Problems finding your VIN?

When you apply for some kind of coverage you will generally need your VIN. When you purchase a car though, no one really points out where you can find this information or that it even has any importance to you. And it really is not complicated at all, we are going to look at what a VIN is, what it means, and how to locate it.

What is a VIN?

The VIN of your vehicle is the Vehicle Identification Number that is specific to your vehicle. Think of it as a fingerprint, it is unique to your vehicle alone. The VIN allows providers to know the exact trim of your vehicle for proper coverage. This is important as selecting an incorrect trim detail of your car can lead to a claim falling through, so it is best to have your VIN at hand. The VIN should have 17 characters if the car was manufactured after 1981. Vehicles manufactured before that date had VINs from 11 to 17 characters and have both digits and letters.

How to Find my VIN?

Check the Dashboard

For most cars, you should be able to find your VIN on the dashboard of the car. If you sit in the driver’s seat it should be on the lower left-hand side of the dashboard or otherwise looking through the windshield might be easier to view the number.

Front of the Engine Block

Another place you could look would be the front of the engine block. Pop open the hood of your vehicle and check the front of the engine for the VIN plate.

Car Frame

In some models, the VIN can also appear on the frame of the vehicle near the windshield wiper container.

In the Trunk

Sometimes you may also have the chance to find your VIN underneath the spare tire in the trunk of your vehicle.

Driver’s Door

Another common and easy pace to find your VIN would be on the inside of the driver’s car door

Rear Wheel Well

Above the tire sits the wheel well of the car and does sometimes show the VIN of your car and is easily accessible in most situations.

Check Your Paperwork

Last but likely not least you can check your paperwork. The vehicle’s registration and insurance card should show the VIN, making it very easy to locate your VIN when you are in need of it.

Get a Vehicle Service Contract

Since a breakdown tends to happen sporadically, trying to cover repairs and labor costs can be a very stressful situation. An extended car warranty or vehicle service contract can help to alleviate that stress. Car ownership comes with certain costs like maintenance and windshield repairs. One of the more costly aspects of car ownership is the mechanical repairs needed in the event of a mechanical breakdown.

Repair bills can range between $300 and $8,000 depending on the repairs needed and the vehicle you are driving. Living on a paycheck-to-paycheck basis makes it more difficult to keep money aside for overwhelming repair bills. If you do not have the possibility to keep upwards of $1,000 set aside for unforeseen auto repairs, a vehicle service contract is worth it.

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