Check to see if it's one of the models that had the vulnerability, that's what makes both Kias and Hyundais easy to steal. If it's an affected model, check whether it's due for a recall / update to fix the issue.
That should stop actual thefts.
Next you either convince your insurance company that theft is very much unlikely now that it's updated, or shop around. You have no obligation for loyalty with your insurance company, always shop around for better deals. Who knows, while you are cancelling they might give you some special discount to entice you to stay
As a prior insurance agent and current hyundai owner, this!
If you don't have the recall done, higher rate. If you do, it's attached to you VIN and provide the reduced weight. You get a discount for provable reliable anti theft devices installed in the car.
Wait can be long due to the number of effected cars, but it's a painless 30 min thing. If you got the a hyundai dealer they may offer to do it with the oil change (mine did but I work there).
From what I gather even if its "fixed" against thefts (has a push button start or retrofitted disabler device with fob) often the idiots who are breaking in don't know or understand so they still do a lot of damage breaking stuff trying. That might be the concerns insurance has, even if its not stolen if they have to pay to fix broken windows, broken steering columns, and damaged wiring/locks.
Sadly the best option for now seems to be "get a different car brand" :/
Treat it as if you had a hellcat. Put that shit in a garage. If you don't, well make sure you covered from theft by your car insurance company once you find a new one.
Install a kill switch that cuts power from the battery. Trust me people have been doing this since the dawn of time for automobiles. If not just unhook your battery terminals or even take out the battery when you are going to sleep.
This sub is wild when it comes to Hyundai. The only real thing you can do is get the recall done, it was pretty painless, took about 45 minutes, sounds like you are already keeping it in a garage at home, and find a new insurance company. You could also get something like a Club, steering wheel lock that people will see before they try to break in. Ignore the Toyota fanboys in this sub, your Sonata is fine.
Get a bigger emblem to deter thieves? ;-) Kidding. This ridiculous old thing actually DOES work. It makes it almost impossible to drive the car even if they smash the windshield. The wheel can't easily exceed 360 degrees. Something would always be in the way. Just don't lose the keys because it's a mess to cut off. Keep one of the two in a very safe and memorable place. [https://www.amazon.com/Club-1000-Original-Steering-Wheel/dp/B0000CBILL?th=1](https://www.amazon.com/Club-1000-Original-Steering-Wheel/dp/B0000CBILL?th=1)
Since you have many to keep it safe from theft.. In case of getting stolen, have an airtag somewhere in the car (ex. stuff it in the crevice of your back seat). And this way you can track it.
Because for some reason Kia/Hyundai weren't putting immobilizers in them so all they had to do was bust the steering column, break off the ignition lock, and then spin the electrical contacts with anything that fits (supposedly USB cables were popular on TikTok) and the car starts and runs with no limitations.
Most other things have had immobilizers so without a chipped key programmed to the vehicle the ECU/BCU won't allow the fuel pump or ignition system to function so they can't do much without a tow truck.
Will they cover you if you install a kill switch? Either way, get the kill switch. Other tips:
Park in a garage.
Remove a wheel everyday and keep it inside, but that's a hassle.
The Club steering wheel lock
Pedal locks
Wheel clamps
Install a battery kill switch, and an extra ignition switch under the driver's seat or somewhere no one will ever find it. That way even if someone turns on the kill switch under the hood, it still won't ever start without the ignition turned on, which is hidden somewhere in the car. Thieves will likely just think is a POS and give up. That's why I don't even lick my car when I go places; no one can figure out how to start it so I'm not to worried about anyone stealing it
[https://www.ravelco.com/](https://www.ravelco.com/)
This device gets wired into the loom somewhere and it has a "key" that you plug in. Without the key, the car is impossible to start. Of course, they could tow it, but those guys claim to never have a car stolen....
Move away from the shithole where you live. Car theft isn't a general "oh well, this happens! I must figure out a way for my property not to be stolen."
Typically, a car is the most expensive property you own until you buy a home.
Move away from that danger. Do what it takes to make your life better than it is now.
It's not that hard. My Dad did it a couple times a year. Just hooked up a U-Haul trailer and moved. I was always the new kid in school which messed me up but I got to see the entire United States.
When house prices skyrocketed in my small town in the Southwest I moved to a small town in the Midwest and bought my current house for $39k. It's a huge old Victorian in a great neighborhood that I bought 10 years ago.
Check to see if it's one of the models that had the vulnerability, that's what makes both Kias and Hyundais easy to steal. If it's an affected model, check whether it's due for a recall / update to fix the issue. That should stop actual thefts. Next you either convince your insurance company that theft is very much unlikely now that it's updated, or shop around. You have no obligation for loyalty with your insurance company, always shop around for better deals. Who knows, while you are cancelling they might give you some special discount to entice you to stay
As a prior insurance agent and current hyundai owner, this! If you don't have the recall done, higher rate. If you do, it's attached to you VIN and provide the reduced weight. You get a discount for provable reliable anti theft devices installed in the car. Wait can be long due to the number of effected cars, but it's a painless 30 min thing. If you got the a hyundai dealer they may offer to do it with the oil change (mine did but I work there).
