Toyota Motor Insurance

[Uncle Buck]

Thanks Mike - food for thought at renewal time.

[Robbyalso]

As my topic has been lost in clouds, I would like to point out to members again, that Toyota Insurance do not accept a change of wheel size from original specification. I have a 2012 Auris HSD T-Spirit with 17" wheels, and enquired about fitting 15" wheels and appropriate tyres for the winter. Toyota insurance will not provide cover for this change. I have concluded that if I want 15" wheels I will have to seek out an insurer that will provide cover for alternative wheels, or change my car for an Auris HSD T4 supplied new with 15" wheels. I think the 1st option will prove the most cost effective. A disappointment, but from the number of cars fitted with different wheels, I am sure that some insurers will accommodate this change (with an amendment charge of course).

[FROSTYBALLS]

Or you could consider 17 inch wheels with winter tyres.

[Mike169]

I was with Swintons for as many years as i can remember. When i bought my Rav4 the dealers automatically give you 3 days free insurance just so they can put road tax on the car prior to collection. Of course because Toyota insurance have your details they contact you asking if they can give a quote obviously touting for business...............well all i can say is Toyota insurance was cheaper than Swintons by hundreds of pounds, unfortunately i had to use them once and they were 100% polite and professional so when my other car needed insurance renewal, not a Toyota i just called them to ask if they insure other makes, the answer was 'of course' and again they were sooooooo much cheaper than Swintons and i only wish i had discovered this years ago as i could of saved myself a fortune. So if you are looking for advise, just go for it and don't look back and save yourself a packet. Mike169

[Robbyalso]

Or you could consider 17 inch wheels with winter tyres.

That sounds ok except for the fact that 17" wheels are too expensive. I think I'll stick with plan A, and change insurer. Thank anyway.

[glorydad]

Toyota Insurance would not accept a Lindop Chip being fitted to my RAV4.4. Had to go elsewhere.

[FROSTYBALLS]

Its their prerogative as to whether to accept modifications or not.

[Raistlin]

Toyota Insurance would not accept a Lindop Chip being fitted to my RAV4.4. Had to go elsewhere.

Was that a Lindop chip or any chip in general ?

[Parts-King]

I am not surprised, many insurance companies will not quote on modifications, some see it as a way to make a quick buck out of you. I have also see the complete opposite, where they allow the fitting with a minimal charge for doing so

If you get a quote off mainstream compare sites, there is usually a box for modifications, make sure you fill that out, there are also specialist companies like Adrian Flux that will sort out a reasonable quote

It really does depend on your insurance companies attitude to risk, it could be for any number of reasons, they are up to their quota on mods, claims in your age group too high or whatever, dont take it personally, insurance is a strange business

[glorydad]

Toyota Insurance would not accept a Lindop Chip being fitted to my RAV4.4. Had to go elsewhere.

Was that a Lindop chip or any chip in general ?

I did mention "Lindop Chip" as it is supplied by a Toyota dealer and therefore a known item. I would assume, from the conversation I had, the attitude will remain the same for any tuning chip. If a client of my age and no-claim record (I have never claimed during my driving career of 44 years) can't be quoted, then I think it is their policy for this type of modification.

I posted this mainly to alert members they might be wasting their time with Toyota Insurance with this type of proposal.

A

[glorydad]

Its their prerogative as to whether to accept modifications or not.

As it is mine to look elsewhere.

[glorydad]

I am not surprised, many insurance companies will not quote on modifications, some see it as a way to make a quick buck out of you. I have also see the complete opposite, where they allow the fitting with a minimal charge for doing so

If you get a quote off mainstream compare sites, there is usually a box for modifications, make sure you fill that out, there are also specialist companies like Adrian Flux that will sort out a reasonable quote

It really does depend on your insurance companies attitude to risk, it could be for any number of reasons, they are up to their quota on mods, claims in your age group too high or whatever, dont take it personally, insurance is a strange business

Yep, it is. There are many more fish in this sea. No I have not taken it personally, just wanted others to know , so they don't waste their time on phone,

A

[OorWullie]

I chose Toyota insurance simply because I had just purchased a Yaris and the difference in premium between this and the lowest quote, Tesco, was almost negligible. It also provides my wife who is the second named driver with her no claims bonus which few others insurers offer.

[OorWullie]

I discovered today that by informing the insurers that the car is parked overnight in a garage that this admission increases the premium; it seems like time to tell a few white lies. See www.confused.com 'Englishman's garage is no longer his castle.'

[Grumpy Cabbie]

Having worked in motor insurance in the past I've seen all the scams out there. Don't tell lies, however white 'you' feel they are.

Of course it's your choice and decision to do that, but what people always forget is that they tell a white lie to try and get cheap insurance and then tell the truth, and nothing but the truth when they claim. Seriously, they really do. :)

Then people also forget that whilst their accident damaged car is sat at the repairers, the first thing an assessor looks for are modifications, induction kits, non standard allow wheels, tuning chips etc. Some of these are hidden from view, but many are not. Then it's a simple "You're not covered because of ......" No doubt to wails of "insurers are just scammers etc" from the customer caught out.

