What Is a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?
We’ve been around for over 200 years, helping customers with their car insurance needs. During this time, we’ve answered countless questions about vehicles and coverages. One that we hear a lot is, “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.
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. Insurers use this to look up car records and help calculate car insurance rates.
Where Is the Vehicle Identification Number Located?
You can find your VIN number in four locations on your car:
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The interior dashboard on the driver’s side
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Under the hood
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The front-end of the frame
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Driver’s side door
You can also find the VIN number on your car’s:
- Título
- Registro
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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.
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 character.
The first three characters represent the world manufacturer identifier (WMI).
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The first number or letter shows the country that assembled your car.
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The second character relates to your car manufacturer.
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When used with the first two characters, the third digit can identify your car type.
The next group of six characters describes your car.
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Characters four through eight tell your car’s model, body type, transmission and engine.
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Next is a “check digit,” which validates the VIN is real.
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Then a letter that corresponds to a model year.
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That’s followed by the plant code that put together your car.
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The final six digits are numbers your car receives on the assembly line when it’s made.
Auto documents such as:
When you buy a car, you can use the VIN to look up a CARFAX report to see the vehicle history. A VIN number isn’t just helpful for you, but it’s valuable to insurance companies and law enforcement agencies. With a VIN number, you can:
Car insurance companies look at several factors to determine your policy cost, such as your zip code and 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.
We’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, you can look at our glosario or call our team. Get a 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.