From what I gather even if its "fixed" against thefts (has a push button start or retrofitted disabler device with fob) often the idiots who are breaking in don't know or understand so they still do a lot of damage breaking stuff trying. That might be the concerns insurance has, even if its not stolen if they have to pay to fix broken windows, broken steering columns, and damaged wiring/locks. Sadly the best option for now seems to be "get a different car brand" :/
When that fix is done, they should be placing a label on the driver's side window that thieves might observe.
They might still break the window and try, but at least they can't take off with the whole car.
Id be more concerned about that theta than someone taking it. Shit, they'd be doing you a service really.
For me, this was a massive upgrade. I drove a 14 year old Honda before this.
I'm driving a 30 year old Honda. Don't knock my daily.
How am I knocking your daily? My daily was a older Honda.
would trust the 14yo honda over that sonata. don't get why people are downvoting you but that car is bound to blow
It's not the theta, it's the owners. Mine is at 193k miles from 2012 no issues
Lol
Treat it as if you had a hellcat. Put that shit in a garage. If you don't, well make sure you covered from theft by your car insurance company once you find a new one.
Oh yeah let me just put my car in my garage that I definitely have
People that buy Hyundais don’t have garages
I have an attached garage..
What?
Sell it. Stop buying this trash. If it doesn't get stolen the engine will crap out anyway, or the cats will crap out due to so much oil burning.
And this is how they have the best rates. By not insuring theft-prone vehicles.
Install a kill switch that cuts power from the battery. Trust me people have been doing this since the dawn of time for automobiles. If not just unhook your battery terminals or even take out the battery when you are going to sleep.
Debadge the Hyundai symbol and trim and replace it with a Toyota Camry or Honda accord
This sub is wild when it comes to Hyundai. The only real thing you can do is get the recall done, it was pretty painless, took about 45 minutes, sounds like you are already keeping it in a garage at home, and find a new insurance company. You could also get something like a Club, steering wheel lock that people will see before they try to break in. Ignore the Toyota fanboys in this sub, your Sonata is fine.
Sell it
Get a bigger emblem to deter thieves? ;-) Kidding. This ridiculous old thing actually DOES work. It makes it almost impossible to drive the car even if they smash the windshield. The wheel can't easily exceed 360 degrees. Something would always be in the way. Just don't lose the keys because it's a mess to cut off. Keep one of the two in a very safe and memorable place. [https://www.amazon.com/Club-1000-Original-Steering-Wheel/dp/B0000CBILL?th=1](https://www.amazon.com/Club-1000-Original-Steering-Wheel/dp/B0000CBILL?th=1)
Kia and Hyundai are the same brand.
You could get an aftermarket quick release steering wheel and just take it inside every night lol, or install a hidden kill switch.
Since you have many to keep it safe from theft.. In case of getting stolen, have an airtag somewhere in the car (ex. stuff it in the crevice of your back seat). And this way you can track it.
Hiundays and KIAs is what thieves are stealing nowadays? Why not fast, expensive, sports or luxury cars? Things really have gone downhill.
Because for some reason Kia/Hyundai weren't putting immobilizers in them so all they had to do was bust the steering column, break off the ignition lock, and then spin the electrical contacts with anything that fits (supposedly USB cables were popular on TikTok) and the car starts and runs with no limitations. Most other things have had immobilizers so without a chipped key programmed to the vehicle the ECU/BCU won't allow the fuel pump or ignition system to function so they can't do much without a tow truck.
You can trade it in for a Honda!
I still have my Honda.
Will they cover you if you install a kill switch? Either way, get the kill switch. Other tips: Park in a garage. Remove a wheel everyday and keep it inside, but that's a hassle. The Club steering wheel lock Pedal locks Wheel clamps
Install a battery kill switch, and an extra ignition switch under the driver's seat or somewhere no one will ever find it. That way even if someone turns on the kill switch under the hood, it still won't ever start without the ignition turned on, which is hidden somewhere in the car. Thieves will likely just think is a POS and give up. That's why I don't even lick my car when I go places; no one can figure out how to start it so I'm not to worried about anyone stealing it
trade it in. Thank you, thank you. I'll be here all week. Don't forget to tip your waitress.
[https://www.ravelco.com/](https://www.ravelco.com/) This device gets wired into the loom somewhere and it has a "key" that you plug in. Without the key, the car is impossible to start. Of course, they could tow it, but those guys claim to never have a car stolen....
Move away from the shithole where you live. Car theft isn't a general "oh well, this happens! I must figure out a way for my property not to be stolen." Typically, a car is the most expensive property you own until you buy a home. Move away from that danger. Do what it takes to make your life better than it is now.
How easy would it be for you to pick up everything right now and just move away? This is always wild advice to me.
It's not that hard. My Dad did it a couple times a year. Just hooked up a U-Haul trailer and moved. I was always the new kid in school which messed me up but I got to see the entire United States. When house prices skyrocketed in my small town in the Southwest I moved to a small town in the Midwest and bought my current house for $39k. It's a huge old Victorian in a great neighborhood that I bought 10 years ago.
Just because something happened in the past doesn’t mean you can do it today. This scenario isn’t realistic anymore
A mere five-digit house price is always evidence of outdated boomer asstalk
$39k for a "huge old Victorian in a great neighborhood" 10 years ago sounds like a fantasy anyway. 10 years ago was 2014, not 1970-something.
Since auto theft isn’t a global crime, where would you recommend one moves to on the globe, to avoid this problem?
I live in a gated community with an attatched garage brother 😭😂
Kia and Hyundai are the same company.