But it's simple, tell your insurer. As others have said, some insurers want totally standard risks and rate accordingly (usually cheaply). Then there are specialists who are happy to take on modified vehicles, but they may be more expensive. Think about WHY. Because modified vehicles are a higher risk. Whether it's because a base BMW modified to look like an M3 might get nicked more (for parts even) or driven as if it was an M3, to the yoof with his modified Corsa screaming around Asda carpark in the evening. But the stats support it. For all the customers who modify a car, care for it and mollycoddle it, there are a good proportion who do the opposite.

Also, if you have modified wheels, body kit etc and have a smash (even if it's not your fault), it generally takes longer to source replacements for the modified parts, meaning the customer is in a hire car longer, hogs space at the repairers and it all costs more. That extra cost needs passing on some how.

So the moral is tell the insurers if you have modified your car. Simple. You may think they may not find out but do you want to chance that? If they do, you may not be paid out for your claim and will have your smashed car returned to you with a bill for the initial recovery and inspection costs. The insurers are obligated to pay damage and losses to third parties if the accident was your fault, BUT if they've voided your policy due to non disclosure, they'll often come looking to you for recovery of those costs - think whiplash, lawyers fees, hire car fees etc. Then your details are added to the database for non disclosure and you'll then have a hell of a job getting insurance in the future.

Or just tell your insurers of modifications and pay a little extra if that's what they ask. It's dead easy.

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?251871-Please-help!-Void-car-insurance

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/news/car-insurance-economy-with-the-truth-costs-drivers-dearly.html

[OorWullie]

Fortunately, modifying a car has no appeal to me (too old to worry over such detail) but I did buy a used 5 series sports model BMW with spare super low-profile tyres with alloys and many other modifications; it was the best car I ever had and an eye-catcher; it did not drive, it glided. On insuring it I was asked if it was modified and as it had so many modifications of which I was unaware the company gladly accepted this and provided me with a low premium. I had the car for four years and reluctantly had to part with it when it was still in excellent condition with then 125k on the clock. I had no cause to make a claim.

With regard to parking the car, in the winter its is garaged but for the remainder of the year it is parked on the driveway alongside the house. Other residents use the road for second or third family cars but most use their garage for other purposes than cars. When insuring with Toyota and on explaining that the car was garaged only during winter the guy on the phone said 'Okay, garaged'! I had not realised that this was about to raise the premium yet it is only garaged for 3 months of the year. As I have both a garage and a large parking area alongside the house it seems odd why the premium for each area should differ and hence the need, occasionally, to be economical with the truth. I do accept what you say.

[steviebe 65]

Hi chaps. Thought I'd share my pain ref' Adrian Flux. Just starting my second year with Adrian Flux so received Certificate on Friday 12th Dec', premium £315 was taken from bank on Monday 15th Dec' and my renewal was 17th Dec @ 00:00 hours. So we had the Cert' they had their money so all should of been well. Imagine my surprise when this morning Sun 21st Dec I was followed into a retail park in Halifax by a Police BMW X5 who preceded to block me off when I'd pulled into a space. Flashed his headlights at me and beckoned me over. Told me to take a seat in the rear which left all the other shoppers sniggering as I must be a master criminal. He then informed me that my vehicle had no insurance to which I replied I had a copy in my owners pack in the car. I got that and showed him and he showed me his dash computer showing my vehicle reg had no valid insurance. He said Adrian Flux had not registered the policy with MID which is the insurance data base the police APNR system uses. He then said I should contact Flux and not drive the car as I wasn't legally insured at that time and the car could be impounded. As you can imagine I went straight home and parked up for the day. So beware fellow club members and it's worth checking on your renewal day @ askMID that your policy has been registered as you can't rely on the idiots you pay your hard earned cash to to do it. Thanks Adrian Flux

[Heidfirst]

I think that you will find that the officer was in the wrong & you were insured (after all you had proof). The police know that their database can be a few days behind.

[FROSTYBALLS]

This type of instance can happen regardless of whom you're insured with. The Motor Insurance Database can take several days to update as Scott has said above. Extracted from MID's Frequently Asked Questions:

What do I do if my vehicle isn’t showing on the MID when I do a search?

You have a number of options depending on your circumstances

- If you believe you are insured but your vehicle is not appearing on the MID you must contact your insurance provider to submit your policy details immediately. askMID cannot change these details.

- If you have recently taken out a new policy, please try again in a few days to allow time for the new policy to reach the MID.

- If you do not have vehicle insurance (and you haven’t declared your vehicle “off the road”), you must contact an insurance provider to purchase a valid motor insurance policy.

- If you do not want to use the vehicle, you must declare it “off the road” by making a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) with the DVLA. You can check your vehicle record by using the Vehicle Enquiry service at www.direct.gov.uk/checksorn.

