Hyundai and AAA Join Forces to Insure High Theft Risk Cars Amid TikTok Trend

Hyundai owners who have been struggling to secure insurance coverage due to a surge in thefts influenced by viral videos now have a new solution. The automaker has joined forces with independently operated AAA insurers in most states to assist Hyundai customers affected by this issue by providing them with new or renewed insurance policies.

Several insurance companies had stopped offering coverage for specific Hyundai and Kia vehicles, expressing concerns that these cars were attractive targets for thieves. This heightened scrutiny came after a TikTok social media challenge exposed some of these vehicles’ vulnerabilities, particularly their lack of immobilization features.

This partnership with AAA insurers will specifically apply to certain Hyundai vehicles that do not have push-button ignitions and anti-theft immobilizer systems. The coverage will be accessible in all states except for Alaska, Massachusetts, and Washington.

Randy Parker, CEO of Hyundai Motor America, expressed their satisfaction with the collaboration, stating, “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 secure insurance coverage as a result of the increased criminal activity targeting Hyundai vehicles.”

Marshall Doney, CEO and President of AAA, also voiced support for the collaboration, stating, “Collaborating with Hyundai on this issue to help provide customers with a viable solution felt like a natural fit for us.”

Additionally, Hyundai is expediting the rollout of a free anti-theft software upgrade for affected vehicles. This upgrade will be available to all nearly 4 million impacted vehicles this week, two months ahead of the original schedule.

Randy Parker emphasized their commitment, saying, “Our goal is to get every one of these vehicles into a dealership for the free software upgrade.”

It’s worth noting that last month, several cities announced lawsuits against Hyundai and Kia, demanding that the automakers recall vehicles that have contributed to a significant increase in auto thefts due to the influence of TikTok videos.

For more information about the secure insurance coverage options offered through AAA, please visit their website. Hyundai also provides details about the software upgrade and reimbursement options for various anti-theft devices at www.HyundaiAntiTheft.com.