TACOMA, Wash. — The rise in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles is creating even more problems for drivers; some insurance companies are refusing to cover them at all.
Tony, who did not want KING 5 to use his last name, says he's out around $17,000 after his 2019 Gray Kia Sorento, with the license plate number CGD7454, was stolen over the weekend.
He bought it from someone who he thought was giving him a deal. Most dealerships were asking around $27,000 for the same car.
"Obviously, I didn't do enough research when I bought the car," he said.
Tony purchased the car in March 2023.
"I just transferred my insurance. Progressive was cool about it. When it came time for renewal last month, they said they wouldn't renew it," Tony said.
A Google search shows this is an issue countless Kia car owners are facing. Insurance companies, seeing the spike in car thefts because of a design flaw, refuse to offer owners of Kia and Hyundai cars comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive coverage protects against damage to a car, not caused by a crash and that's not the owner's fault. A car being stolen falls into that category. A TikTok Challenge has been blamed for the increase in thefts.
The challenge shows how easy it is to steal the cars. Videos on social media have shown how people can start these cars with just a screwdriver and a USB cord.
Tony filed a police report. He was able to get security camera video from his neighbor which shows the thieves break in and steal his car. It took them just around six minutes to steal it.
Tony isn't hopeful the car will be found. For those who own a Kia, or Hyundai, and can't afford to sell, Tony suggests they do what he wishes he would have done.
"At the very least, put an Air Tag or Tile in the car so you can track when it gets stolen," he said.
If a car with a tracking device does get stolen, police urge owners to call 911 as opposed to confronting the thief themselves.
Kia and Hyundai owners are also urged to use a steering wheel lock on their cars, so even if thieves can get the car to start, they won't be able to take it anywhere.