GREENSBORO, N.C. — Kia vehicles have a software glitch that makes many models easy to steal. Police departments around the nation are seeing increases in Kia thefts, many departments offer free wheel lock events.
Due to the increase in thefts, several car insurance companies stopped writing new policies for Kia drivers and upped the price on existing policies because so many vehicles were stolen.
Now Kia owners are getting packets in the mail explaining how they can get money from a class action settlement. The packet details the models that can get a software fix and those that can’t are eligible for settlement money. Models date back as far as 2011 to 2022.
Eight different benefits can be claimed in this settlement, and drivers can claim several of them at one time. The biggest claim is 60% of the vehicle's Black Book value (a value system used by dealers) if the car was involved in a theft. Owners could also get up to $375 if they paid increased insurance costs and there's even a $50 reimbursement if you bought a steering wheel lock.
But Kia is not going to just take your word for it, in the settlement packet and online, you will be required to show proof of ownership and documentation of prior reimbursement. There is also added documentation needed for proof of theft or theft attempt, as well as proof of purchase for a lock or insurance.
There is a claim form you can fill out by hand make copies of the documents you need and mail it all in. You can of course do it online as well, it all starts with the VIN. All the claims, whether online or by mail, must be in by January 2025.
The FAQ section of the settlement website is very detailed.