Hyundai and AAA Insurers Collaborate to Offer Anti-Theft Insurance Options for Affected Customers

Expedites Free Software Upgrade Availability

Hyundai and AAA Insurers have announced that they will collaborate to offer insurance options for owners of certain Hyundai vehicles without push-button ignitions and immobilizing anti-theft devices. The collaboration comes after the increased criminal activity targeting Hyundai vehicles, which was popularized on TikTok and other social media channels.

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. The program will be available in all states except Alaska, Massachusetts, and Washington (state).

Hyundai has also expedited the rollout of the free anti-theft software upgrade for affected vehicles. The upgrade is designed to prevent the vehicles from starting during the method of theft popularized on TikTok. All of the nearly 4 million vehicles involved will be eligible for the upgrade this week, two months ahead of the original schedule.

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.

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.

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The collaboration between Hyundai and AAA Insurers to offer insurance options for customers affected by the method of theft popularized on TikTok is a welcome development. The expedited rollout of the free anti-theft software upgrade for affected vehicles and the provision of steering wheel locks to affected communities are also commendable initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety and security of Hyundai customers.

Eligible Affected Vehicles

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)

Consumers can visit AAA.com/insurance to receive a quote.

https://www.abc27.com/business/press-releases/cision/20230413LA70178/hyundai-and-aaa-insurers-collaborate-to-offer-insurance-options-for-customers-affected-by-method-of-theft-popularized-on-tiktok/

https://q5i.09c.myftpupload.com/category/consumer-corner/automotive/

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Source: Hyundai