VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discount: Save on Auto Insurance (2026)
Yes, you can get an auto insurance discount for VIN etching. VIN etching is when drivers permanently etch their vehicles VIN number into the windshield or other window glass in order to deter thieves. Once you etch your VIN onto your vehicle, you submit proof to your insurance company to receive a discount. You can save 5 to 15 percent on your coverage with a car insurance discount for VIN etching.
Read more
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Find the Lowest Car Insurance Rates Today
Quote’s drivers have found rates as low as $42/month in the last few days!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Licensed Insurance Agent
Travis Thompson has been a licensed insurance agent for nearly five years. After obtaining his life and health insurance licenses, he began working for Symmetry Financial Group as a State Licensed Field Underwriter. In this position, he learned the coverage options and limits surrounding mortgage protection. He advised clients on the coverage needed to protect them in the event of a death, critica...
Travis Thompson
Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist
Michael Vereecke is the president of Customers First Insurance Group. He has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. He also carries a Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS) Designation, providing him the expertise to spot holes in businesses’ coverage. Since 2009, he has worked with many insurance providers, giving him unique insight into the insurance market, differences in ...
Michael Vereecke
Updated August 2024
Yes, you can get an auto insurance discount for VIN etching. VIN etching is when drivers permanently etch their vehicles VIN number into the windshield or other window glass to deter thieves.
Once you etch your VIN onto your vehicle, you submit proof to your auto insurance company to receive a discount. You can save 5 to 15 percent on your coverage with a car insurance discount for VIN etching.
Some car owners permanently etch their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto their vehicles. But can VIN etching really give you a discount on car insurance? Keep reading to find out.
Do some insurers offer discounts for VIN etching?
It’s true: some of the biggest insurance companies in the US offer auto insurance discounts for etching your VIN permanently onto your windshield and other glass components of your vehicle.
Other than a car alarm system, etching your car’s vehicle identification number is a visual deterrent against auto theft. A car thief has trouble selling VIN etched vehicles to a chop shop. Instead of just swapping out the VIN plate, a thief will have to replace all of the glass in your vehicle. In many cases, thieves will move onto a different vehicle.
Comprehensive car insurance policies cover vehicle theft and vandalism. If you have a comprehensive car insurance policy and your car gets stolen, then you can make a claim to cover the full replacement cost of the vehicle (its actual cash value at the time of theft). Based on the terms of your comprehensive insurance policy, your insurer has to cover the actual cash value of the car out of pocket.
Free Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What is VIN etching?
VIN etching is the permanent stenciling of your vehicle’s 17-digit identification number onto the windshield and all window glass, including your rear window, sunroof, door glass, and other surfaces.
The engraving can be done using lasers, chemicals, or mechanical techniques. It can take as little as 10 to 15 minutes.
The VIN is deliberately etched onto a discreet corner of your window so it does not impede your view in any way.
Where can I get a VIN etching?
Some car dealerships offer VIN etching at the time of purchase. You can also order VIN etching from a local mechanic or body shop (often at a cheaper rate).
If you are ordering a car custom-made right from the factory, then you may order VIN etching.
You can even buy DIY etching kits online or through brick-and-mortar retailers, allowing you to safely etch the 17 digit VIN at home.
AAA also offers vehicle etching at an affordable price, charging around $30 for members and $40 for non-members.
In certain cities – say, cities with high rates of vehicle theft – police organizations may organize free VIN etching events to make the community safer. Check with your city, state, or regional police force to see if there’s a VIN etching event near you.
What types of vehicles are eligible for VIN etching?
Any type of vehicle is eligible for VIN etching – regardless of whether it’s a new or old vehicle, a high-end SUV or a 20-year old beater.
Do you need to replace your windshield? Were you recently in an accident where all your glass needs to be replaced? You may want to order VIN etching. It’s ideal to get VIN etching when getting new windows and glass.
Free Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Why do insurers offer discounts for VIN etching?
Insurance companies like to reward customers who take steps to protect a vehicle and its occupants. That’s why insurance companies charge lower rates to vehicles with higher safety ratings, for example.
Insurance companies also offer steep discounts for passive and active anti-theft devices – including VIN etching, GPS tracking, car alarms, or security monitoring systems.
VIN etching is an effective, passive anti-theft device. Car thieves would rather steal a car with a standard VIN than an etched VIN.
Even if your vehicle is stolen, it will be easier for police to identify. Police will see your VIN etched on multiple surfaces of the vehicle, for example. Instead of just swapping out a plate and having your vehicle disappear forever, thieves will have to work harder to sell your car to a buyer.
Once you have etched your VIN onto your vehicle, you should be able to submit proof to your insurance company to receive a discount. Some VIN etching services will provide you with an official document proving you have etched your VIN.
How much can you save on auto insurance with VIN etching?
VIN etching significantly reduces the chances of theft, making it less likely for your insurance company to have to cover the total loss – or the cost of a break-in.
For this reason, many insurance companies offer a substantial discount on your comprehensive coverage.
You can expect to save anywhere from 5% to 15% with VIN etching. Discounts vary between insurance companies. Compare quotes online today to ensure you get the best deal on car insurance.
What is our final word?
The value of a stolen car with VIN etching is significantly lower than a stolen car with a standard VIN plate. For that reason, VIN etching is an effective anti-theft system.
Consider ordering VIN etching from a car dealership, mechanic, AAA, or other services to deter thieves from stealing your vehicle – and get a steep discount on car insurance.
Make sure you compare rates in order to get the best rates and potentially save hundreds of dollars. Enter your ZIP code into our free tool to get multiple quotes from auto insurance companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VIN etching?
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) etching is a process of permanently engraving a vehicle’s unique identification number onto its windows or other parts of the vehicle. It is done using a chemical or laser etching process.
How does VIN etching affect auto insurance?
VIN etching can potentially result in an auto insurance discount. Many insurance companies offer a discount on comprehensive coverage premiums for vehicles with VIN etching because it can act as a deterrent to theft and increase the chances of recovering a stolen vehicle.
How much of a discount can I expect by having VIN etching on my vehicle?
The amount of the discount varies among insurance companies and may also depend on other factors such as your location and the type of vehicle you own. Typically, the discount ranges from 5% to 15% off the comprehensive coverage premium.
Do all insurance companies offer a discount for VIN etching?
No, not all insurance companies offer a discount for VIN etching. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to determine if they provide this specific discount and the requirements for qualifying.
Is VIN etching required to receive an auto insurance discount?
In most cases, VIN etching is not mandatory for receiving an auto insurance discount. However, some insurance companies may require you to provide proof of VIN etching to be eligible for the discount. Check with your insurance provider for their specific requirements.
Related Articles
Get a FREE Quote in Minutes
Insurance rates change constantly — we help you stay ahead by making it easy to compare top options and save.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption