auto theft News

New York City Files Suit Against Hyundai, Kia Over Thefts

New York City has joined other municipalities in suing carmakers Hyundai and Kia for not having immobilizer anti-theft technology in some of their vehicles, which the municipalities claim has resulted in record car thefts and created a public nuisance around …

Police Departments Now Offering Steering-Wheel Locks for Vulnerable Kias, Hyundais

While dealers and manufacturers are dealing with the sharp rise in thefts of Kia and Hyundai automobiles, police departments around the South and Midwest have begun offering free steering-wheel locks for owners of the cars. In Raleigh-Durham and in Fuquay-Varina, …

Hyundai and Kia Thefts Keep Rising Despite Security Fix

Nearly three months ago, Hyundai and Kia unveiled software that was designed to thwart an epidemic of thefts of their vehicles, caused by a security flaw that was exposed on TikTok and other social media sites. So far, it hasn’t …

Insurers Leery of Hyundais and Kias Famous on Social Media for Being Easy to Steal

Social media influencers and an insurance industry think tank are giving Hyundai and Kia vehicles the worst kind of publicity: Many of the cars the company sold are easy to steal. In the past week, newspapers and television news producers …

Parents Sue Carmaker Over Crash of Stolen Kia That Killed 4

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — A 16-year-old accused of driving a stolen SUV involved in a high-speed crash that killed four teenage passengers was arraigned Tuesday on manslaughter and other charges. The parents of two of those killed, meanwhile, have filed …

Thieves Key on Hack That Leaves Hyundai, Kia Cars Vulnerable

Some Hyundai and Kia cars and SUVs are missing a “key” anti-theft device, and thieves know. An insurance industry group says these cars are stolen at nearly twice the rate of the rest of the auto industry because their keys …

Mercury Insurance Reports a 40% Spike in California Comprehensive Car Claims

Mercury Insurance is reporting a dramatic increase in vehicle vandalism and auto theft in California, with comprehensive auto insurance claims reportedly up 40% since pre-pandemic levels. While the increase in theft and vandalism began when the COVID-19 pandemic started, theft …

Keyless Car Crime Drives 20% Hike in UK Motor Theft Claims in 1st Quarter

The cost of UK motor theft claims paid by insurers in the first quarter rose by more 20% from the same period last year, according to the Association of British Insurers (ABI). The ABI report revealed that the number of …

UK Insurers Pay Record £1 Million ($1.3 Million) Each Day for Vehicle Thefts: ABI

A surge in vehicle thefts, including keyless car crime, has led to motor insurers paying out a record £1 million (US$1.3 million) every day, according to figures published by the Association of British Insurers (ABI). See below for ABI’s explanation …

Every Day, More Than 200 Cars with Keys Inside Are Stolen in U.S.: NICB

U.S. motorists appear to forgetting one of the earliest lessons of car ownership: Don’t leave the keys in the car. The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that the number of vehicles stolen because drivers left their keys or fobs in …