How to easily check car insurance-related information by VIN in 2024

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Every vehicle has a VIN, or vehicle identification number, which is a unique string of letters and numbers that is used to identify that particular car. Not only can the VIN tell you a car’s make, model, year and trim level, but you can use the VIN to check out if there’s been an insurance claim on the vehicle for a theft or if a vehicle has been damaged in an accident.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a VIN is, where to find it and some of the ways you can use a vehicle identification number. 

What is a vehicle identity number (VIN)?

Your vehicle’s VIN is like its own special fingerprint. It’s a unique 17-character code that tells you crucial details about your car, including its make, model, year and more.

Where’s the VIN on a car? You can find it in any number of places:

• On the dashboard on the driver’s side of the car
• On a sticker inside the driver’s side door
• On the engine’s firewall
• On your car insurance ID card and policy documents
• On your car’s title and registration

“On most vehicles, you will find this number on your registration, insurance card, on the front of the dashboard on the driver’s side – look through the windshield to see it easily – and inside the driver side door,” says Lauren Fix, a nationally-recognized automotive expert and the editor in chief of Car Coach Reports. “A motorcycle will have it located on the steering neck below the handlebars.” 

Decoding a 17 digits’ VIN

VINs are composed of numbers and letters, and they represent different things.

“Each character has a meaning that will help you learn more about your vehicle,” Fix says. Here is how you can decode the numbers and letters of a car’s 17-digit VIN:

Why would you check a VIN?

Checking your car’s VIN can be incredibly useful in several circumstances: 

• When getting insurance quotes: To get accurate insurance quotes, car insurance companies can use your VIN to determine the risk associated with your car.
• When confirming your coverage: You can use your car’s VIN to double-check with your insurer that your policy is in good standing and covers your specific vehicle.
• When buying a used car: If you’re in the market for a used car, using the VIN can help find out if the vehicle has been stolen.
• When trying to find accident information: VIN services are available that can provide insight on previous damage to a vehicle. But keep in mind that these services may charge a fee.

Typically, a VIN lookup service will provide a detailed vehicle history report. This report will indicate whether the vehicle has been in any accidents, if there have been recalls, and what repairs have been done to the vehicle by the past owners.

How to check car insurance information with a VIN

You can use a car’s VIN to see if it’s been stolen or involved in an accident. There are different ways you can do this. For instance: 

• The National Insurance Crime Bureau, a nonprofit organization fighting insurance fraud, has a tool on its website called the VINCheck Lookup. It’s a free service you can use to see if a vehicle has an insurance theft claim record and hasn’t been found – or if it’s ever been reported as a salvage vehicle by an NICB member insurance company. It’s a simple tool that just requires you to input a VIN.  NICB, however, is upfront about the tool’s limitations, which are explained on its website, and that it can’t provide a car’s comprehensive history.
• You can also use an online service such as CarFax to get a vehicle’s accident history.  CarFax is part of S&P Global, a data and credit-ratings business, and provides car buyers and sellers with vehicle information, including:
  • The number of previous owners 
  • Any history of the car being used commercially
  • Accident and damage indicators
  • Title information, such as if a car has a salvaged or junked title
  • Flood damage history
  • Total loss accident history

The importance of VIN checks

VIN checks are important when purchasing a used vehicle.

“Your VIN can tell you if a used car has been in an accident, has been damaged, or has title issues,” says Fix. It also provides a detailed overview of the service, repairs, and recalls during its lifetime. Checking the VIN will indicate who owns the vehicle and whether it’s insured, which is important to verify before you go through with a used car transaction.

Do I need to provide a VIN to get car insurance quotes?

You usually aren’t required to provide your car’s VIN to get a car insurance quote. But getting a quote using your car’s VIN can be easier because you don’t need to fill out individual details about the car, like the make, model, year, and trim level. When you enter the VIN, all of that information is already populated. Using the VIN can also help you get a more accurate quote.

When do auto insurance companies ask for your VIN?

Auto insurance companies will ask for your vehicle’s VIN before you buy a car insurance policy. You won’t be able to purchase auto insurance without providing the VIN. If you’re getting ready to purchase car insurance, find a document that has the car’s VIN, so there are no delays in getting insurance.

How to get insurance quotes with your VIN

If you’re in the market for a new insurance policy and want to get quotes using your VIN, it’s pretty straightforward:

• Visit insurance company websites: Many insurance companies have handy online tools where you can enter your VIN to get quick and accurate insurance quotes.
• Connect with local insurance agents: Consider reaching out to local insurance agents who can assist you in gathering quotes based on your car’s VIN and your specific insurance needs.

Final thoughts

Understanding the importance of your VIN and how to use it to access insurance information is a practical skill for any car owner. Explore reputable VIN services to get the information you’re looking for.

What our expert says

Where can you find the VIN?

Lauren FixEditor in chief of Car Coach Reports

"On most vehicles, you will find this number on your registration, insurance card, on the front of the dashboard on the driver's side – look through the windshield to see it easily – and inside the driver side door.”

Elizabeth Rivelli

Contributing Researcher

 

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Elizabeth Rivelli is a freelance writer who covers various insurance topics. Her areas of expertise are life insurance, car insurance, property insurance and health insurance. Elizabeth’s byline has appeared in dozens of online publications, including Investopedia, CNET and Bankrate. She has also written for several insurance carriers.