Hyundai & AAA Team Up To Offer Insurance To Potential Theft Victims

Now an update to a story we've been following regarding an uptick in thefts of certain 2011-2022 Hyundai vehicles that lack push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices.

Hyundai, AAA Offer New Insurance Option For Certain Theft Prone Vehicles

Hyundai Motor America is joining forces with independently operated AAA insurers to offer insurance options for vehicle owners to certain Hyundai vehicles without push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices.   The program will be available in all states with the exception of those states where AAA does not offer insurance as outlined below:

• Alaska
• Massachusetts
• Washington (state)

The announcement comes after some insurers reportedly dropped coverage for certain Hyundai models due to the theft issue.  Under the program, AAA insurers will issue new and renewal policies for eligible affected Hyundai customers. Drivers can visit AAA.com/insurance for a quote.

“We are pleased to collaborate with AAA insurers in the best interest of our shared customers and provide support for those who were having difficulty securing and sustaining auto insurance as a result of the increased criminal activity targeting Hyundai vehicles,” said Randy Parker, CEO, Hyundai Motor America.

“AAA is about taking care of people,” said Marshall Doney, CEO and President for AAA, Inc. “Collaborating with Hyundai on this issue to help provide customers with a viable solution felt like a natural fit for us.”

Anti-Theft Software Update

Hyundai also says it's expedited the roll out of the free anti-theft software upgrade for affected vehicles.  Last week, all of the nearly 4 million vehicles involved became eligible for the upgrade which Hyundai says is two months ahead of schedule. The software upgrade is designed to prevent the vehicles from starting during a method of theft popularized on TikTok and other social media channels.

“Our goal is to get every one of these vehicles into a dealership for the free software upgrade,” added Parker.

Eligible Affected Vehicles

Other Action Taken

Hyundai says all of its vehicles produced since November 2021 are equipped with an engine immobilizer as standard equipment. In addition, Hyundai says it continues to work with more than 450 law enforcement agencies across the country to provide no-cost steering wheel locks to affected communities.

About the Software Upgrade

Hyundai says the software upgrade modifies certain vehicle control modules on Hyundai vehicles equipped with standard “turn-key-to-start” ignition systems. As a result, locking the doors with the key fob will set the factory alarm and activate an “ignition kill” feature so the vehicles cannot be started when subjected to the popularized theft mode. Customers must use the key fob to unlock their vehicles in order to deactivate the “ignition kill” feature.

The free software installation performed by Hyundai dealers takes less than an hour. Afterwards, each vehicle will be affixed with anti-theft tech window decals designed to deter would-be thieves.

A smaller group of 2011-2022 model year vehicles cannot accommodate the software upgrade. Those owners will be reimbursed for their purchase of steering wheel locks. Hyundai says it's also working on an option to reimburse owners who buy a different anti-theft device, like an alarm kit. 

To learn more visit : www.HyundaiAntiTheft.com.

Photo credit: Hyundai.