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Insurance Issue

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Rest, Sep 26, 2013.

  1. Rest

    Rest Active Member

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    I've been trying to get a discount with my insurance company that they will issue for having Electronic Stability Control, Toyota calls it Vehicle Stability Control. My 2007 Prius has this feature. However, I don't have the original window sticker to prove this so my insurance agent can apply the discount. They said their underwriter can't find this option via the VIN. I told them I could show them that the VSC idiot light shows upon startup, but apparently that isn't enough as they need some sort of documentation to prove my prius has it. I don't understand why the VIN search isn't showing it but my agent said this happens from time to time. Is there a way I can get a replacement window sticker for a car this old? Any help would be appreciated.
     
  2. jadziasman

    jadziasman Prius owner emeritus

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    The VIN most likely does not detail all of the options a specific model has. It just doesn't have enough digits to do so. Somewhere on the body or in the interior (glove box maybe ?) there should be a list of all features on your car. But they will probably be codes of some sort so you'll need to get them deciphered before passing them on to your insurer.

    Unfortunately, I don't know where Toyota places this list on the Prius. On GM cars, it is (or was) somewhere in the trunk (for sedans).

    Contact a Toyota dealer or Toyota corporate to find where this list is situated on your Prius.
     
  3. Rest

    Rest Active Member

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    There is no listing on the car anywhere that I can find. I'm still waiting to hear back from a Toyota dealership. I do have the original bill of sale for my Prius, but it doesn't show what option package I have. VSC was included in all but one option package in 2007, but unfortunately I can't prove the package I have includes VSC. You'd think showing my insurance agent the VSC indicator light coming on at startup would be enough, however it's not for their underwriter.
     
  4. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    No such list exists on the car, and it is not in the VIN because these packages don't have anything to do with the car itself. They are just "fluff". Unlike GM's where you can pick and choose any option to put on your vehicle, Toyota gives you the choice of some number of "packages" and you must choose one of these packages. For the 2007 model, there were 6 packages with a Touring model available making a total of 11 possible package combinations.The 2007, 2008, and 2009 models had VSC on every package except package I and package 1's are reserved for fleet vehicles and rentals. No Toyota dealership in the US (as far as we know) ordered (and therefore sold to the end user) a package I.

    Your Title should include what "package" your car is.
     
  5. ursle

    ursle Gas miser

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    Stick yer vin up and see if it rings any bells, models 1 and 2 are identical except for stability control, but google might give up a window sticker?
    Here's the rundown(07), does your's have 9 speakers, if so it's got stability, otherwise, any toyota mechanic can identify stability control parts;)

    Package #1 (HE) (Model 1224)
    • Rear Camera
    • AM/FM, CD 6speakers & MP3 Audio
    • Smart Key Systemt
    Package #2 (HG) (Model 1224)
    • Vehicle Stability Control
    • Rear Camera
    • AM/FM, CD 6speakers & MP3 Audio
    • Smart Key System
    Package #3 (HI) (Model 1224)
    • Vehicle Stability Control
    • Rear Camera
    • JBL AM/FM, CD Changer, 9speakers & Bluetooth & MP3 Audio
    • Smart Key System
    • Alarm & Homelink Security
    Package #4 (HK) (Model 1224)
    • Vehicle Stability Control
    • 2 HID Headlamps
    • Rear Camera
    • JBL AM/FM, CD Changer, 9speakers & Bluetooth & MP3 Audio
    • Smart Key System
    • Alarm & Homelink Security
    • Front Fog & Driving Lamps
    Package #5 (NL) (Model 1224)
    • Vehicle Stability Control
    • 2 HID Headlamps
    • Rear Camera
    • JBL AM/FM, CD Changer, 9speakers & Bluetooth & MP3 Audio
    • Smart Key System
    • Alarm & Homelink Security
    • USA EMV & Navigation System
    • Front Fog & Driving Lamps
    Package #5 Touring Edition (NL) (Model 1226)
    • Vehicle Stability Control
    • 2 HID Headlamps
    • Rear Camera
    • JBL AM/FM, CD Changer, 9speakers & Bluetooth & MP3 Audio
    • Smart Key System
    • Alarm & Homelink Security
    • USA EMV & Navigation System
    • 195/55R16 Alloy Tire $ Disc Wheel
    • Large (w/Fin) Rear Spoiler
    • Full Cap 16" + Ornament Wheel Cap
    • Front Fog & Driving Lamps
    Package #6 (NR) (Model 1224)
    • Vehicle Stability Control
    • 4 Spoke Leather Steering Wheel
    • Natural Leather Seat Material
    • 2 HID Headlamps
    • Rear Camera
    • JBL AM/FM, CD Changer, 9speakers & Bluetooth & MP3 Audio
    • Smart Key System
    • Alarm & Homelink Security
    • USA EMV & Navigation System
    • Front Fog & Driving Lamps
    Package #6 Touring Edition (NR) (Model 1226)
    • Vehicle Stability Control
    • 4 Spoke Leather Steering Wheel
    • Natural Leather Seat Material
    • 2 HID Headlamps
    • Rear Camera
    • JBL AM/FM, CD Changer, 9speakers & Bluetooth & MP3 Audio
    • Smart Key System
    • Alarm & Homelink Security
    • USA EMV & Navigation System
    • Front Fog & Driving Lamps
    • 195/55R16 Alloy Tire $ Disc Wheel
    • Large (w/Fin) Rear Spoiler
    • Full Cap 16" + Ornament Wheel Cap


     
  6. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    Then process of elimination to show what package you have.

