The TikTok trend that brought about the infamous “Kia Boys” (also spelled as “Kia Boyz”) has been causing quite a stir, with insurance companies now refusing to provide coverage for stolen Hyundai and Kia models. Can you believe it? This whole mess started when a bunch of folks on TikTok decided to show off their car-stealing skills by targeting specific models from these two Korean car manufacturers.
The stolen rides were the ones without push-button ignition, making it absurdly easy for them to start the vehicles with just a screwdriver and a USB cable, with thousands of people showing how do they do that on TikTok. It’s a pretty serious situation, so if you happen to own one of some particular models from Kia and Hyundai. Now, to their credit, the companies did come up with some software fixes to make it harder for thieves to snatch their cars. However, attorneys general from 17 states aren’t convinced that the Korean brands have done enough to put an end to these thefts. And now, they have to pay to the affected costumers.
If you were affected by the viral TikTok trend, you might get a slice of the $200 million settlement
Over 9 million owners of Kia and Hyundai cars in the United States will soon receive compensation as part of a settlement agreement with the costumers. The settlement, which also includes funds for out-of-pocket losses, aims to address the financial burdens faced by owners who had their vehicles stolen. This article provides an overview of the settlement, the compensation plan, and the benefits available to affected owners.
Owners who experienced theft-related losses will be eligible for compensation under the settlement agreement. Hyundai and Kia have committed to reimbursing owners for various expenses they incurred. These expenses include insurance deductibles, increased insurance premiums, and other theft-related losses. The aim is to alleviate the financial burden on owners who were victims of vehicle theft.
What the costumers will get from this settlement
To be eligible for compensation under the settlement, owners must have purchased a Hyundai or Kia vehicle with a traditional “insert-and-turn” steel key ignition system between the model years 2011 and 2022. The settlement covers various types of losses and expenses, including:
- Payments for the total loss of vehicles, up to $6,125.
- Compensation for vehicle and personal property damage, up to $3,375.
- Reimbursement for insurance-related expenses.
- Coverage for other eligible expenses not covered by insurance, such as car
As part of the settlement, Hyundai and Kia are offering security software upgrades to enhance the theft protection of their vehicles. However, it’s important to note that not all vehicles can accommodate these upgrades. In such cases, the companies have pledged to provide up to $300 for the purchase of steering wheel locks and other theft deterrent or prevention devices.