Question: I bought a new Toyota a few months ago, and I love my new car for the most part. However, I think the GPS is a bit obnoxious and intrusive. How can I turn off the GPS data tracking in my Toyota?
Answer:
I’m sorry to hear that you find the GPS in your Toyota to be a bit obnoxious. It might help to learn that the company says that it only collects your data if you’ve opted in to their data sharing program, which is typically done through the Toyota Owners site or app. If you have already opted in, you’ll need to opt back out to turn off Toyota’s GPS tracking.
How do I opt out of data sharing with Toyota?
There are three main ways to revoke your data-sharing permissions:
Through the app
Log in to your Toyota app, then tap your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen. From there, tap Account > Data Privacy Portal. Choose your vehicle, then continue to Insure Connect > Manage Consent > Decline.
By pressing the SOS button
Push the SOS button in your vehicle to be connected to a Toyota Service Connect operator. From there, let them know you would like to opt out of consent for Connected Services.
Over the phone
If you have trouble opting out through the app or via the SOS button, call the Toyota Brand Engagement line at 1-800-331-4331 and tell the customer service agent that you would like to opt out of consent for Connected Services.
Need to know:If you opt out of data tracking via Connected Services, you’ll also lose access to any other features provided by Connected Services, including built-in roadside assistance, information about the health of your vehicle, WiFi connectivity, and more.
Some drivers who opt out of data tracking still have concerns about Toyota accessing their driving information. In some cases, drivers report being able to turn off the Data Communication Module (DCM) by removing the fuse that powers it. However, this can also impact the functionality of other features in your vehicle, like hands-free calling, and could cause other complications.
Why is Toyota collecting my data?
Once you agree to share your driving data with Toyota, it’s collected by a company affiliated with Toyota Insurance called Connected Analytic Services (CAS). After your data has been collected for a minimum of 60 days, Toyota may contact you via email with an offer to view personalized car insurance quotes based on your driving.
What kind of data does Toyota collect?
If you opt in to data sharing through Connected Services, Toyota Insurance may collect driving data like how far you drive each day, what routes you travel, the time of day you drive, and more.
Additionally, if you apply for a policy through Toyota Insurance, they may collect personal and consumer data like your name, birthday, driver’s license number, credit history, and more. You can learn more about this by reading Toyota’s Privacy Policy.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.