VIN Etching Car Insurance Discounts [2023]
A VIN etching discount reduces car insurance rates for vehicles with their VIN number engraved into the windshield. VIN etching discounts may reduce rates by up to $11.90/mo.
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Joel Ohman
Founder & CFP®
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Jo...
Founder & CFP®
UPDATED: Jul 9, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 9, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- VIN etching is a great way to deter criminals from stealing your vehicle
- VIN etching may qualify you for an auto insurance discount through some providers
- The value of a car with VIN etching that is stolen is dramatically lower than a stolen car’s value without VIN etching
- VIN etching discounts can reduce rates by up to 10%
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.
Does VIN Etching Really Work?
VIN etching is usually completed by your automaker and is included as a feature in the car at the time of purchase. However, this is not always the case, so you may want to verify that a vehicle has VIN etching before you buy it.
Essentially, this process involves etching the VIN, or vehicle identification number, directly on the car’s windows.
Stolen cars can be tracked by their VIN number, and this means that there is an increased chance of a criminal getting caught because of VIN etching. Many criminals will look for VIN etching and will steer clear of vehicles that have this anti-theft feature.
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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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What should you look for in a car insurance company?
Cost is understandably a prime factor to consider when you are shopping for a new car insurance policy, and the VIN etching discount can save you money. You also need to ensure that the insurance provider is reputable and honest.
When you focus your attention on these points, you can more easily decide which providers to request online quotes from:
- The provider’s financial strength
- The provider’s reputation for providing quality customer service
- The provider’s claims process
- The availability of multiple auto insurance discounts
While most states require drivers to purchase a minimum amount of liability car insurance, liability insurance will not provide benefits for auto theft events.
Drivers who want to protect themselves from financial loss associated with a possible car theft should request quotes for comprehensive car insurance.
This coverage provides the driver with financial benefits for auto repairs or a replacement, medical expenses, and more for events related to theft, weather damage, an accident, and many other events.
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: Sarah’s Savings
Sarah recently purchased a new car and was looking for ways to save on her car insurance premiums. She discovered that her vehicle came with VIN etching, an anti-theft feature.
Intrigued by the potential discount, Sarah reached out to several auto insurance companies to compare quotes. She found that by having VIN etching on her car, she qualified for a discount of $11.90 per month. This amounted to significant savings over the course of a year, allowing Sarah to allocate her funds towards other expenses.
Case Study 2: John’s Peace of Mind
John had his car stolen a few years ago, and the incident left him concerned about the safety of his new vehicle. When he learned about VIN etching, he decided to take advantage of the added security it provided.
John’s auto insurance company recognized the value of VIN etching and offered him a discount of $11.90 per month on his premiums. This discount gave John peace of mind, knowing that his car was less likely to be targeted by thieves.
Case Study 3: Emily’s Trade-In Advantage
Emily decided to trade in her old vehicle for a newer model. She was aware that having VIN etching could potentially increase the trade-in value of her car. The VIN etching feature not only acted as a deterrent for thieves but also provided an added selling point for potential buyers.
Emily contacted her auto insurance company to inquire about a VIN etching discount and discovered that she could save $11.90 per month on her premiums. This discount, combined with the increased trade-in value, allowed Emily to make a more advantageous deal on her new car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VIN etching and how does it work?
VIN etching involves engraving the vehicle identification number (VIN) directly on the car’s windows. It is an anti-theft feature that helps track stolen cars. When a criminal sees a vehicle with VIN etching, they are more likely to avoid stealing it, increasing the chances of their capture.
Does VIN etching affect the value of a car?
While VIN etching can be a selling point when trading in a car, it may decrease the vehicle’s value if a criminal tries to resell it after stealing it from you. Criminals prefer to target vehicles without VIN etching because it reduces their potential reward.
Why do auto insurance companies offer a VIN etching discount?
Auto insurance companies offer a VIN etching discount because vehicles with anti-theft features, including VIN etching, are less likely to be stolen. This reduces the insurance company’s risk, and they pass on the savings to policyholders with vehicles equipped with such features.
How can I find an auto insurance company that offers a VIN etching discount?
While not all auto insurance providers offer a VIN etching discount, many do. To find a provider that offers this discount, you can explore options online. Many providers advertise their discounts on their websites, allowing you to identify potential companies to contact for quotes.
What should I consider when choosing a car insurance company?
When selecting a car insurance company, cost, reputation, and honesty are crucial factors to consider. While the VIN etching discount can save you money, ensure that the insurance provider is reputable and trustworthy. Consider requesting online quotes from providers that meet your criteria and compare them to find the best coverage for your needs.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Joel Ohman
Founder & CFP®
Joel Ohman is the CEO of a private equity backed digital media company. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, author, angel investor, and serial entrepreneur who loves creating new things, whether books or businesses. He has also previously served as the founder and resident CFP® of a national insurance agency, Real Time Health Quotes. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida. Jo...
Founder & CFP®
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.