VIN Etching Car Insurance Discount: How Much You Can Save in 2024

Key Takeaways

• You can save up to 10 percent on your car insurance premiums with a VIN etching car insurance discount.
• To qualify for a VIN etching insurance discount, you must have your vehicle identification number, or VIN, etched into every glass window on your car.
• Currently, 10 national insurance providers offer a VIN etching car insurance discount. However, local agencies near you might also provide this discount.

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For a small fee, you have the option to etch the vehicle identification number, or VIN, of your car onto every one of your glass windows. Doing this decreases your chances of vehicle theft, as it makes it very difficult for thieves to steal and resell your vehicle. Did you know you can also save up to 10 percent on your annual premiums with a VIN etching car insurance discount?

Read through our quick guide to learn what companies offer VIN Etching insurance discounts, what you need to do to qualify for it, and how much you can potentially save. Only comprehensive car insurance protects you from auto theft, so we’ll also discuss what is comprehensive coverage on a car insurance policy.

Insurance providers offer different discount types and savings amounts. Compare quotes from multiple different companies near you right now by entering your ZIP code into our free tool above, and don’t forget to ask about a VIN etching insurance discount.

What car insurance companies offer a VIN etching car insurance discount?

When you purchase a vehicle, the dealership might ask you if you’re interested in VIN etching. What is VIN etching? It is when you permanently stencil your vehicle’s unique 17-digit identification number onto all of its glass windows. This includes the windshield, sunroof, and any door glass.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), VIN etching discourages thieves from stealing your car. To resell the vehicle, all-glass would need to be replaced, which is very expensive and difficult. A car without VIN etching is, therefore, more likely to be stolen than a vehicle with VIN etching.

Similarly, even if your plate is removed, VIN etching allows police to identify your vehicle more easily.

Does your provider offer a VIN etching discount? Find out in the table below. If specific rate information is available, it has been included in the data.

Ten national providers offer a VIN etching discount. Local providers in your area might also provide customers with this service.

Each company uses different qualifying rules for this discount. For example, MetLife provides you with a 10 percent savings; however, this company only allows you to use one theft-prevention discount.

Car insurance laws also vary by state; this discount might not be available where you live. The Esurance discount is only available in Louisiana, New Jersey, and New York.

When in doubt, ask your insurance agent directly about how to earn this discount. If your provider does not offer a VIN etching discount, consider shopping around and switching to one that does.

What is a VIN etching car insurance discount?

Replacing a vehicle is an expensive claim for companies to pay out. By stenciling your VIN number onto the glass surfaces of your car, you’ve become a lower-risk person to insure. A VIN etching discount rewards customers for minimizing the risk of their vehicle getting stolen.

VIN etching services can be found at the dealership, although this might be a more expensive option. AAA offers VIN etching to both members and non-members.

You can also purchase at-home kits. In some areas, local law enforcement will host local VIN etching events. The entire process takes around 10 minutes.

A VIN etching discount is especially useful for people who live in areas that have higher than average auto theft rates, or for people who drive vehicles that are more likely to get stolen.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), California is the state with the most car thefts. Ford pickup trucks and the Honda Civic were the most stolen cars in 2019.

How can I qualify for a VIN etching insurance discount?

Qualifying for a VIN etching discount is as easy as getting the services done to your vehicle and submitting a form of proof. Tell your provider if your vehicle has VIN etching, otherwise, there’s no way for anyone to know you’ve qualified for this discount.

Some companies only apply the discount toward the comprehensive part of your policy. Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from damage that occurs when it’s not in motion. This includes auto theft, vandalism, and weather and animal damage. There is a deductible associated with this kind of insurance.

Most states only require you to purchase liability insurance, so you may not have comprehensive coverage, which would disqualify you from receiving the discount. What does liability insurance cover? It only pays for damage to the other driver and their property in an accident you are found at fault for.

How much can I save with a VIN etching insurance discount?

Your VIN etching car insurance discount rates will vary by provider. However, you can expect to save between 5 to 10 percent if you have your vehicle identification number etched. Remember, this discount may only be applied to the comprehensive portion of your policy, not the entire premium.

The total savings might seem small, but some car insurance discounts can stack, adding up to more substantial savings.

You are now an expert on finding an affordable VIN etching car insurance discount. Every provider offers different discounts with different requirements and levels of savings. Shop around to find the company most compatible with you.

Enter your ZIP code into our FREE online quote tool to receive rates from reputable companies near you and get the best VIN etching car insurance discount out there.

References:

1. https://www.nicb.org/prevent-fraud-theft/prevent-auto-theft
2. https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-auto-theft

Case Studies: VIN Etching Car Insurance Discount

Case Study 1: Reducing Premiums with Telematics

John Doe opted to install a telematics device in his vehicle, which collects data on his driving behavior such as speed, acceleration, and braking. John’s safe driving earned him a 15% discount on his auto insurance, lowering his costs significantly.

Case Study 2: Home Security System Discount

Sarah Smith recently installed a home security system in her house, equipped with surveillance cameras, motion sensors, and a monitored alarm system. As a result, Insurance provider recognized the added security measures and offered Sarah a 20% discount on her homeowner’s insurance premium. Sarah benefited from reduced insurance expenses.

Case Study 3: Bundling Policies for Savings

Robert Johnson decided to bundle his auto and home insurance policies with Insurance provider. As a result, he received a 10% discount on both policies. Robert consolidated his insurance policies, simplifying management and saving money with the multi-policy discount from his provider.