What is a vehicle identification number (VIN)?
A VIN is a 17-character code, which is a unique identifying code given to a specific vehicle when it's manufactured. The first 11 numbers provide information about the type of vehicle, where it was manufactured, and when. The final numbers provide a unique serial number for your car. The VIN provides vital information, including engine type and original product details, and can also be used to determine whether the vehicle was part of a recall or how often the car has been purchased.
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Where do you find your VIN number?
There isn't one standard spot to find your VIN, as its placement can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, the most common places to find it include:
Driver's side interior dashboard
Driver's side door jamb
Under the hood
Front end of the frame
Pro tip:
If you want to find the VIN without your vehicle, you can find it on your insurance card and insurance papers, vehicle registration, and vehicle title.
What the VIN means and how to decode it
The seemingly random numbers and letters that make up the 17-digit sequence can be confusing to decipher. Let's break down the numbers:
World Manufacturer Identifier: The first three digits define the vehicle's country of origin, manufacturer, region where it was produced, and its type or manufacturing division.
Vehicle Description: The next six digits describe the car's model, body, restraint system, transmission, engine, and fraud detector.
Vehicle Identifier: The last eight digits indicate the car's year, manufacturing plant, and its unique serial number, determined while it's on the assembly line.
| VIN Digit | Descriptor | Details |
|---|---|---|
1 | Descriptor Country of Origin | Details 1 or 4 (USA) 2 (Canada) 3 (Mexico) J (Japan) K (Korea) S (England) W (Germany) Z (Italy) |
2 | Descriptor Car Manufacturer | Details A (Audi) |
3 | Descriptor Vehicle Type | Details Ex.: Convertible, Special Edition, etc. |
4-8 | Descriptor Vehicle Information | Details Ex.: Engine size, cylinders, carburetion, fuel type, wheel drive, tonnage, etc. |
9 | Descriptor Accuracy Check Digit | Details This digit is assigned using a formula. The formula provides a way to verify the accuracy of the VIN description. |
10 | Descriptor Vehicle Model Year | Details 8 (2008) |
11 | Descriptor Assembly Plant | Details Each manufacturer uses its own set of plant codes. |
12-17 | Descriptor Unique Serial Number for Vehicle | Details Every vehicle produced is given a unique serial number. |
How is the VIN used?
Depending on who's using it, the VIN can provide different types of information:
Mechanics often use the VIN when servicing a vehicle. It helps them easily identify the engine type and other parts that the car might need.
Insurance companies use the VIN for the same reason as mechanics. When quoting a rate, insurers use the VIN number to check on information about the vehicle they may be insuring.
Manufacturers use the VIN to track their vehicles. The VIN can identify specific vehicle models that get recalled, allowing the manufacturer to determine which cars are included to notify the owners.
Police can use the VIN to check if a vehicle was involved in a theft or other crime.
State bureaus or departments of motor vehicles use the VIN for vehicle registrations.
Another common use for a VIN is purchasing a used car. It's important to do an insurance check using the VIN before purchasing a previously owned vehicle. Otherwise, you may run the risk of buying a vehicle with a history of accidents and/or mechanical issues.
Do I need a VIN to get insurance?
You can often get a car insurance quote without a VIN, but to purchase a policy, you will need the VIN of your vehicle. If you can't locate your vehicle's VIN, you can still get a quote with Progressive.
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