When you buy a car, you may be offered VIN etching. It is a simple anti-theft step that can also lower your insurance bill. Here is what it is and how to decide whether you need it.
What VIN etching is
Every vehicle sold has a unique 17-character Vehicle Identification Number. Federal rules require it to be visible through the windshield on the driver's side and on the label in the driver's door, and it also appears on 18 other parts, such as the engine, transmission and hood, so stolen parts are harder to sell.
VIN etching engraves that number into every window. A thief can swap plates or a VIN tag, but etched glass would have to be replaced, which makes an etched car a less attractive target.
How it is done
- Acid etching: an acid roughens the glass surface in the shape of the characters.
- Laser etching: a computer-guided laser removes a tiny amount of the surface.
- Etching cream: a chemical cream frosts the glass through a stencil.
All three only touch the very top layer of the glass, so the windows are not weakened and stay weatherproof.
The benefits
- A possible insurance discount of up to 15% on your premium.
- Easy to trace: scanners can flag etched vehicles, so thieves tend to avoid them.
- Hard to notice: the marks are small and only visible from a few feet away, yet thieves and police know where to look.
Is it worth it for you?
Weigh the price against the insurance savings, and think about where the car lives. In a low-crime area it may not be worth it. If you park on a busy street, live in a higher-crime area, often take road trips to unfamiliar places, or are buying an expensive vehicle, it makes more sense.
The bottom line
Dealers usually charge about $200 to $400, and some include it free with a new car. Do-it-yourself kits are cheaper, but check with your insurer first: a home etching may not qualify for a discount.
Questions about protecting your next car?
Browse the current inventory or ask the sales team.