Liberty Mutual |
| Software Updates | Kia and Hyundai released updates to address security concerns |
| Alternative Options | Several major insurance companies still offer coverage for older Kias |
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What You'll Learn
Kias are easy to steal
The ease of stealing Kias was further exacerbated by social media trends, particularly on TikTok, where videos demonstrating how to steal these cars went viral. This led to a wave of Kia thefts, with people using only a flathead screwdriver and a USB cable to steal thousands of Kia models from 2011 to 2019. The situation became so dire that major insurance providers, such as State Farm and Progressive, stopped writing policies for several Kia models, deeming them too risky to insure.
In response to the growing theft problem, Kia has taken steps to address the issue. The company began notifying owners of affected vehicles about the availability of free security software updates that aim to improve vehicle security. Additionally, Kia dealers are selling and installing security kits for the vehicles. While these measures are a step in the right direction, they may not be enough to completely deter thieves, as the underlying design vulnerabilities remain.
To protect their Kias from theft, owners are advised to take additional security measures. This includes parking in secure locations, such as garages, and choosing well-lit areas when parking on the street. Furthermore, Kia owners can invest in additional security devices, such as steering wheel locks or tracking devices, to make their vehicles more secure. These precautions can help deter thieves and reduce the risk of vehicle theft.
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Kias are expensive to insure
A viral trend on TikTok emerged, demonstrating how to steal Kias using only a flathead screwdriver and a USB cable. This resulted in the theft of thousands of Hyundai and Kia models from 2011 to 2019. As a result, some insurance companies, such as State Farm and Progressive, have stopped writing policies for several Kia and Hyundai models. This has left car owners with very few options, as other insurance companies may also be reluctant to insure these vehicles due to the high risk of theft.
The high theft rates of Kias have resulted in higher insurance premiums for owners, as insurance companies price their policies based on the level of risk. In some areas, Kias are almost 20 times more likely to be stolen than other vehicles, making them extremely challenging and expensive to insure. The increased theft rates have also led to higher costs for insurance companies, which are passed on to customers in the form of higher premiums.
In addition to the high theft rates, other factors that contribute to the high cost of insuring a Kia include the model and trim level of the vehicle, its usage, where it is parked, and the driver's history. These factors can affect the insurance rate differently based on the insurance coverages selected. For example, the 2023 Kia Soul is one of the cheapest cars of 2023 and 2024, and may therefore be cheaper to insure than a more expensive Kia model. However, this is not always the case, as car price is not the only factor in determining insurance costs.
While Kias may be expensive to insure due to these factors, it is important to note that several major insurance companies still insure older Kias and Hyundais. Additionally, Kia has begun notifying owners of the availability of free security software updates to address the lack of immobilizers in older models. These updates may help reduce the risk of theft and could potentially lower insurance rates for Kia owners in the future.
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Kias lack anti-theft measures
Several Kia models have been deemed too easy to steal, which has led to some insurance companies refusing to insure them. State Farm and Progressive, two of America's largest auto insurers, have stopped writing policies for certain older Kia models. This is because these models lack engine immobilizers, which has made them susceptible to a wave of thefts. In fact, in 2022, a trend on TikTok emerged where people were stealing Kias using only a flathead screwdriver and a USB cable.
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety reported in September 2022 that vehicle theft claims for Kias were nearly twice as common as for all other manufacturers. The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) found that Kia models between 2015 and 2019 were almost twice as likely to be stolen. This was attributed to the lack of immobilizers, with Senior VP of the HLDI, Matt Moore, stating that vehicle theft losses decreased after immobilizers were introduced, but that Hyundai and Kia lagged in making them standard equipment.
Kia has responded by releasing anti-theft software updates for affected vehicles, which will be provided at no charge. The company has also begun notifying owners of the availability of this software. In addition, Kia has recalled certain vehicles to install new software, and dealers are selling and installing security kits for the vehicles.
While some insurers have stopped offering coverage for certain Kia models, it is important to note that several major insurance companies still insure older Kias. However, owners of these models may face higher insurance premiums due to the increased risk of theft. It is recommended that owners of these vehicles take measures to protect their cars, such as parking in secure locations and installing additional security features.
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Kias are susceptible to theft trends
The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) reported that theft insurance claims for vulnerable Hyundais and Kias increased more than 1000% between the first half of 2020 and the first half of 2023. In the first half of 2023, Hyundai and Kia theft claims were more than seven times higher than for cars from other manufacturers. Certain older Hyundai and Kia models made between 2015 and 2019 are particularly vulnerable to theft due to the lack of basic auto-theft prevention technology, such as electronic immobilizers.
In response to the spike in thefts, Hyundai and Kia have taken steps to provide anti-theft equipment and technologies to customers. They have issued voluntary recalls of affected vehicles, enabling owners to receive free anti-theft software upgrades. Additionally, they have worked with local police to distribute steering wheel locks to owners of these models. However, even with these security measures in place, thieves continue to target these vehicles.
The increase in thefts has had a significant impact on insurance for Kia vehicles. Several insurance companies, including State Farm and Progressive, have confirmed that they will no longer write policies for certain older Kia and Hyundai models that are deemed too easy to steal. This has left many owners of these vehicles struggling to find insurance coverage and facing higher insurance premiums. Some owners have reported that their insurance companies are making it difficult for them to pay their monthly bills, potentially encouraging them to switch insurers.
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Kias are not insurable in certain states
The Highway Loss Data Institute reviewed insurance claims and found that among 2015-2019 vehicles, theft claims were nearly twice as common for Hyundai and Kia vehicles than all other car manufacturers. This was because many of these models lacked engine immobilizers, which prevent thieves from breaking in and bypassing the ignition. In September 2022, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety reported that vehicle theft claims for Kias and Hyundais were nearly twice as common as for all other manufacturers.
As a result, two of the USA's largest auto insurers, Progressive and State Farm, have refused to write policies in certain cities for some older Hyundai and Kia models. The companies have not disclosed which states are affected, but CNN reported that they have stopped offering insurance on vehicles in Denver, Colorado, and St. Louis, Missouri. Other insurance companies have not commented on whether they will follow suit.
Kia has begun notifying owners of the availability of free security software, which will be provided at no charge. However, until these measures are implemented, Kia owners in certain states may continue to face challenges in insuring their vehicles.
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Frequently asked questions
Kias are insurable, but some insurance companies are refusing to insure certain older models that are deemed too easy to steal.
Kias built between 2011 and 2021 have a steel key to "insert and turn to start" the ignition, making them vulnerable to theft. This has resulted in a rise in theft rates for these models, which insurance companies consider extremely challenging to insure.
Progressive and State Farm, two of America's largest auto insurers, are refusing to write policies for certain older Kia models. Other insurance companies may also be affected, but they have not confirmed this.
Yes, several major insurance companies will still insure older Kias. Additionally, the 2023 Kia Soul is one of the cheapest cars of 2023 and 2024, and it may be cheaper to insure than more expensive Kia models.
If you already have insurance, keep your policy and be prepared for higher payments and premiums. If you need to switch to a new insurance company, do not drop your old insurance until your new coverage starts. You can also ask your current insurer if they plan to renew your policy and take measures to protect your vehicle from theft.
