Car Recalls - Is My Car Insurance Affected?

In the wake of Toyota's recent high-profile car recall, you may be wondering how this affects your car insurance. Here's the answer...

If you drive a Toyota that's affected by the recent recall - and close on 190,000 UK cars are affected - you may be wondering what impact this may have on your car insurance. To allay drivers' concerns, the ABI (Association of British Insurers) currently has this statement on its homepage...

Toyota. The ABI confirms that any claims from owners affected by the vehicle recall will continue to be dealt with in accordance with the terms and conditions of their motor policy."

So basically, it looks like business as usual with regards to your car insurance. However, for those with lingering concerns, Toyota added this statement...

"Should this clear reassurance by the ABI not be enough, Toyota will happily offer cover to any Toyota driver via the Toyota Insurance service, replicating the same terms as their existing policy."

So that's that. But car insurance worries aside, by far the most important thing is...

...If your car's affected by the recall, get it seen to

Toyota currently has two UK recalls in effect: an accelerator problem affecting over 180,000 vehicles, and a brake issue affecting around 8,500 third generation Prius hybrids.

Toyota Accelerator Recall

The accelerator problem can cause the pedal on certain models to remain partially depressed after the driver's foot has been lifted, and is remedied by a 30-minute repair job. Work has already begun on the accelerator fix, and Toyota service centres are busy repairing up to 6,000 vehicles a day.

Models that may be affected: Aygo MMT (Feb 2005 - Aug 2009); iQ (Nov 2008 - Nov 2009); Yaris (Nov 2005 - Sep 2009); Auris (Oct 2006 - 5 Jan 2010); Corolla (Oct 2006 - Dec 2009); Verso (Feb 2009 - 5 Jan 2010) and Avensis (Nov 2008 - Dec 2009). Toyotas registered before 2005 are not affected.

Toyota has a search tool where you can enter the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or registration number to see if your car is affected by the accelerator recall.

Toyota Prius Brake Recall

The Prius recall is in response to reports of an inconsistent brake feel that is found only in third-generation cars that were built before 27 January 2010. The problem can be fixed at all authorised service centres by a simple software upgrade to the ABS system, and takes about 40 minutes. Toyota says that the car is safe to drive, no accidents linked to this issue have been reported in Europe, and at no time are drivers without brakes.

Think Your Car's Affected? Then Get it Sorted

If you are in any doubt about whether your car is affected, contact your local Toyota Service Centre or call 0800 1388744. Toyota will also be writing to every affected owner/keeper in the next few days.
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