A Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, is a unique 17-character code used to identify a specific vehicle. If you have wondered, “What is a vehicle identification number?” think of it as a vehicle’s identifying code. It may be used for registration, titling, recall notices, vehicle history reports and auto insurance.
What does a VIN include?
A VIN contains letters and numbers that represent details about a vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the code may identify information such as the country of manufacture, manufacturer, vehicle type and model year.
Drivers researching how to read a VIN number may find that different sections of the code identify the vehicle’s manufacturer, features, assembly plant and serial number.
Where can you find a VIN?
If you need to know where to find a VIN number, check these common locations:
- On the driver’s side dashboard, visible through the windshield
- On the driver’s side door jamb or door frame
- On the vehicle’s title, registration or insurance documents
- On the engine block in some vehicles
The VIN number should be copied carefully because one incorrect character could identify a different vehicle or create delays with paperwork.
Why does a VIN matter for auto insurance?
Insurance carriers may use a VIN to confirm details about the vehicle being insured, including its make, model, year and safety features. These details may influence available coverage options and the premium a driver is quoted. Drivers may be asked to provide the VIN when purchasing, updating or transferring an auto insurance policy.
A VIN may also help drivers review a used vehicle’s accident, title, ownership and odometer history. For additional information, read Insurance Agency Inc.’s (IIA) guide to vehicle identification numbers on the IIA Knowledge Center.
Find affordable auto insurance options
Your VIN tells an insurance carrier about your vehicle, but it does not tell you which policy may fit your needs and budget. That is where IIA can help. IIA works with more than 20 insurance carriers, giving you the opportunity to compare auto insurance options in one place. Spanish-bilingual agents are available to answer your questions, and the carriers we work with may offer flexible payment options. Some may also accept alternative forms of identification, including a matrícula consular or foreign driver’s license, depending on the carrier and state.
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