Have you ever wondered why an insurance company requires your vehicle identification number (VIN) to provide you with car insurance quotes? It’s not only to make sure the car isn’t stolen or double-check its make and model. Basically, the VIN gives more information about your car, which can help you save money on auto insurance.
What Is a VIN?
The Vehicle Identification Number or VIN, a 17-digit number unique to each car, is similar to your car’s thumbprint. It helps authorities track the stolen cars and identifies your car for finance and registration. Shops also use the VIN to ensure that they order the correct parts. Although the VIN appears to be a random collection of digits and letters, it contains far more information than most people believe.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had ordered the use of VINs in a standardized format for all automobiles, trailers, mopeds, and motorbikes in 1981. Because all VINs are formatted the same, deciphering one can reveal a lot about a car. Most importantly, the VIN will tell you where the car was built, who built it, any unusual characteristics it may have, and the car’s unique ID.
How to Look Up VIN Number for Free
Your VIN can be found in a variety of places on your car. VIN can most likely be found on the dashboard, in the driver’s door, or on the firewall on older cars. VINs can now be found on the dashboard, engine, frame, firewall, steering column, door, doorpost, radiator-support bracket, inner fender liner, and other parts of the vehicle. Some even etch them into the car’s window glass as a theft deterrent ,resulting in a car insurance discount.
With the VIN from a stolen car inscribed on every window, thieves will have difficulty reselling your car. Before they could sell the car, they’d have to spend the money to replace all of the windows. For a car thief who might quickly move on to the next car, it’s too much trouble.
Do You Need a VIN Number for Insurance?
You do need a VIN while applying for car insurance. You do not, however, require one to begin the process of obtaining insurance. Insurers may provide you with a generic quote without the VIN, so if you’re thinking about buying a specific car but haven’t yet visited the dealership, you can get an idea of what your insurance rates would be by receiving a few quotes.
Once you’ve decided on a vehicle, you’ll need the VIN to purchase the policy. The VIN provides essential information to the insurance company, allowing them to provide more accurate quotations. No insurance provider will sell you a policy unless you have the VIN.
By asking for VIN number for a car insurance quote, a car insurance company is simply making sure that a person isn’t trying to insure a stolen car.
Structure of VIN
What Is World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)?
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is the first three digits of the VIN. Although the frame and chassis are built in Mexico, if everything is assembled in the United States, the nation of origin is the United States. The numbers 1,4, and 5 represent the United States. Canada is represented by the number 2, Mexico by the number 3, Japan by the number J, Korea by the number K, England by the number S, and Germany by W. The next digit represents the carmaker.
The first letter of the manufacturer’s name, such as F for Ford, will be used. The WMI’s final digit denotes the type of vehicle or division of the manufacturer.
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
This is where the magic of money-saving happens. The manufacturer assigns the numbers 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, which make up the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS). They make up the VDS, together with the 9th digit, determined by a mathematical procedure that confirms the other numbers. Although not all carmakers use these numerals to identify information that can save you money, many do. The safety features are not displayed in this part by most American automakers, although they are by most other automakers. This information can help you qualify for various reductions that will appear on your vehicle insurance quote.
You can get discounts for different seat belts, different airbags, and different types of head restraints.
Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS)
The VIS refers to the remaining digits. The tenth digit indicates the model years. The year-numbering system began in 1980 with the letter A, and B through Y from 1981 to 2000. In 2010, the cycle started all over again with A. In other words, 2011 is a B year, while 2012 was a C year. As cars are manufactured, the final six numbers are assigned to identify the exact car. In the final analysis, you can decode a lot about your car with this string of 17 digits. When comparing auto insurance quotes, you can also get an idea of the safety features you have that may qualify you for a discount.
Sara Sam may not look like your typical car and finance expert, but don’t let that fool you. With over four years of experience in the industry, she knows all the ins and outs of cars, car insurance, and refinancing. You can trust Sara to help you navigate the often-confusing world of automobiles and financing.