    Do you have the 6CD changer? Then you have a Package III or above and have VSC.
    Do you have Bluetooth or Homelink or the Autodimming mirror? Then you have a Package III or above.
    Do you have fog lights or the factory HID headlights? If so then you have a package IV or above and have VSC.
    Do you have navigation? Then you have a package V or VI and have VSC.
     
  7. Rest

    Rest Active Member

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    My title does NOT include what package my Prius is.

    I know what package it is, it's a package #5, but I can't prove it to my insurance company without documentation associated to my VIN. A visual inspection won't cut it, as crazy as that sounds.
     
  8. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    It is not in the VIN and if they won't take visual inspections, then you are SOA. They are asking you to prove the impossible and probably only because it is impossible. Offer sweet incentives and discounts that are impossible to obtain, and you can still market them.

    If your insurance company is being this much of a PITA now when you don't need them, why on Earth would you want to go through them when you need them? Switch to a better company and tell them why.

    You might try going to a dealership (or many until one agrees) and having them type something quick on their stationary saying your vehicle is a package 5. All they have to do is check the MFD for the map button signalling you have navigation and they're done.
     
  9. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    For the sake of the community and the readers of this thread now and in the future, it would be nice if the OP (rest) would post the name of the insurance company. That way other's down the line can be aware of their tactics and steer clear of them.

    Most insurance companies simply ask you if you have certain items such as ABS, security alarms, and so forth. Of course lately insurance companies are playing games and pulling tricks such as this. It is things like this that give the industry a bad name. It is truly a sign of the times.

    If your insurance company is not willing to take your word that your Prius has VSC on it, I would find a different company to insure the car.
     
    Data Daedalus and jadziasman like this.
  10. sportcoupe

    sportcoupe Junior Member

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    Toyota build sheets used to be available for free. Here is the Toyota customer line. 800-331-4331 dail #4 to get a person. Give them your VIN and the rep can fax you the build sheet.
     
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  11. Rest

    Rest Active Member

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    Farmers.

    The discount for Electronic Stability Control or VSC as Toyota calls it, is a recent discount from Farmers. This discount wasn't available when it was first insured with them, so they never asked if I had it. But to be clear, it's not my local agents that are to blame, it's the underwriter because they base their information on what's in the VIN.
    I have had Farmers for almost 30 years and this is the first time I've ever had an issue with them.
     
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  12. Data Daedalus

    Data Daedalus Senior Member

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    If insurance companies or their underwriters are making it difficult for their customers to get the discounts they so rightly deserve, vote with your feet and go someplace else.

    In the UK, the Insurance Industry has become the biggest ever RIP OFF of all time - insidiously aided and abetted by the ruling government. The motorist is literally at their mercy with similarly unsavoury scams just like this.

    However, when I encounter such unbridled greed with any company I'm with come renewal time, I invariably and with malice aforethought "vote with my feet" and switch someplace else! It is usually the only recourse the UK motorist has left. I suspect the same thing pretty much applies anywhere else in our so called 21st century civilised world. That kind of "Ferengi Style" (Star Trek) scam sure ain't civilised in my opinion :(

    Choose another insurance company - you're being grossly disrespected - after all, you're PAYING for the service - it ain't free!


    iPad ? HD
     
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  13. Bingee

    Bingee Member

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    With the hassle YOUR insurance is giving you , think about IF something happens to
    Your car , how do you think they will treat you then ? Shop around a little , use the
    Phone ...
     
  14. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    Please don't hit me. I've been hit 2 times by people with Farmers and it was a hassle (for my insurance co, AAA) both times. They don't like to pay.

    P.S. It was pretty difficult to get a 2007 that didn't have VSC. Only Package #1 which is extremely rare and Package #2 which is not quite as rare.
     
  15. Rest

    Rest Active Member

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    To be fair, I've had Farmers Insurance for over 20 years and they have been good to me, regarding claim service. I have two vehicles and my house insured with them. This issue is the first snag I've encountered. The discount I'm trying to get doesn't amount to much and not worth leaving Farmers over, but every discount helps and I will certainly continue trying to get it.
     
  16. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    Fair enough, well said! As long as you are happy, that is the main point. Maybe you could show them the list of option's above and explain to them that only one model did not have the VSC, therefore chances are your Prius does have it. Plus take a photo of the VSC light on the dash. I would think that would be proof enough because they cannot prove or disprove whether or not the car actually has it based on the VIN.

    I hope in the end you get the discount you are seeking.
     
    Data Daedalus likes this.
  17. Rest

    Rest Active Member

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    I told Farmers I could personally show them the VSC light in my Prius, but they said it's not proof for their underwriter, even though they agree it makes no sense. So I doubt a picture would make a difference because they wouldn't know it came from my car, but I can try it and see.

    I did call the Toyota Customer Service number and they are looking into it. Hopefully they can get me a copy of the window sticker or a build sheet specifically for my VIN.
     
  18. Rest

    Rest Active Member

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    Good news, Toyota sent me documentation showing that my vehicle has VSC. Now to take this to my insurance company and get my discount!
     
  19. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    That right there will help all of the community here. Thank you for posting that information. I am glad to hear you are getting what you need! Best of luck to you.
     
  20. Rest

    Rest Active Member

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    The paperwork Toyota sent me even shows what Service Campaigns and Safety Recalls were completed and not completed.

    Thanks to forum member sportcoupe, for the number to call!