‘Call your agent;’ Local insurance agent has advice for Kia and Hyundai owners

DAYTON — Progressive and State Farm have stopped writing new insurance policies for certain Kia and Hyundai models.

We have reported on thieves stealing Kias and Hyundais as far back as last summer and they have learned to do this on social media.

>>State Farm, Progressive have stopped insuring some Kia, Hyundai vehicles

News Center 7 Gabrielle Enright is asking what this means for people who owns these vehicles.

She spoke with an insurance agent Tuesday night to find out the questions owners need to ask and found out this advice really applies to all drivers.

Matthew Bennett of Anderson-Williamson Insurance in Xenia says drivers who own Kia and Hyundai models from 2011 to 2019 should pick up their phones.

“First, call your agent,” he said. “Second, if you already have it insured, you’re not going to lose coverage. But if you’re buying one of these models and you need coverage, the best option is your agent.

>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘Far from a victimless crime;’ Area law enforcement agencies team up to battle spike in car thefts

Bennett told Enright Tuesday night insurance companies can deny writing new policies but by law in Ohio, they have to give you 30 days notice if they want to drop you.

“They are going to have to send you a letter upon renewal or if you pay or fail to renew,” he said. “They could say they’re not going to insure you. But, they have to continue that insurance or they have to notify you that they will not provide coverage to give you time to find coverage somewhere else.”

Bennett says he has not seen it yet but states it is coming.

>>RELATED: ‘It’s a nightmare;’ Area Kia owner has car stolen for second time amid ongoing social media trend

News Center 7 has been reporting on the surge of stolen Kias and Hyundais over the past year and have spoken to people it has happened to.

“I was in about 30 minutes, came back outside and my car was gone,” said Katherine Triggs.

Dayton Police said a TikTok challenge with videos on how to steal Kias and Hyundais has led to a surge in thefts.

Car thefts rose more than 500 above a typical year, according to police.

“I don’t understand what motivates someone to take part in a challenge that’s clearly illegal,” said Jennifer Hunter.

News Center 7 reported earlier this month that National General, an Allstate company, announced it was only going to offer liability coverage for Kia and Hyundai vehicles with model years 2011 to 2021 and Dodge Chargers, Challengers and Durangos with model years 2017 or later.

>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Area police still combating Kia, Hyundai thefts linked to social media trend

State Farm and Progressive announced Tuesday they too have temporarily stopped writing new policies.

Bennett says any driver who has questions needs to one thing.

“Call your agent,” he said.

Bennet also told Enright insurance companies can deny coverage or raise rates. When it comes to rates, it’s going up across the country. When it comes time to renew, check your bill.

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