Here are the specific car models being affected by these changing insurance policies.
These Auto Insurers Won’t Cover Some Hyundai, Kia Vehicles After Thefts
Updated on May 29, 2025
If a type of car is easy to break into, it only makes sense that it would be targeted by thieves across the country—especially when social media makes it incredibly easy to learn how. While some vehicles have the proper technology that makes it impossible to use the car without the proper key, some don’t—including a few select Kias and Hyundais (the parent company for Kia, even though the two work independently). In 2022, 57% of car thefts in Milwaukee were Kias and Hyundais, as well as 55% of car thefts in St. Louis.
“Certain models between 2011 and 2021 did not have engine immobilizers, so essentially no anti-theft technology, making them ridiculously easy to steal,” says Alex Black of EpicVIN. “Certain insurance companies did not want to take that risk, particularly in urban areas where reports of theft went through the roof.”
Both companies have recently issued anti-theft software for many of the impacted vehicles, and are trying to remedy the problem by partnering with AAA to offer insurance. “They’re also launching a captive insurance company to offset the lack of insurance for their brands,” says Guillermo Francisco Cornejo, an insurance agent and CEO of Riders Share. “The Hyundai/Kia theft vulnerability was quite unique and no other OEMs come close.”
Here’s what else to know about which Hyundai and Kia models are susceptible to theft, and how to protect yours if you own one.
On This Page
Why Do Some Auto Insurance Companies Not Want to Cover Hyundais and Kias?
Insurance companies don’t want to cover these particular models of Hyundais and Kias because they are apparently too easy to steal.
Both of these models of cars lack engine immobilizers, a piece of security technology that doesn’t allow for the engine of the car to start unless the correct key is inserted into the ignition. Some cars even have a timed no-start condition if the wrong key is activated, using satellite and mobile phone communication to alert others that the car was trying to be activated with the incorrect key.
Without it, a car can easily be stolen—especially for cars with keyless entry. In particular, the affected Hyundai and Kia models can actually be broken into simply with a screwdriver and a USB cord.
What Specific Hyundai and Kia Models Are Affected?
Within the two brands car thieves are targeting, 2011 to 2021 models like Kia Souls and Sorentos, and Hyundai Tucsons and Elantras are usually targeted due to how easy they are to steal.
Because those cars do not contain the engine immobilizer, thieves can simply pop off the cover and break apart the ignition by turning the cylinder with a USB cable, making it easy to get the car going. This method of stealing cars has become easy to execute due to a series of viral online videos showing how exactly to break into these types of models.
Which Insurance Companies Are Denying Coverage to Hydudais and Kias?
As of right now, major insurance providers State Farm and Progressive are denying coverage of these select Kia and Hyundai models, according to CNN Money. Although the full scope of coverage for these particular vehicles across the insurance industry remains unclear, it’s estimated that other insurance providers may increase coverage premiums or decline coverage altogether.
Both Kia and Hyundai made statements to NBC15 in response to these insurance company decisions.
“Kia America regrets this decision by certain insurers and its impact on owners and lessees of select Kia vehicles, which we anticipate will be temporary,” Kia stated to NBC15. “Engine immobilizers are now standard on all Kia vehicles and have always been standard equipment on Kia vehicles with push-button ignitions.”
Hyundai “regrets this decision by insurers and its impact on select Hyundai vehicle owners and lessees, which we anticipate will be temporary.”
Plus, Hyundai also stated that they may bring some of these affected vehicles into local Hyundai dealerships for customers to purchase newly customized security kits to be installed.
If My Insurance Doesn’t Want to Cover My Car, What Can I Do?
If the premiums are too high, it may be worth taking a look at your finances first and see if it’s time to replace your vehicle with something new, especially if you’re not able to find insurance to cover your car at all.
However, if the financial burden of premium insurance coverage is worth it compared to buying a new car, or you find yourself not able to financially afford a new car at this time, you could always invest in a few anti-theft car devices to give your vehicle an extra layer of protection. While this will not outright solve the problem, for the time being, these devices can help.
FAQ
Are exotic or luxury cars harder to insure?
Yes, exotic and luxury cars are harder and more expensive to insure, but some insurers, like The Hartford, specialize in them.
“Not only are they costly to repair or replace, a lot of the time they have hard-to-find parts or need special repair,” says Black. “They’re also high-value targets for theft or joyrides, so that also makes them harder to insure, especially something like a Lambo or a McLaren.”
Does the location of the vehicle affect insurance eligibility?
Yes. Where you live definitely affects your insurability and your rates. “Risk is a key factor in insurance, and things like theft rates, repair costs and accident frequency in the area where a car is driven are considered when writing a policy,” says Meegan Hall, senior editor at Car Talk. “So, a car driven in NYC will have a different risk assessment than one in Rochester, Minnesota.”
Insurers also know which roads are the most dangerous in the country, says Francisco Cornejo. “They buy data from vendors like TNEDICCA or they rely on zip code-level data for crime rates, accident rates or sometimes proxies for congestion like population density.”
About the Experts
- Guillermo Francisco Cornejo is a licensed insurance agent and co-founder and CEO at Riders Share, a motorcycle rental platform that uses AI to correctly price vehicle rental insurance.
- Alex Black is chief marketing officer at EpicVIN. He has been car expert for more than 15 years, working at car auctions, vehicle history providers and more.
- Meegan Hall is senior editor of Car Talk, the digital content iteration of the long-running NPR show about all things automotive.
