Hyundai and AAA Insurers Collaborate to Offer Insurance Options for Customers Affected by Method of Theft Popularized on TikTok

Rhea-AI Summary

Hyundai Motor America has partnered with AAA insurers to provide insurance options for owners of certain Hyundai vehicles affected by a rise in thefts. This initiative aims to assist customers struggling to obtain auto insurance due to increased criminal activities targeting their vehicles. The insurance program will be available in most states, with details accessible at AAA.com/insurance.

In addition, Hyundai is expediting a free software upgrade to enhance anti-theft measures for nearly 4 million vehicles, available two months earlier than planned. Affected owners can also receive reimbursement for steering wheel locks if their vehicles cannot accommodate the software upgrade. All Hyundai vehicles produced after November 2021 come with engine immobilizers as standard.

Positive

• Collaboration with AAA insurers enhances customer support for affected Hyundai vehicle owners.
• Expedited rollout of free anti-theft software upgrade for nearly 4 million vehicles enhances vehicle security.

Negative

• Recent increase in thefts targeting Hyundai vehicles affects customer confidence and insurance availability.

• AAA Insurers to Offer Insurance Coverage Options for Affected Hyundai Customers
• Hyundai Expedites Free Software Upgrade Availability
• Hyundai Announces Steering Wheel Locks Distribution and Reimbursement Program

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., April 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America and independently operated AAA insurers today announced a program to offer insurance options in most states (specifics below) for owners of certain Hyundai vehicles without push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices. Under the program, AAA insurers will issue new and renewal policies for eligible affected Hyundai customers. Consumers can visit AAA.com/insurance to receive 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."

Hyundai has also expedited the roll out of the free anti-theft software upgrade for affected vehicles. All of the nearly 4 million vehicles involved will be eligible for the upgrade this week, two months ahead of the original 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.

Additionally, for a smaller group of 2011-2022 model year vehicles that cannot accommodate the software upgrade, Hyundai will reimburse those owners for their purchase of steering wheel locks. Hyundai is also preparing to provide this subset of customers with the option of obtaining reimbursement to offset their purchase of a different anti-theft device, such as an alarm kit. Interested customers can visit www.HyundaiAntiTheft.com for more information.

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

To generate awareness of the software upgrade and drive completion rates among customers, Hyundai is actively promoting www.HyundaiAntiTheft.com. This site provides affected customers with information on available solutions and directs them to schedule an appointment at a local dealer if their vehicle lacks an engine immobilizer and is eligible for the software upgrade.

Eligible Affected Vehicles

Vehicle	Model Year	Software Availability
Elantra	2017-2020	February 13, 2023
Sonata	2015-2019
Venue	2020-2021
Kona	2018-2022	March 21, 2023
Veloster	2012-2017, 2019-2021
Accent	2018-2022	April 6, 2023
Elantra	2021-2022
Elantra GT	2018-2020
Santa Fe	2013-2018
Santa Fe Sport	2013-2018
Santa Fe XL	2019
Sonata	2011-2014
Tucson	2011-2022
Elantra	2011-2016	April 14, 2023
Elantra GT	2013-2017
Genesis Coupe	2013-2014
Palisade	2020-2021
Santa Fe	2019-2022

 

About the Software Upgrade
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 upgrade will be performed by Hyundai dealers and will take less than one hour for installation. Following completion of the upgrade, each vehicle will be affixed with window decals to alert would-be thieves that the vehicle is equipped with enhanced anti-theft technology.

About the AAA Insurance Offering
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)

About AAA
Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America's largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of over 63 million members across North America, including over 56 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member visit AAA.com.

Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America focuses on 'Progress for Humanity' and smart mobility solutions. Hyundai offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles. Our 830 dealers sold more than 724,000 vehicles in the U.S. in 2022, and nearly half were built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. For more information, visit www.HyundaiNews.com.

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

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SOURCE Hyundai Motor America

FAQ

What insurance options are available for Hyundai vehicle owners affected by theft?

Hyundai has partnered with AAA insurers to provide insurance options in most states for affected vehicle owners.

When will Hyundai's software upgrade for anti-theft measures be available?

The software upgrade for nearly 4 million affected vehicles will be available this week, two months earlier than originally scheduled.

How can affected Hyundai customers get reimbursement for steering wheel locks?

Hyundai will reimburse owners of certain model years that cannot receive the software upgrade for their purchase of steering wheel locks.

Which Hyundai vehicles are eligible for the software upgrade?

Eligible vehicles include various models from 2011 to 2022, with specifics available through Hyundai's anti-theft website.

What measures are Hyundai taking to improve vehicle security?

Hyundai is expediting software upgrades, providing insurance options, and distributing steering wheel locks to enhance vehicle security.