That class action lawsuit over the Hyundai/KIA? It’s a done deal and the settlement application process is open.
The two automakers have reached a settlement to resolve claims that certain Kia models lacked proper security features, making them vulnerable to theft. If you owned or leased one of the listed Kia vehicles between 2011 and 2022, you may be eligible for benefits.
Eligible vehicles
The settlement class consists of all individuals and entities who purchased or leased one of the following vehicles in the United States:
2011-2021 Kia Forte
2021-2022 Kia K5
2011-2020 Kia Optima
2012-2021 Kia Rio
2011-2021 Kia Sedona
2021-2022 Kia Seltos
2011-2022 Kia Sorento
2020-2022 Kia Soul
2011-2022 Kia Sportage
Owners can use their VIN to check whether their particular vehicle is eligible for the settlement.
However, the Kia theft settlement comes with a line in the sand. It does not release any past, present or future claims for personal injury, death and subrogation by licensed insurers, according to TopClassActions.
What you can claim
If you own(ed) one of the Kias on the list, you can claim several benefits. Those include:
If you bought a steering wheel lock (or something similar) at least 30 days before the software upgrade was made available, you can get a reimbursement of up to $50 per vehicle.
If you purchased or leased a vehicle that’s part of this class, but one that was not eligible for the software upgrade, you could receive reimbursement of up to $300 per class vehicle for the purchase – and/or installation – of a steering wheel lock, glass-breakage alarm or similar anti-theft system or aftermarket modification intended to deter or prevent theft.
If you already received a steering wheel lock from Kia, then, you may receive reimbursement of up to $250 per class vehicle for the purchase and installation of a glass-breakage alarm or similar anti-theft system or aftermarket modification designed to deter or prevent theft.
But, then comes the big money.
Class members with a class vehicle may make claims for certain out-of-pocket and uncompensated losses resulting from a class vehicle that received the software upgrade and/or experienced a qualifying theft or theft attempt.
“Qualifying theft” refers to the theft of a vehicle through forcible entry and an ignition system breach, while “qualifying theft attempt” refers to forcible entry of the class vehicle and either attempted dismantling of the steering column or attempted breach of the ignition system. Eligible reimbursement for losses include:
Up to 60% of the book value for the total loss of a class vehicle resulting from a qualifying theft or theft attempt
Up to $3,375 or 33%, whichever is greater, for damage to a class vehicle resulting from each qualifying theft or theft attempt and/or for the value of personal property stolen or damaged during a qualifying theft or theft attempt
Up to $375 for insurance deductibles paid and increased insurance premiums for policies that include theft coverage resulting from a qualifying theft or theft attempt
Up to $250 for other expenses — such as towing costs, transportation expenses, expenses that result from tickets, etc. — that result from a qualifying theft or theft attempt
Up to $250 total for lost income and child care expenses (combined) resulting from time spent obtaining the software upgrade
Up to $350 for the reimbursement of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) key fobs purchased at the direction of a Kia dealership because these were necessary to implement the software upgrade. Maximum of two key fobs per class vehicle.
To sign up
The link to the settlement form sign-up is here. This article covers all the basics, but you should be sure that you read the FAQ section to ensure you meet all the requirements.
Photo Credit: Consumer Affairs News Department Images
Posted: 2024-02-26 11:46:43
