VIN Etching Car Insurance Discounts [2023]

Auto theft is an unfortunately common event that occurs in larger and smaller communities alike. While some stolen vehicles are recovered and are in great condition, others are recovered in poor condition or are never recovered.

Auto coverage provides you with a way to financially recoup some of your losses related to vehicle theft.

Car insurance companies reward drivers who actively take steps to deter auto theft by offering these drivers financial savings and discounts. One of the more common anti-theft features found on many makes and models today is VIN etching.

With a closer look at what VIN etching is and how it works, you may be ready to start looking for new auto coverage that includes a VIN etching discount.

Compare quotes today to find the best price for the coverage you need. Enter your zip code above to get started.

What is a VIN and what does it do?

Car insurance companies will reward you for having both active and passive anti-theft devices on your car. A passive anti-theft measure is doing something to your vehicle that makes it more difficult, if not impossible, for a thief to sell your car after they steal it.

In the case of VIN etching, the Vehicle Identification Number is etched into several windows of your car so that if the VIN plate is removed there is still an identifying VIN on the windows.

VIN etching doesn’t have to stop there, either. Some people go so far as to have VIN etchings done on their engine, gas tank and more so that a thief would literally have to replace all of the parts in order to sell the car somewhere else.Because this isn’t cost effective, the thief either is unable to sell the vehicle or tries to sell it anyway and is caught!In the case of VIN etching in the window, all or some of your windows are etched with the VIN of your vehicle below the seal line. In order for a thief to see it, he or she would have to remove each of your windows which most thieves aren’t willing to do.Yet, your willingness to take this step can help keep your vehicle from being stolen because a car dealership has the equipment on hand to remove and replace a window to determine whether or not it has been stolen before they make a purchase.This makes it difficult for the thief to do business.There are several ways to get VIN etching done on your vehicle, including:

• Dealer – In many cases, when you purchase a new vehicle, the dealer will offer a certain number of VIN etchings for free as part of the purchase. Some dealers will charge you a small fee and some dealers will charge a huge fee. It just depends on where you buy the car.
• Factory – If you don’t buy a car off of the lot because you are having one made custom, you can request the etching be done at the factory and skip the middleman, so to speak.
• Independent – If you want to get VIN etching on a vehicle you already own, you can hire someone to do it.

You should talk to several insurance companies to ensure that you get the most savings from whatever anti-theft measures you take, both passive and active.If an insurance company doesn’t offer a discount for passive measures, consider finding another company to work with.

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What is the effect of VIN etching on your car’s value?

Another important point to consider is that VIN etching may be a selling point for you when you trade your car in, but it can decrease a car’s value if a criminal tries to re-sell the vehicle after stealing it from you.

Criminals understand that their reward for stealing a car with VIN etching is reduced, and they often prefer to target vehicles that do not have this feature.

Why do auto insurance companies offer a VIN etching discount?

Many car insurance companies offer a considerable discount for vehicles with anti-theft features, and this includes VIN etching. When a vehicle has anti-theft features, it is less likely to be stolen.

Therefore, the insurance company has less risk associated with insuring the vehicle. A VIN etching auto insurance discount is a way for the insurance company to pass along savings when your vehicle has ample features that deter criminal activity.

How can you find a VIN etching discount?

While many auto insurance companies offer a VIN etching discount, not all providers do. If you want to find a provider that offers this money-saving discount, consider exploring the options online.

Many providers advertise or publish their discounts online, and your online research may give you a good indication of which providers to reach out to when you want to save money through this discount.

However, this is just one of several factors to consider when you are looking for a new car insurance provider.

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Can I get VIN etchings done on my older vehicle?

You can get VIN etchings done at any time. However, you need to understand that if you do this on your own, you are going to have to pay to have this done and it probably won’t be cheap.Removing the windows from your car to do a window VIN etching will be costly, as will finding a specialist to do VIN etchings on your car parts. In some cases, the person may need to remove some engine parts, which will mean that there will be steep labor costs involved.If you already own your vehicle, consider a tracking device, which is getting more and more affordable as an anti-theft option. You should compare the cost of VIN etching on your older vehicle to other anti-theft measures to see what will fit best in your budget.If you have an accident that requires you to get a new window, that is the best time to get an etching done. Some window companies will do it for only a couple of extra dollars, which your insurance company may pay for anyway.Get your online care insurance quotes by entering your ZIP code right now!

What are some other ways to deter auto theft?

Drivers will generally experience financial loss when their car is stolen. After all, you likely will need to pay your insurance deductible when you file a claim, and you may even have to pay off the remainder of your car loan if you are currently upside down with your financing.

Deterring auto theft is understandably a top goal, and these are a few steps that you can take to reduce the chance that your car will be targeted by criminals:

• Always lock the doors, and secure the vehicle properly.
• Purchase a vehicle with an anti-theft security system.
• Install a GPS tracking system in your vehicle.
• Park in public, highly visible places.
• Avoid placing valuable items in open view inside the car.

What can you do if your car Is stolen?

If your vehicle is stolen, you should contact law enforcement officials as soon as possible so that they can file a police report and start looking for your car. After you have a copy of the police report, contact your auto insurance provider to file a claim.

The insurer often will ask you for a copy of the police report to confirm the theft. In some cases, a stolen car may be located, but you may also start looking for a new car to buy while you wait.

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Does updating your auto coverage regularly help?

Many vehicles are stolen each year, and a policy provides you with a convenient way to cover most of your financial loss associated with this type of event.

When you are updating your coverage, remember that only comprehensive auto coverage will pay benefits on a vehicle theft event.

Drivers can easily shop online today to compare rates that include a VIN etching discount, and you should also make plans to continue to shop for new rates every six months.

By taking this step, you can keep your coverage updated and can identify potential ways to save money on your auto coverage.

Compare quotes by entering your zip code below. Find the best rate for the coverage you need.

Case Studies: VIN Etching Car Insurance Discounts

Case Study 1: Reducing Premiums Through Telematics

This examine how telematics technology can impact car insurance premiums. We analyze the data collected by a telematics device installed in a policyholder’s vehicle, including factors such as driving behavior, mileage, and location.

By demonstrating responsible driving habits and low-risk behavior, the policyholder can qualify for lower premiums based on their individual driving patterns and risk profile.

Case Study 2: Bundling Insurance Policies for Cost Savings

This explore the potential cost savings of bundling insurance policies. We follow a customer who combines their auto insurance policy with their homeowner’s insurance policy from the same provider.

By bundling these policies, the customer becomes eligible for a multi-policy discount, resulting in significant savings on both insurance premiums. We highlight the convenience and financial benefits of consolidating policies with a single insurer.

Case Study 3: Usage-Based Insurance for Low-Mileage Drivers

This examine the advantages of usage-based insurance for low-mileage drivers. We focus on a policyholder who drives significantly fewer miles than the average driver.

By opting for a usage-based insurance program that tracks mileage through a device or mobile app, the policyholder can accurately reflect their low mileage and potentially secure lower insurance premiums based on their reduced risk exposure.

Case Study 4: Accident Forgiveness for Safe Drivers

This discuss the benefits of accident forgiveness for safe drivers. We follow a policyholder who has maintained a clean driving record for several years without any at-fault accidents.

With accident forgiveness coverage, the policyholder is protected from premium increases following their first at-fault accident, allowing them to maintain their favorable insurance rates despite the incident. We highlight how accident forgiveness rewards responsible driving behavior and offers peace of mind to policyholders.

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