He Was Unaware That Toyota Was Selling His Driving Data to Insurance Companies; Now He Is Filing a Lawsuit | Carscoops

      The owner learned that his data was being sold while attempting to secure insurance with Progressive, just six hours ago.

      A lawsuit in Texas alleges that Toyota sold driving data without the owner's consent or knowledge.

      The RAV4 owner claims that Toyota's data-sharing program led to increased insurance premiums rather than discounts.

      This lawsuit could potentially pave the way for a class action involving affected Toyota owners across the country.

      Over the past year, a rising number of automakers have faced criticism for allegedly selling owners' driving data to insurance companies. In January, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton initiated an investigation into Toyota, Ford, Hyundai, and FCA for these questionable practices. Now, a Toyota owner has filed suit against the Japanese manufacturer in Texas, claiming his driving data was sold without his consent.

      This case may present significant challenges for Toyota, particularly if the plaintiff demands a jury trial.

      What’s the Data, Anyway?

      Philip Siefke, the plaintiff from Eagle Lake, Florida, states that Toyota, Progressive, and Connected Analytic Services collect data that could lead to a “potential discount” on owners' auto insurance, but it can also result in increased premiums.

      Affected Toyota models that track driving data include most vehicles from 2018 and later. Siefke owns a 2021 RAV4 XLE, purchased in March 2021, which includes a ‘telemetry’ tracking device capable of collecting information such as location, fuel levels, odometer readings, speed, tire pressure, window status, and seatbelt status.

      According to Siefke, he became aware of Toyota possessing significant driving data when he attempted to enroll in an insurance policy with Progressive in January. After opting out of the data-sharing program during the online process, a pop-up appeared, notifying Siefke that Progressive already had his driving data up until January 20, 2025. When he contacted them, he was informed this information had been obtained from Toyota.

      Next, Siefke reached out to Toyota, and they allegedly informed him that when he bought his RAV4, he had enrolled in a trial program allowing them to share his driving data. He asserts that he was never informed his data would be sold to third parties.

      Now, Siefke is determined to escalate the matter. He is seeking class-action status for his lawsuit, aiming to represent thousands of other Toyota owners whose driving data may have been shared with insurance companies without their consent.