Theft rates of Hyundai and Kia vehicles have been a major concern for owners and insurers alike, with thieves targeting certain models due to the lack of engine immobilizers. However, recent research from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) has shown that anti-theft software upgrades provided for these vehicles have significantly reduced theft rates by more than half.
The software upgrade, which was implemented starting in February 2023, has been a game-changer for owners of affected Hyundai and Kia models. This upgrade ensures that the vehicle will only start if the owner’s key or an identical duplicate is in the ignition, effectively preventing unauthorized individuals from driving off with the car. Additionally, vehicles with the software upgrade also receive a window sticker aimed at deterring potential thieves.
According to HLDI, approximately two dozen 2011-2022 Hyundai and Kia models are eligible for the software upgrade. As of December 2023, 30% of eligible Hyundais and 28% of eligible Kias in HLDI’s database had received the upgrade. The results were impressive, with vehicles that had the upgrade experiencing theft claim frequencies that were 53% lower than those without the upgrade.
It’s important to note that theft claims don’t just include the theft of the entire vehicle. They also encompass claims for damage to stolen and recovered vehicles, theft of vehicle parts, and items stolen from inside the vehicle. The frequency of whole vehicle theft, as calculated by HLDI, fell by a larger 64% for vehicles with the upgrade.
Despite the success of the software upgrade in reducing theft rates, HLDI noted that the frequency of theft claims for Hyundai and Kia vehicles remains high, even for models with the new software. One possible reason for this is that the software-based immobilizer only activates if the driver remembers to lock the vehicle with a fob, while many people are accustomed to using the switch on the door handle.
The study conducted by HLDI concluded in December, but Hyundai and Kia have continued to implement software upgrades in vehicles since then. The automakers have reported that about 60% of eligible vehicles had been upgraded as of last month, showing a commitment to improving the security of their vehicles and protecting owners from theft.
In conclusion, the anti-theft software upgrades provided for Hyundai and Kia vehicles have proven to be effective in reducing theft rates and enhancing the security of these popular car models. Owners are encouraged to take advantage of these upgrades to protect their vehicles and deter potential thieves.