Why are Kias so expensive to insure?

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Hey good people,
I’m thinking about buying a used car soon. Right now, I pay $2200 every year for insurance on my old 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer, which is almost worn out. But if I get a newer Kia Optima from 2018 or later, the insurance could cost me between $3400 and $3600 a year! That seems crazy expensive! Even if I decide to go for a lower-priced BMW or Audi from 2018 or later, the insurance would be cheaper than for a Kia car.

I checked out different car brands, and Mazda seems to have the cheapest insurance. Depending on whether I choose the Mazda 3, Mazda 6, or CX-5, it could cost me between $2400 and $2700 a year.

I wonder why the insurance is so high for Kia cars

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There are two main reasons Kia insurance might be higher and they are

Theft Rates: Kia and Hyundai saw a spike in thefts due to a social media challenge. This can make them statistically riskier to insure for some companies.

Repair Costs: Depending on the model and year, some Kias may have higher repair costs compared to Mazdas, which can factor into insurance premiums.

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The higher insurance rates for Kia vehicles, especially models like the Optima, can be attributed to a few key factors: The factors include:

  • High theft rates: Certain Kia models have been targeted for theft due to a vulnerability that makes them easier to steal. This issue gained widespread attention through social media trends like the “Kia Challenge” on TikTok, which demonstrated how to hot-wire these cars using simple tools.
  • Lack of engine immobilizers: Many Kia models from 2011 to 2022 were not equipped with engine immobilizers, making them more susceptible to theft. This has led to higher insurance claims and, consequently, higher premiums.
  • Repair costs: The cost of repairing Kia vehicles can also be relatively high, which impacts insurance rates. Parts and labor for certain models might be more expensive compared to other brands.
  • Insurance company policies: Some insurance companies have increased rates or even stopped offering new policies for certain Kia models due to the high risk of theft and associated claims.