Car-theft victims are reacting to the state attorney general’s announcement of a settlement with Kia and Hyundai.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James said a bipartisan coalition of attorney generals secured up to $9 million and “critical reforms” from Hyundai and Kia for not installing proper anti-theft tech in their vehicles.

What You Need To Know

NYS AG Letitia James said a bipartisan coalition of attorney generals secured up to $9 million and critical reforms from Hyundai and Kia for not installing anti-theft tech in their vehicles

Part of the settlement includes Hyundai and Kia paying reasonable theft-related expenses in amounts up to $4,500 per claim for a total loss

Hyundai and Kia will also pay $4.5 million in penalties to a coalition of states

New York is expected to receive more than $220,000

“There’s always cars in front of the house. I never see anyone have any issues with any of their cars. But the one time I parked on the side of that road, the next day I go to leave and it’s gone,” said Carissa Visalli of Rochester.

Visalli’s story is unfortunately one of many.

“My girlfriend and I were on our way to go to the gym and just go shopping. It was November, I guess, third or fourth, and my car was stolen,” said Winnifred Kingsfield of Rochester.

Kingsfield said the doors were locked, security upgrades were made to the vehicle, precautions were taken, but still it wasn’t enough.

In 2023, Monroe County, where Visalli and Kingsfield live, there were more than 1,400 stolen Kias and Hyundais in six months.

The state attorney general’s office said a settlement has been reached with the vehicle manufacturers.

Part of that settlement includes Hyundai and Kia paying reasonable theft-related expenses in amounts up to $4,500 per claim for a total loss, up to $2,250 for a partial loss and reasonable attempted theft expenses in an amount up to $375 per claim.

In the meantime, car-theft victims have to figure out life without a vehicle until they have another one.

“I’ve been really grateful for my coworkers to be able to give me rides to and from work, quite honestly, for the last month and a half. Very, very, very grateful for that because I don’t know what I would be doing otherwise,” Kingsfield said.

Her vehicle, which was stolen in November, was found damaged.

“I’m trying to navigate getting my insurance quotes through, as well as calls to my dealership, trying to get all that situated as well. But most of the time I’m working during the day and so during business hours, that’s typically when those kinds of places are also open,” Kingsfield said.

As of Wednesday, Visalli’s vehicle was still missing. It had baby items, including a stroller. Visalli said she bought the vehicle last year for about $12,000, and it was paid off.

“Now, I’m just kind of waiting for help or some kind of, like, miracle,” she said.

Hyundai and Kia will also pay $4.5 million in penalties to a coalition of states. New York is expected to receive more than $220,000.

In many cases, the thefts were committed by minors.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau has suggested rolling up windows, parking in well-lit areas, and locking doors and taking keys or fobs to help prevent theft.