BULLETIN
May 8, 2023
Select Hyundai and Kia Models Only Eligible for Coverage with Vehicle Software Update
Due to the recent increase in thefts, effective immediately, Western National will no longer write new policies for Hyundai and Kia models that are vulnerable to theft due to a lack of immobilizer. Affected vehicles will need to have the free, dealer-installed, anti-theft software upgrade to be eligible for coverage. Any Personal Auto new business submissions that include one or more of the vehicles listed below will not be approved until we receive documentation verifying installation of the software update or validation that the particular vehicle does not have the vulnerability.
- 2015-2021 Hyundai Accent
- 2015-2021 Hyundai Elantra
- 2015-2021 Hyundai Kona
- 2015-2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2015-2021 Hyundai Tucson
- 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
We will be reaching out to policyholders with one of these vehicles on an existing policy and requesting documentation that verifies the affected vehicle has the security update installed. Policyholders will receive two letters requesting this documentation. If Western National does not receive proof of corrective action from the policyholder, physical damage coverage for the vehicle will be nonrenewed.
Additional information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about the anti-theft software upgrade is available here. Vehicle-specific information is available by inputting the VIN at one of the links below:
- For Hyundai, click here.
- For Kia, click here.
If you have any questions about this eligibility change, please contact your Regional Agency Manager. Thank you for your continued partnership.
