ATLBLACURA

My first post. I just bought a 2005 Acura TL 6MT with 20k miles on it. I gave the VIN number to my insurance company and they got the insurance all set up. I noticed that they claim that my vehicle is a type-s which is causing my rate to be higher than if it wasn't. I've told them that Acura didn't make the Type-S in my year and showed them the Acura website. They said they punch in the VIN and it spits out Type-S. Anyone ever heard of this?

Crazyace718

I have an 05 Tl and for some reason my insurance company thinks I have daytime running lights.

Bearcat94

I've seen a post or two with the same problem on a 2004 - insurance think they are Type-S.

Some of that confusion, IIRC, was the model/generation change between 2003 and 2004.

Why SF would think a 2005 is a Type-S, I have no idea.

BTW - There is a VIN "decoder" on the web: http://www.analogx.com/CONTENTS/vinview.htm


http://www.autoinsurancetips.com/decoding-your-vin


Try your VIN and see what comes up. Maybe SF has the VIN incorrect.

Bearcat94

Uhmmm, you do. (lol)




(At least I am almost sure that you do.)

ATLBLACURA

I just tried the VIN decoder and it came up unknown for model specific data. SF did show me how their system worked. It claimed that if the 568 digits were A66 then it is a type-s. Ofcourse mine is A66 but no type-s. I think this is a conspiracy that could end up saving people some money...

Bearcat94

Dude they are SO fucked up.

I've got a Type-S. That the UA7. Here's mine:

Digit 4 = U
Digit 5 = A
Digit 6 = 7
Digit 8 = 5

So if you're saying that you are:

Digit 4 = U
Digit 5 = A
Digit 6 = 6
Digit 8 = 6

That means you are a UA6 plus whatever the 8th digit is. That is correct, you are in fact a UA6, and the UA6 is NOT a Type-S.

And my *guess* is the 8th digit is Transmisison - bet you are a 6-speed (i.e. digit = 6); and as a 5AT my 8th digit = 5.

No way on God's green earth that a UA6, 6-speed is *technically* a Type-S. Similar/near, but NOT the same, especially HP-wise.

Will Y.

The 2003 TL-S had 260 HP from the 3.2. My understanding is that the 2004-current 3.2 engine (rated 270 HP until '06 change in SAE procedures) was mostly carried over from the Type S. The insurer thus may have just carried over the 2003 Type S info and ratings.

My TL doesn't have DRLs.
I think the '04-'06 TLs did not get DRLs in the US, but Canadian versions did.

Bearcat94

Thanks Will Y. I stand corrected (and apologies to Crazyace718). I got the DRL confused with the fog lights ; the '04 - '06 have fog lights in same position that the '07/'08 have DRL's - .


Oh, and I just noticed that the OP stated he does indeed have a 6MT, so my "theory" on the 8th digit being a transmission ID might be on the right track.

xen-cuts

My insurance company charges Ferrari prices for my TL. I don't get it?!

TLMAK

Did you buy your TL used?... do all you vin numbers match??...if it shows as a type s when you check it , not the insurance company, than I would look into it further, maybe the vins were swapped???..stolen car , just an idea I hope not, do a carfax see what it says about your vin# im sure you already have...hmm They cant charge you because of a discrepenc in the database .......out of curiosity how what is the difference in price for insurance have you asked, if it is not that much just pay it, if anything happens to your car , stolen or accident throw on some type s parts!!!!!
common man everthing for a reason, let me know

Tripnbeats

yup when i gave geico my vin they said my car is a type s as well.....really weird....the guy handling my account said most likely its because its stick.

jcondon

When I transfered my State Farm Ins over to my 2004 TL when I bought it new it came up as having Navigation. Which the car I bought did not. Forgot exactly what happened but, they resolved it quickly.

clavodulce16

so if you totalled your car you get a type S, I bet you if that happen they will do whateva to get you a base model

Tripnbeats

lol no clavo.... if u total it they throw ur car away and give u a check.

jayrowe

I have noticed if I go to the Owner Link site (specifically the parts site http://www.hondaparts.com), when I select a trim model for my VIN, the only options are TL-S, and TL-SN. I am thinking that Acura considers the 04-06 6MT the Type S of its Time (i.e. 6 Speed, Brembo Brakes).

ATLBLACURA

Yeah bought used but from dealer, Not stolen. I'm pretty sure they (insurance cos) can do whatever they want. But I'm trying to fight it. The difference is not that much, it's general principal. I'll post again when I get Acura and my agent together in a conversation.

jcondon

I have had State Farm all my adult life and I have two policy's with them and have been pretty happy with them. However why not just shop around get some quotes from other insurance companies. Then call them back and say x will insure my NON type-S for x. Do you want my business or not.

You aren't locked into them really. Unless you have home owners or other insurance with them and get a nice discount for multipolicies.

They should at the very least allow you to take to their inspection station and look at the car and maybe figure out what it is.

dejavecu

Xen-cuts brings up a point I have been curious about which is how reamed I am getting by the insurance company. The way my agent put it was that the TL's 3.2 L enginge couple with the invalid but still widely used 270 hp rating (my theory) labels the car as a high performance and less insurable vehicle. What is everyone paying for their insurance? Driving record, type of coverage and insurance company. Hijack the thread or start a new one?

pokin

Hmm - I didn't know,
The base 05 came in 6MT?

sam the man

Yes, I am with State Farm. They lump all TL's into TL and TL Type S. I have a type S so didnt hurt me??? Try arguing the horsepower but I doubt it will matter

ATLBLACURA

This from my agent:

Our State Farm zone office has received all of the documentation from you, me, dealer, and ACURA. They have corrected your premium and forwarded to Corporate for system check. This can take several weeks. If we can't get fixed, your policy has to be manually changed each 6 months.

If people want to save a few $$$, check to see if this is valid for you.

rwlundberg

I have the 2004 a-spec auto, it came up a type-s also. With State farm

MWalsh9152

when I switched over from my 06 non navi to my 08 Type S I dont think my insurance went up more than $75

jcondon

I would have told the agent if its wrong I will pay the lower rate in 6 months since we know what it is and you sort it out. Or I can take my business elsewhere. How damn stupid they just can't fix this. Not exactly rocket science. Why should it be on the customer to remind them every 6 months? My 2004TL policy doesn't show its a TL type-s.

ATLBLACURA

We'll see how it goes with the premium but my goal was to get them to stop treating my car as a type-s. I think I accomplished that goal.

DMZ

Unofficially, the 2004/5/6 6MT is considered a Type-S due to Brembo brakes, thicker stabilizer bars, and faster acceleration.