Insurance agents in Louisiana, among other states, are told to not accept new insurance policies with 2015-2021 models of Kias and Hyundais because they pose too high of a theft risk.
These model cars are stolen or broken into at twice the rate of other vehicles in the auto industry. State Farm and Progressive employees were sent a list of specific years and makes.
Kias and Hydunais between the years 2015-2021, lack an engine immobilizer anti-theft system. Without this, it is easier for the vehicles to be broken into.
Michael Smith, 37, a local State Farm agent, tells KATC that the policy was implemented because, "It's obviously gotten the attention of State Farm, a lot of of these vehicles were being stolen".
What is an engine immobilizer? Smith says, "An electronic immobilizer is something that helps save the vehicle from being broken into, but without it, you have a higher incident of theft".
To prevent being a victim of car theft, check out the National Insurance Crime Bureau webpage for tips: https://www.nicb.org/prevent-fraud-theft/prevent-auto-theft
Below is the list of vehicles that lacked the immobilizer system and are being restricted from new insurance polices:
2015-2021 Hyundai Accent
2015-2021 Hyundai Elantra
2015-2021 Hyundai Kona
2015-2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
2015-2021 Hyundai Tuscon
2015-2021 Hyundai Veloster
2015-2021 Kia Forte
2015-2021 Kia Optima (4-door and hybrid models)
2015-2021 Kia Rio
2015-2021 Kia Sedona
2015-2021 Kia Sorento
2015-2021 Kia Soul
2015-2021 Kia Sportage
