Milwaukee Alders Denounce Kia And Hyundai Amid Insurance Changes

MILWAUKEE, WI — Two members of the Milwaukee Common Council on Tuesday denounced automakers Kia and Hyundai after reports of insurance policy changes and ongoing issues with theft.

Insurance company State Farm announced plans this week to stop accepting new customers with certain models from both automakers because of a rise in thefts, according to a report by USA TODAY. Meanwhile, Progressive confirmed possible changes in pricing and acceptance criteria amid an increase in thefts, according to the report.

"As a city we have long known and have been dealing with the ongoing issues presented by Kia and Hyundai vehicles," read a joint statement from Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs and Alderman Khalif J. Rainey. "Namely, that many of their vehicle models are easy targets for car thieves."

Amid the insurance news, both alders said they wrote to Kia and Hyundai urging them to take action that has "served as a drain on police resources and hampered quality of life in Milwaukee."

"Far too often these stolen cars are involved in reckless driving incidents and crashes that are taking a toll on neighborhoods and victims across our city and others," the statement read in part.

The common council members said both companies have "caused harm to unwitting residents and to the City of Milwaukee," adding that they think the city should consider suing.

At one point in 2022, the theft issue was punctuated by a Youtuber's video that documented a loose collection of car thieves known as the "Kia Boys."

See also: Milwaukee Police Investigate 'Kia Boys' YouTube Documentary

The video — which prompted a police investigation — showed interviews with self-proclaimed members of the Kia Boys driving recklessly and explaining how to get into cars and start their engines.