Overview
Hyundai Capital America (HCA) is the captive auto finance company for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles in the United States. It operates under the brand names Hyundai Motor Finance, Kia Finance America, and Genesis Finance. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify the specific brand's finance department to handle the outstanding auto loan or lease.
This guide covers the estate process for all HCA brands. While they share a parent company and back-office operations, you should contact the specific brand associated with the vehicle.
- Hyundai Motor Finance: (800) 523-4030
- Kia Finance America: (866) 331-5632
- Genesis Finance: (844) 363-7477
This guide provides informational guidance only. It is not legal advice, and SwiftProbate is not a law firm. Laws and institutional procedures change — verify current requirements directly with Hyundai Capital America and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Hyundai Capital America of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Hyundai/Kia/Genesis Finance, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name
- Account number (found on monthly statements)
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Social Security number
- Date of death
- Your contact information and relationship to the deceased
Step 2: Call Customer Service
There is no direct "Estate Services" line; you must call the general customer service number for the specific brand.
- Hyundai Motor Finance: (800) 523-4030
- Kia Finance America: (866) 331-5632
- Genesis Finance: (844) 363-7477
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 9 PM ET
What to expect:
Inform the representative that the account holder has passed away. They will update the account status to prevent late fee accrual during the transition and provide specific instructions for mailing documents. Ask for a case reference number.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Mail the required documents (typically a death certificate and executor appointment papers) to the correspondence address.
Mailing Address (All Brands):
Hyundai Capital America
P.O. Box 660891
Dallas, TX 75266-0891
Overnight/Express Mail:
Hyundai Capital America
1501 North Plano Rd., Suite 100
Richardson, TX 75081
Note: Include a cover letter with the account number, VIN, and your contact information.
Step 4: Determine Next Steps for the Vehicle
Once the death is verified, you must decide what to do with the vehicle:
- Retail Installment (Loan): Pay off the balance, continue payments (if a co-signer exists or estate allows), or return the vehicle (voluntary surrender).
- Lease: The estate is generally liable for the remaining payments. You may buy out the lease, transfer it (if permitted), or return the vehicle (early termination fees may apply).
Required Documents
Documents Hyundai Capital America Requires
The documents required depend on whether you are keeping the vehicle, paying it off, or returning it.
Always Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified Death Certificate | A clear photocopy is sometimes accepted, but certified is preferred to avoid delays |
| Executor/Administrator Documents | Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration naming the estate representative |
To Transfer or Buyout the Vehicle
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Odometer Statement | Required for lease buyouts or transfers |
| Bill of Sale | If the estate is selling the vehicle to a third party (note: lease restrictions apply) |
| Power of Attorney | If someone other than the executor is handling the title transfer |
If There is a Co-Signer
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Death Certificate | To remove the decedent's name from the billing statements |
| Updated Title Application | Required by the DMV to remove the name from the vehicle title (state-specific) |
Account Types
How Hyundai Capital Handles Different Account Types
Auto Loans (Retail Installment Contracts)
If the deceased had a standard car loan:
- Co-borrowers: The surviving co-borrower automatically assumes full responsibility for the loan. They should continue making payments to avoid credit damage.
- Sole borrower: The estate is responsible for the outstanding balance. The vehicle can be paid off by the estate, refinanced by an heir (subject to credit approval), or voluntarily surrendered if the estate cannot pay.
Timeline: {2–4 weeks for title release after payoff}
Auto Leases
Leases are more complex because the estate does not own the car—Hyundai Capital does.
- Liability: The estate is typically liable for the remaining lease payments until the contract ends.
- Early Termination: You may be able to return the vehicle early, but the estate will likely be charged an early termination fee and the remaining depreciation.
- Buyout: The estate or an heir can purchase the vehicle for the residual value plus any remaining payments.
- No Third-Party Buyouts: As of recent policy changes, Hyundai/Kia often restricts third-party dealerships (like CarMax) from buying out leases directly. The estate must buy it first.
Timeline: {30–60 days to settle lease terms}
Joint Accounts
For joint loans or leases, the surviving owner simply continues the contract. Notify Hyundai Capital to update their records, but the contract terms remain unchanged.
Timeline: {5–10 business days to update records}
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Process
Hyundai Capital America operates nationally, but vehicle titling and probate are state-specific.
- Title Transfers: You must follow your local DMV's rules to remove a deceased person's name from a car title. This often requires a death certificate and a specific DMV form (e.g., "Affidavit of Inheritance").
- Probate: If the vehicle is solely in the decedent's name and exceeds a certain value (e.g., $50,000 in some states), formal probate may be required to transfer it.
- Community Property: In states like California, Texas, and Arizona, a surviving spouse may have automatic rights to the vehicle even if not on the loan.
Key State Variations
| State | DMV Requirement | Probate Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| California | REG 5 form (Affidavit for Transfer Without Probate) | $184,500 |
| Texas | Affidavit of Heirship for a Motor Vehicle | $75,000 |
| Florida | Application for Certificate of Title | $75,000 |
For detailed requirements, check our state probate guides.
Timelines
Timeline for Settling a Hyundai Capital Account
| Process | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Death Notification Update | {2–5 business days} | Stops collection calls |
| Document Review | {7–10 business days} | Mailing time + processing |
| Payoff Quote Generation | {1–3 business days} | Can often be obtained online immediately |
| Title Release (after payoff) | {10–30 days} | Varies by state DMV processing speeds |
| Lease Liability Settlement | {30–60+ days} | Depends on vehicle return and final inspection |
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Don't Stop Payments
Even after a death, the loan or lease payment is still due. Missed payments can lead to repossession and damage the credit of any co-signers.
Lease Return vs. Repossession
Do not simply drop the car off at a dealership without coordinating with Hyundai Finance. This could be treated as a "voluntary repossession," which negatively impacts the estate's creditworthiness and results in higher fees. Always call to arrange a formal "lease return."
Third-Party Lease Buyout Restrictions
Hyundai and Kia have restricted third-party lease buyouts. You generally cannot sell a leased vehicle directly to Carvana, Vroom, or a non-Hyundai dealer. The estate must buy the car first (paying sales tax) and then sell it.
Locate the Spare Keys
When returning a vehicle, you will be charged heavily if you do not return both sets of keys and the owner's manual.
Cancel Ancillary Products
Check the original contract for "GAP insurance" or "extended warranties." You may be entitled to a pro-rated refund if the loan is paid off early.