Today, thousands of vehicles on the road are identical to the make and model of your car, and identifying them uniquely can be tricky. It needs a special system so your car has a unique identity. Well, you can get your car info by a number called VIN.
Read on to learn about VIN and how to find it.
What is a VIN?
A VIN or Vehicle Identification Number is a number that is either engraved or bolted to particular parts of your car. It is also known as the chassis number of your vehicle.
It is specific to your car and gives it a genuine identity. Every car has a unique VIN and no two VINs will ever be the same.
There is more to this 17-digit code than just a chance arrangement of characters. Each character’s placement provides information about the specific vehicle in question. And with this information, you can save on car insurance prices.
How to Find your VIN?
You can easily find your VIN by the various options below:
- Registration Certificate (RC)
The RC is the most convenient way to find your VIN. It is a mandatory document you must carry with you whenever driving.
The VIN is usually printed on the front page of the RC. When you register your vehicle with the Regional Transport Office (RTO), they include the chassis number on your registration certificate.
If you have the newer smart card version of the certificate, the VIN details are stored on a chip inside the card along with other vehicle information.
- Car Parts
The VIN is also mandated to be engraved on the car itself at various locations. Here are some common places to look:
- Driver’s side door pillar: Open the driver’s side door and look for a sticker or plate on the door frame. The VIN is sometimes printed on the B-pillar of the car which is the pillar between the front and rear doors.
- Dashboard: Few car manufacturers print the VIN on the driver’s side of the dashboard.
- Hood: Under the hood, near the engine compartment, another possible location for the VIN.
- Boot: The VIN may also be found under the spare wheel in the boot (trunk) of the car.
- Rear wheel well: Check near the rear wheel well for the VIN.
- Car Insurance Policy Documents
Your car dealership or car insurance price documents might also have your VIN. This insurance policy includes various details about your vehicle, such as its VIN. You can easily find the VIN in your motor insurance policy. Nowadays, you can even purchase insurance online, making it convenient to access VIN details.
Decoding VIN
The VIN provides the following specific information about your vehicle:
- First digit: Country of manufacture.
- Second and third digits: Manufacturer details.
- Fourth to eighth digits: Vehicle’s brand, engine type, capacity, and fuel type.
- Ninth digit: Security code from the manufacturer.
- Tenth digit: Year of manufacture.
- Eleventh digit: A manufacturing plant.
- Twelfth to seventeenth digits: Unique serial number for your vehicle.
Do Different Car Models Have Different VINs?
Yes, different car models have different Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN). Here’s why:
- VIN encodes specifics
The VIN isn’t just a random number. It contains information about your car, including its manufacturer, model year, assembly plant, and engine and body style.
- Model variations
Different car models, even from the same manufacturer, have variations in these details. For instance, a sedan and an SUV from the same brand would likely have different body styles and engine types, reflected in their VIN codes.
- Uniqueness guaranteed
The VIN is designed to be unique for every vehicle, ensuring clear identification throughout its life. So, even two cars of the same model rolling off the assembly line one after another will have distinct VINs due to the sequential vehicle serial number section.
Conclusion
Understanding your vehicle’s VIN is important for ensuring its unique identification and obtaining specific details about its manufacturing and assembly.
By decoding the VIN, one can uncover information such as the country of origin, manufacturer, vehicle type, model year, and assembly plant code.
This knowledge helps in distinguishing one’s car from others and plays a significant role in determining car insurance prices. Additionally, it’s important to note that each car model has a unique VIN, making it essential for the differentiation of vehicles, which can impact car insurance prices.
*Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.