Kia car owners are encountering difficulties securing insurance, sparking concerns and frustrations among those seeking coverage. News Center 7’s Malik Patterson delves into the issue, speaking with Kia owner Mary Scerba and an insurance broker to shed light on the challenges faced by new Kia customers.
For Mary Scerba, the nightmare began shortly after purchasing her Kia from her sister. Despite being an existing customer, obtaining full coverage insurance for her vehicle became an arduous task over the last two to three months. Scerba, who is handicapped, expressed the financial strain of having to pay out-of-pocket for repairs during her quest for comprehensive coverage.
“I’ve been trying to get full coverage for the last two to three months,” Scerba shared, emphasizing the challenges she faced in securing adequate insurance for her hard-earned vehicle.
Leronda Jackson, owner of LFL Insurance Agency, shed light on the broader issue, revealing that only a few insurance companies are willing to provide coverage for Kia vehicles. Jackson explained that the majority of insurers are limiting coverage to liability only, with full coverage premiums averaging between six to seven hundred dollars down and five hundred dollars per month.
When asked about her expectations for change, Scerba expressed a desire for Kia to acknowledge and address the challenges faced by Kia owners seeking insurance coverage.
“I would like to see the Kia Company own up to this,” Scerba stated, underscoring the need for accountability from the automaker.
The issue appears to be concentrated among Kia and Hyundai vehicles manufactured between 2009 and 2020, leading to disproportionately high insurance rates for this particular range. Existing customers may not experience the same elevated rates, but for new customers, the challenges in securing affordable and comprehensive insurance coverage have become a pressing concern within the Kia community.
