Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

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What Is a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

vehicle identification numberMany people wonder, “What is a vehicle identification number?” A vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-character serial number used to uniquely identify a car. Think of it as a fingerprint, because no two VIN numbers are alike, even if the cars are the same make and model.
 
While manufacturers had been stamping identification numbers on cars since the 1950s, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standardized this process for motor vehicles in 1981. Now, the 17 characters of your car’s vehicle identification number all have a specific meaning.
 
In order to get a car insurance policy through the AARP® Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford,1 you’ll need your car’s VIN number. Car insurance companies use this to look up car records and help calculate car insurance rates.
 

How Do I Look Up a VIN number?

You can find your VIN number in one of four locations in your car:
 
  • The interior dashboard on the driver’s side
  • Under the hood
  • The front-end of the frame
  • Driver’s side door
You can also find the VIN number on your car’s:
 
  • Vehicle title
  • Registro
  • Auto insurance documents
Depending on when you bought your car, some dealerships also use VIN etching. This puts the number on each window and windshield to prevent theft.

Where Do I Find My Vehicle Identification Number?

Check these 7 spots to locate your VIN:
Interior dashboard on the driver's side
Underside of the hood
Front end of the frame
Driver's side door
Vehicle Identification Number Auto documents such as:
5 Título
6 Registro
7 Seguro para automóviles
What Is Vehicle Identification Number
If you're looking for affordable car insurance, get a quote from us today.
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How To Decode the Vehicle Identification Number

While your car’s 17-digit VIN may look like a random set of numbers and letters, there is a meaning behind each of the numbers and letters.
 
The first three characters represent the world manufacturer identifier (WMI).
 
  • The first number or letter shows the country that assembled your car
  • The second character relates to your car manufacturer
  • When used with the first two characters, the third digit can identify your car type
The next group of six characters describes your car.
 
  • Characters four through eight tell your car’s model, body type, transmission and engine
  • Next is a “check digit,” which validates the VIN is real
  • Then a letter that corresponds to a model year
  • That’s followed by the plant code that put together your car
The final six digits are numbers your car receives on the assembly line when it’s made.

VIN Decoder

Slide the bar through the VIN to see what its letters and numbers represent.
2
H
G
BH41J
X
M
N
109186
First Number/Letter
Shows the country that assembled your car.
Second Number/Letter
Relates to your car's manufacturer.
Third Number/Letter
Identifies your car's type when it's used with the first two characters. These first three characters represent your car’s WMI code.
Fourth through Eighth Numbers/Letters
Tells the car's model, body type, transmission and engine.
Ninth Number/Letter
This is the "check digit" which validates the VIN is real.
Tenth Number/Letter
Corresponds with your car's model year.
Eleventh Number/Letter
Identifies the plant that put your car together.
Last Six Numbers/Letters
Your car receives these six digits on the assembly line when it's made.
If you're looking for affordable car insurance, get a quote from us today.
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What Is a Car VIN Number Used For?

What is a vehicle identification numberCuándo
you buy a car, you can use the VIN to look up a CARFAX report and review the vehicle history. A VIN number isn’t just helpful for you, it’s also valuable to insurance companies and law enforcement agencies. With a VIN number, you can:
 
  • Find any previous owners of a motor vehicle
  • Learn about accidents and repairs
  • See if there’s a manufacturer’s recall
  • Identify stolen vehicles

How Car Insurance Companies Use the VIN Number

What is a vehicle identification number vinCar insurance companies look at several factors to determine your policy cost, such as where you live and your driving history. You’ll likely have to tell them your vehicle’s make, model and year when you’re getting a quote. But, if you also give the VIN number, you can get a more accurate quote.
 
With a VIN number, a car insurance company can make sure someone isn’t trying to insure a stolen car. Auto insurers also use VINs to review car features, which can save you money on your policy. For example, if your car has safety features and anti-theft devices, you may receive a discount.
 
If you’re in the early stages of getting auto insurance, you can use a car insurance calculator to give you an idea of how much coverage you may need. When you’re ready for a quote, we’re here to help you get the right protection.
 
What is a car vin number used forWe’re an insurance company backed by over 200 years of experience and we’re the only national auto and home insurance program endorsed by AARP. If you have questions about other insurance terms, check out our glosario or call our team.
 
Obtenga una cotización de seguro para autos hoy mismo o llame al  888-546-9099 and learn how our insurance coverage can help protect you and your loved ones on the road.
Los resúmenes de las coberturas y las características de las pólizas son únicamente para fines informativos. En caso de que se produzca una pérdida, los términos y condiciones reales establecidos en su póliza determinarán su cobertura.
 
AARP y sus afiliadas no son aseguradoras. Endoso pagado. The Hartford paga regalías a AARP por el uso de su propiedad intelectual. Estos cargos se utilizan para los fines generales de AARP. En la mayoría de los estados, es necesario ser miembro de AARP para ser elegible para participar en el Programa.
 
El programa de seguros para automóviles de AARP de The Hartford está respaldado por Hartford Fire Insurance Company y sus afiliados, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. Está avalado en AZ, MI y MN por Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; en CA por Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company; en WA por Hartford Casualty Insurance Company; en MA por Trumbull Insurance Company; y en PA por Nutmeg Insurance Company y Twin City Fire Insurance Company. El programa de seguros para viviendas de AARP de he Hartford está respaldado por Hartford Fire Insurance Company y sus afiliados, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. Está subscrito en AZ, MI y MN por Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; en CA por Property and Casualty Insurance Company of Hartford; en WA por Trumbull Insurance Company; en MA por Trumbull Insurance Company, Sentinel Insurance Company, Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest, y Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company; y en PA por Nutmeg Insurance Company. El producto para viviendas no está disponible en todas las áreas, entre las que se incluye el estado de Florida. Los ahorros, los beneficios y las coberturas disponibles pueden variar y es posible que algunos solicitantes no sean elegibles. El programa no está actualmente disponible en Canadá, ni en los territorios o posesiones de Estados Unidos.
 
1 En Texas, el programa para automóviles está respaldado por Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company a través de Hartford of the Southeast General Agency, Inc. Hartford Fire Insurance Company y sus afiliados no son responsables financieramente por los productos de seguros suscritos y emitidos por Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company. El programa para viviendas está respaldado por Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast.
 
* Los comentarios de los clientes son recolectados y tabulados por The Hartford y no representan a todos los clientes.
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