Minnesota girl’s automotive make and mannequin dropped by State Farm — you may not be coated both
Erin Walters tried renewing her automotive insurance coverage with State Farm in July — solely to get rejected as a result of she owns a 2019 Hyundai Elantra.
“I used to be shocked that State Farm was denying me,” Walters told WCCO Information, noting she’d been with the insurer for 5 years.
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Walters stated a consultant advised her she’d been denied because of the make and mannequin of her automobile and that it could require a push to begin ignition to be able to be insured.
And it’s not simply State Farm that’s refusing her protection. Walters says she’s been making an attempt to get a brand new coverage from a distinct supplier, however Progressive additionally stated it could be unable to supply her a coverage — on account of “excessive theft charges.”
State Farm, Progressive have dropped some Hyundai, Kia vehicles
A State Farm spokesperson advised WCCO Information that the insurer has stopped accepting new buyer functions in some states for sure mannequin years and trim ranges of Hyundai and Kia automobiles on account of skyrocketing theft losses.
These thefts gave the impression to be occurring amongst Kia fashions newer than 2011 and Hyundai fashions newer than 2015.
“It is a significant issue impacting our clients and the whole auto insurance coverage business,” the spokesperson stated. “We’re monitoring this case very intently and can modify our method as applicable.”
Final 12 months, each State Farm and Progressive first introduced it could be dropping certain Hyundai and Kia cars because of the thefts — which can have surged on account of a TikTok pattern the place customers demonstrated the right way to begin the vehicles with out utilizing keys.
A Kia spokesperson told CNBC in 2022 that “criminals are searching for automobiles solely geared up with a metal key and ‘turn-to-start’ ignition system,” however latest fashions are geared up with engine immobilizers, making them tougher to steal.
A Hyundai spokesperson additionally told USA Today that engine immobilizers are customary on all Hyundai automobiles produced as of November 2021.
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What are automakers doing about it?
Walters stated the automobile producer must be issuing a recall on these dangerous fashions and paying for the required upgrades.
“I might by no means purchase a Hyundai as a result of they’re not stepping as much as fixing this case,” she advised WCCO Information.
Just lately, Hyundai and Kia settled a class-action lawsuit after claims the automakers allowed their automobiles to be extra susceptible to theft by failing to put in immobilizers in fashions made out of 2011 to 2022.
Each Hyundai and Kia have additionally been distributing free anti-theft software program upgrades and units for eligible impacted clients.
Nonetheless, many automotive homeowners are persevering with to report thefts even after receiving the free updates.
“I simply do not perceive why everybody is not up in arms saying, completely these vehicles should be recalled,” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara told MPR Information.
Till a greater resolution is reached, those that are nonetheless insured with these makes and fashions might wish to update their policy with complete theft insurance coverage.
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This text gives info solely and shouldn’t be construed as recommendation. It’s supplied with out guarantee of any form.
