Introduction:
Theft rates of Hyundai and Kia models have been a concerning issue for car owners and law enforcement agencies for a long time. However, recent data from the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) suggests that these theft rates are finally declining. This positive trend can be attributed to the software upgrade that Hyundai and Kia started offering in February 2023, which prevents the car from starting unless the owner’s key or an identical duplicate is used in the ignition. With theft claim frequencies dropping by 53% for vehicles that received the upgrade, it is clear that this measure is having a significant impact on reducing theft rates. This article will delve deeper into the reasons behind the decline in theft rates of Hyundai and Kia models, the effectiveness of the software upgrade, and the strategies being employed by the companies to deter theft.
The software upgrade offered by Hyundai and Kia has played a crucial role in decreasing theft rates of their vehicles. According to HLDI data, theft claim frequencies are 53% lower for vehicles that received the upgrade compared to those that did not. This significant reduction in theft rates can be attributed to the immobilizer feature that prevents the car from starting unless the correct key is used. It is important to note that only a portion of eligible vehicles have received the upgrade, but the companies are making progress in ensuring that more cars are equipped with this anti-theft technology.
The impact of the software upgrade goes beyond just preventing complete vehicle thefts. The HLDI approximates that the frequency of “whole vehicle theft” has decreased by 64% for Hyundai and Kia models that have the new anti-theft software installed. This figure highlights the effectiveness of the upgrade in deterring thieves from targeting these vehicles. It is a positive sign that the upgrade is not only preventing thefts but also reducing the overall crime rate associated with stolen vehicles.
Despite the effectiveness of the software upgrade, user practices can still leave Hyundai and Kia owners vulnerable to theft. The HLDI suggests that owners need to ensure they lock the vehicle with the fob and avoid using keyless entry/exit on the door handle for the immobilizer fix to work properly. Failure to follow these practices could potentially render the anti-theft technology ineffective, making the vehicle an easy target for thieves. Education on proper usage of the security features is essential to maximize the protection offered by the software upgrade.
In addition to the software upgrade, Hyundai and Kia are employing other strategies to deter theft and protect their vehicles. One such strategy is the use of a sticker on the window to indicate if a car is equipped with the new anti-theft software upgrade. While this can serve as a visual deterrent to potential thieves, it has also led to an increase in vandalism claims for vehicles with the upgrade. The HLDI attributes this to failed theft attempts, which often result in damage to the vehicle. Despite this drawback, the overall impact of the deterrent strategies is positive, as evidenced by the declining theft rates for Hyundai and Kia models.
Looking ahead, the HLDI predicts that claim rates for Hyundai and Kia vehicles will continue to drop as thieves realize that these models are no longer easy targets for theft. With the anti-theft software upgrade becoming more prevalent in eligible vehicles, it is expected that the theft rates will gradually decline and align with those of other brands. This positive trend underscores the importance of implementing effective security measures to protect vehicles and prevent crime. If you have not yet applied the software upgrade to your Hyundai or Kia affected by this issue, it is recommended that you do so to enhance the security of your vehicle.
In conclusion, the decline in theft rates of Hyundai and Kia models is a positive development that can be attributed to the software upgrade and other theft deterrent strategies implemented by the companies. The effectiveness of these measures is reflected in the significant reduction in theft claim frequencies and whole vehicle thefts for vehicles with the anti-theft software upgrade. By addressing user practices and continuing to improve security features, Hyundai and Kia are making strides in protecting their vehicles from theft. As thieves adapt to these changes, it is expected that theft rates for Hyundai and Kia models will continue to decrease, bringing them more in line with other brands in terms of security and theft prevention.