AAA Insurance working to help Hyundai customers affected by trending thefts
AAA Insurance working to help Hyundai customers affected by trending thefts
AAA Insurance and Hyundai Motor America are working together to provide insurance options for owners of certain Hyundai vehicles without push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices.
This collaboration aims to support Hyundai customers who have faced challenges in obtaining and maintaining auto insurance due to increased criminal activity targeting Hyundai vehicles.
Under the program, AAA Insurance 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 accelerated the rollout of a free anti-theft software upgrade for affected vehicles. This upgrade, originally scheduled for June 2023, is now available for nearly 4 million vehicles. The software is designed to prevent the vehicles from being started using a method of theft that gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok.
"Our goal is to get every one of these vehicles into a dealership for the free software upgrade," added Parker.
For a smaller group of 2011-2022 model year vehicles that are unable to accommodate the software upgrade, Hyundai will reimburse owners for the purchase of steering wheel locks. Hyundai is also exploring options to provide reimbursement for alternative anti-theft devices, such as alarm kits, for this subset of customers. More information can be found at HyundaiAntiTheft.com.
All Hyundai vehicles produced since Nov. 2021 are equipped with an engine immobilizer as standard equipment. 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 raise awareness of the software upgrade and drive completion rates among customers, Hyundai is actively promoting HyundaiAntiTheft.com. This site offers information on available solutions and directs eligible customers to schedule an appointment at their local dealer for the software upgrade.
Eligible affected vehicles
Vehicle |
Model Year |
Software Availability |
Elantra |
2017-2020 |
February 13, 2023 |
Sonata |
2015-2019 |
February 13, 2023 |
Venue |
2020-2021 |
February 13, 2023 |
Kona |
2018-2022 |
March 21, 2023 |
Veloster |
2012-2017, 2019-2021 |
March 21, 2023 |
Accent |
2018-2022 |
April 6, 2023 |
Elantra |
2021-2022 |
April 6, 2023 |
Elantra GT |
2018-2020 |
April 6, 2023 |
Santa Fe |
2013-2018 |
April 6, 2023 |
Santa Fe Sport |
2013-2018 |
April 6, 2023 |
Santa Fe XL |
2019 |
April 6, 2023 |
Sonata |
2011-2014 |
April 6, 2023 |
Tucson |
2011-2022 |
April 6, 2023 |
Elantra |
2011-2016 |
April 14, 2023 |
Elantra GT |
2013-2017 |
April 14, 2023 |
Genesis Coupe |
2013-2014 |
April 14, 2023 |
Palisade |
2020-2021 |
April 14, 2023 |
Santa Fe |
2019-2022 |
April 14, 2023 |
About the software upgrade
The software upgrade modifies certain vehicle control modules on Hyundai vehicles equipped with standard "turn-key-to-start" ignition systems. 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.
No matter the make or model of your vehicle, AAA Insurance has great coverage options for you at a great value. Learn more.