*The Hyundai/KIA settlement application process is open, and covers 2011 through 2022 vehicle models

Emmanuel Akosile | 绿帽献妻

That class action lawsuit over the Hyundai/KIA is now a done deal and the settlement application process is open.

绿帽献妻 learnt the two automakers had 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, then, 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 (US):

• 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

The affected vehicle owners can use their VIN to check whether their particular vehicle is eligible for the settlement, agency report said.

However, the Kia theft settlement comes with a line in the sand, report stated.

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鈥檚 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 鈥� and/or installation 鈥� 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, according to report.

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.

鈥淨ualifying theft鈥� refers to the theft of a vehicle through forcible entry and an ignition system breach, while 鈥渜ualifying theft attempt鈥� 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 鈥� such as towing costs, transportation expenses, expenses that result from tickets, etc. 鈥� 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, report said.

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