All you should know about VINs

What is a VIN?

VIN is the shortened form of Vehicle Identification Number – the code that identifies a specific car. It is akin to the fingerprint of the car as no two cars that are running will have identical VINs. This VIN comprises of 17 characters (including figures and capital letters) and this helps to identify the vehicle in a unique manner. The VIN shows the unique characteristics of the car – its specifications and the name of the manufacturer. The VIN comes in handy to track recalls, make claims on warranty, registrations, insurance and even in case of thefts.

Where can I find the VIN?

The VIN is located in the dashboard on the side of the car where the driver sits. The best way to find it is to stand outside the car on the side of the driver and peer into the dashboard’s corner at its juncture point with the windshield. If it cannot be located here then it is best to open the drivers’ door and look at the door post – the point were the door latches are fixed. It is most likely to be written here.

Look for the VIN in these other locations:

The VIN will be written in the insurance card or policy as well as in the registration papers of the vehicle.

What if the VIN is not 17 characters long?

If the VIN does not comprise of 17 characters then it is best to immediately check again and see if there has been some careless mistake in jotting down the numbers. But even after that if the numbers are not 17 then most likely the automobile is a pre-1981 car.Before 1981 the VIN were anything from 11 to 17 characters. AutoCheck can report only those vehicles that have 17 characters VIN. This limits the information available for pre-1981 cars.