[Cyker]

You're lucky you had physical proof!

When this starts happening with the tax then we'll be screwed since we no longer get any documentation to prove we've paid it!

[FROSTYBALLS]

You're lucky you had physical proof!

 

When this starts happening with the tax then we'll be screwed since we no longer get any documentation to prove we've paid it!

Yes you do get documentation to prove you've paid for car tax. If you buy online, you can print or save the part of the renewal application which states your registration number and your application reference, and you also get an automated e-mail from DVLA which again provides confirmation of the car tax renewal. If you renew at a Post Office, you get a Post Office receipt.

If you pay by direct debit you have proof of setting up the direct debit.

[Parts-King]

I think that you will find that the officer was in the wrong & you were insured (after all you had proof). The police know that their database can be a few days behind.

Indeed, they also have the ability to make a phone call to check the policy is actually live. I don't think the officer handled it very well at all

[steviebe 65]

Hi chaps only me again. Rang Adrian flux yesterday about the omission of my policy on motor insurance data base. Spoke to 2 pin heads who didn't seem to see the problem as she said "it can take 5 days". My answer to that was Motor insurance bureau who administers MID says if your policy doesn't appear contact your insurance IMMEADIATLY . In another section of their page it says details can be sorted in hours and not as the pin heads said days. However my gripe with Adrian Flux is this system has been in place since 2003 and in those 11 years no other insurance company has let me down like this. As I sarcastly asked does that mean all Adrian Flux policy holders after me are presently not on MID awaiting some sort of backlog to clear. Basically I think they're LIARS and it's simply a case of another pin head hasn't uploaded the data. I did get a cheaper quote alsewhere but Flux matched the price to keep my business. I'd hate to have to make a claim if this is how they respond and I'll certainly think twice about renewing with them next year. In point to some replys why should we as motorists have to carry a heap of printed off evidence in the back of the car to make up for government cost cutting ref' tax discs and bungling idiots that work for insurance companys. We pay our money and they're supposed to provide a service. Happy Christmas everybody and hopefully a happy new year.

[Cyker]

You're lucky you had physical proof!

 

When this starts happening with the tax then we'll be screwed since we no longer get any documentation to prove we've paid it!

Yes you do get documentation to prove you've paid for car tax. If you buy online, you can print or save the part of the renewal application which states your registration number and your application reference, and you also get an automated e-mail from DVLA which again provides confirmation of the car tax renewal. If you renew at a Post Office, you get a Post Office receipt.

If you pay by direct debit you have proof of setting up the direct debit.

Well my experience in other things has been that self-printed documents are almost NEVER valid as proof of anything. Besides, their database is linked directly to the DVLA yes? So if it is coming up as not valid, it's a good bet any reference numbers on your inkjet-printed and dodgy looking print out will also not come up if it is due to a clerical error!

And as I've been told before, proof of payment is not proof of possession!

I think that you will find that the officer was in the wrong & you were insured (after all you had proof). The police know that their database can be a few days behind.

Indeed, they also have the ability to make a phone call to check the policy is actually live. I don't think the officer handled it very well at all

Well they might do on TV but I suspect most of them really can't be ubikd to wait on the phone for ages trying to get through to check such things. Anyway, as far as they are concerned, the onus is on you to prove your innocence!

The bigger problem in my view is that this magical database now seems to trump physical proof;

I can kinda understand why, esp. nowadays where your insurance cert is just laser-printed on a normal piece of paper (Or in the case of a LOT of insurers now, purely electronic so you have to print it yourself!) and are ridiculously easy to forge as opposed to before where they at least used to use slightly more official papers with watermarks and embossing like the old MOT certificates.

But it makes it a horrible PITA when you're one of the unlucky ones to get bitten by the system and have no firm way of proving your innocence on demand. It may only take a couple of days to sort out on average, but if you depend on your car for work that can be pretty catastrophic, not to mention all the stress and anxiety that it causes!

It'll be interesting to see what happens if these databases ever get hacked...

[FROSTYBALLS]

The Motor Insurance Database (MID) was set up by the insurance industry, is managed by the Motor Insurer's Bureau (which itself was set up by the insurance industry), and is the central record for all insured vehicles within the UK. Both DVLA and the police access MID to raise enquiries about insured vehicles.

It is a separate database to any database set up and managed by DVLA, and is not linked to DVLA.

The confirmation e-mail sent out by DVLA once one has renewed one's vehicle tax is headed 'Confirmation of vehicle tax', and details:

your vehicle's registration number,

the DVLA vehicle tax reference number,

the date when the vehicle tax was applied for,

what period the vehicle tax covers,

the vehicle tax amount paid

the payment card used.

The abolition of the car tax disc is one measure this government has taken to reduce costs. Another measure is the abolition of the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence, which will happen on 8th June 2015.

Old-style paper driving licences issued before photocard driving licences were introduced, remain both legal and valid.