This is welcome news for Hyundai and Kia owners across New York State whose vehicles were stolen.
New York Attorney General Letitia James has secured a $9 million settlement with Hyundai and Kia after determining that certain vehicles were sold without functional anti-theft technology. These deficiencies made some models especially vulnerable to theft — a problem that became highly prevalent in our area.
How the Settlement Works
Out of the $9 million settlement, $4.5 million is set aside to reimburse vehicle owners whose Hyundai or Kia was stolen or damaged during a theft attempt.
However, reimbursements are not automatic.
Hyundai and Kia are expected to:
- Notify affected owners by mail
- Identify eligible vehicles by year, make, and model
- Open an official claims portal for submissions
What Owners Will Need to Submit
To qualify for reimbursement, owners will likely need:
- A police report documenting the theft
- Receipts or proof of out-of-pocket expenses
- Evidence of costs not covered by insurance
In most cases, this will involve insurance deductibles that the owner had to pay themselves.
Will Everyone Get Fully Reimbursed?
Not necessarily.
If the total number of claims exceeds the $4.5 million allocation, payments may be reduced proportionally. While not every owner may receive a full reimbursement, receiving something is still better than receiving nothing.
Does This Replace Auto Insurance?
No — and this is an important distinction.
Auto insurance still responds first to vehicle theft claims. This settlement is designed to help reimburse expenses insurance didn’t cover, such as deductibles or certain uncovered costs.
What Hyundai & Kia Owners Should Do Now
If your vehicle was stolen:
- Watch your mail for an official notice
- Gather police reports and receipts
- Be ready to submit your claim once the portal opens
This settlement is a positive step for owners impacted by a frustrating and costly problem, and it’s worth paying attention to if you were affected.
