State Farm says 105 Kia, Hyundai models ‘ineligible’ for new insurance in LA

Re:State Farm says 105 Kia, Hyundai models ‘ineligible’ for ... by Insthrowaway on Friday February 03, 2023 @12:04PM (#34644010)

I work at a large insurer (not State Farm). The frequency of theft on Hyundai/Kias is actually insane. In metro areas where it's happening, it's 10x the theft rate of other makes in the area. We're talking a 5-10% chance of Hyundais being stolen per year.

Looking at the data by metro area is interesting, I wish I could share it. Hyundai/Kia thefts are low heading into 2020 or so, and then they absolutely skyrocket over the course of a few months. It doesn't hit every city at once - Milwaukee was hit first for example - but it's quickly spreading to every metro like a contagion.

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Re:State Farm says 105 Kia, Hyundai models ‘ineligible’ for ... by mensetmanusman on Friday February 03, 2023 @12:28PM (#34644507)

Why are people stealing these specifically?

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Re:State Farm says 105 Kia, Hyundai models ‘ineligible’ for ... by kube-system on Friday February 03, 2023 @12:40PM (#34644747)

Joy riding it appears, here's a compilation of some examples (nsfw language): https://youtu.be/cZss8DIUPhg?t=10

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Re:State Farm says 105 Kia, Hyundai models ‘ineligible’ for ... by alephnerd on Friday February 03, 2023 @12:36PM (#34644659)

A lot of TikTok posters made videos showing how to break into Hyundais and Kias as they lack immobilizers, so anyone looking for a car to joyride in or use as a getaway car during a robbery or a driveby could just steal one instead. You find a lot of abandoned Kias and Hyundais down in Hunter's Point in SF for that reason.

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Re:State Farm says 105 Kia, Hyundai models ‘ineligible’ for ... by BigRedDog1669 on Friday February 03, 2023 @12:33PM (#34644607)

Hyundai and Kia cheaped out by not including a couple dollar part that makes it harder to hotwire. Apparently kids can hotwire them with a USB cable because they don't have the immobilizer. It affects several years worth of Kia and Hyundai models.

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Re:State Farm says 105 Kia, Hyundai models ‘ineligible’ for ... by grapescheesee on Friday February 03, 2023 @01:30PM (#34645702)

Can we please start clarifying makes and models? I understand this might empower people, but it's not every car they made or make.. I know my year and model isn't part of these insurance issues, but all I see is brand names.

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Re:State Farm says 105 Kia, Hyundai models ‘ineligible’ for ... by themadturk on Friday February 03, 2023 @02:30PM (#34646605)

The linked article clearly lists the makes, models and years that State Farm is blacklisting.

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