Car VIN Number: What It Means and How To Find It

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Key Takeaways

Your VIN, or vehicle identification number, is a unique 17-character serial number that identifies your specific vehicle.
VINs are used to calculate insurance prices. They can also help identify any recalls on your vehicle, prior accidents or repairs and even theft.
Wondering, “What does a VIN mean?” We’ve included a tool to help with VIN decoding. That way, you can make sense of your vehicle identification number and understand what it’s telling you.

What Is a Car Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

A vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-character serial number used to uniquely identify a car. Think of it as a fingerprint, because no two car identification numbers are alike, even if the cars are the same make and model.

While manufacturers have been stamping identification numbers on cars since the 1950s, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standardized this process for motor vehicles in 1981. Now, the 17 characters of your car’s vehicle identification number all have a specific meaning.

In order to purchase a car insurance policy with AARP^® Auto Insurance from The Hartford,¹ you’ll need your car VIN number. Insurers use this to look up vehicle records and help calculate car insurance prices.

couple knows how to find car identification number

How To Find Vehicle VIN Numbers

You can find your VIN number on car titles, registrations or insurance documents. It’s also typically found in one of four locations on your car:

The interior dashboard on the driver’s side
Under the hood
The front end of the frame
Under the driver’s side door latches

Depending on when you bought your car, some dealerships also use VIN etching, which puts the number on each window and windshield to help prevent theft.

How To Decode the VIN of a Car

While your car’s 17-digit VIN may look like a random set of numbers and capital letters, there is a meaning behind each of the numbers and letters.

The first three characters represent the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI).

The first digit or letter shows the country that assembled your car.
The second digit relates to your car manufacturer.
When used with the first two digits, the third digit can identify your car type.

The next group of characters describes your car.

Characters four through the eighth digit are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), which shows your car’s model, body type, transmission and engine size.
The character in the ninth position is a “check digit,” which validates that the VIN is real.
The tenth digit corresponds to a model year.
The eleventh number is the code for the plant that assembled your car.

The final six digits are numbers your car receives on the assembly line when it’s made.

VIN Decoder

Learn how to decode your VIN with The Hartford’s VIN decoder tool.

Common Country Codes in a Car VIN Number

As stated, the first character in your VIN number indicates the country that assembled your car. For example, numbers 1, 4 and 5 mean your vehicle was manufactured in the United States. Other common country codes include:²

2: Canada
3A-37: Mexico
J: Japan
VF-VR: France
9: Brazil
WA-W0: West Germany
S: Great Britain

man happy being knowing his car vehicle identification number

What Is a Vehicle VIN Number Used For?

When you buy a car, you can use the VIN to look up a CARFAX vehicle history report. A VIN number isn’t just helpful for you. It’s also valuable to insurance companies and law enforcement agencies.

With a VIN number, you can:

Find any previous owners of a motor vehicle
Learn about accidents and repairs
See if there’s a manufacturer’s recall
Identify stolen vehicles

What’s the VIN Number’s Importance for Insurers?

Car insurance companies look at several factors to determine your policy cost, such as where you live and your driving history. You’ll likely have to tell them your vehicle’s make, model and year when you’re getting a quote. But, if you provide the car VIN number instead, you’ll get a more accurate price up front.

With a VIN number, a car insurance company can make sure someone isn’t trying to insure a stolen car. Auto insurers also use VINs to review car features that can save you money on your policy. For example, if your car has certain safety features or anti-theft devices, you can receive a discount from The Hartford.

Are you in the early stages of getting auto insurance? Our car insurance calculator can help you estimate how much coverage you may need.

Get an Auto Insurance Quote From The Hartford

The Hartford is here to help you at every stage of your insurance process with exceptional service and care. Get a car insurance quote or call us at 888-546-9099 to learn how our insurance coverage can help protect you and your loved ones on the road.