What are VIN numbers?

Auto of human “DNA” is equivalent to an auto vehicle identification number (VIN).

It puts the vehicle in addition to the millions of other vehicles out there. In recent times it has characters in 17 point against. It shows a car uniqueness and heritage and is a form of “factory farm waste” identification. It can be used for callbacks, registrations, warranty claims, to prosecute thefts and insurance coverage. Each character or digits has a specific purpose.

Detroit automakers began punching and identifies casting numbers cars and parts in the 1950′s Center. The main purpose of this vehicle identification number (VIN) was to give a detailed description of the vehicle, when mass began production very large scale. The early VINs came in a number of variations depending on the individual manufacturers at this time.

In the early 1980′s required US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (transportation), that all road vehicles vehicle identification numbers must include 17 characters. This consolidated the standard VIN system fixed that use currently major vehicle manufacturers. The result was a unique ‘DNA’ format number for each individual vehicle rolled out of the band.

Vehicle identification number was originally in ISO standard 3779 February 1977 and 1983 revised last described. The ISO VIN was designed trailers, motorcycles and mopeds, motor vehicles, identifying, and consists of several parts, described later.

1. 3rd character world-owner-ID (WMI)

As not all code, note have 3 positions. When the two location codes, the blank code is not empty, but part of the body style or Department in which rule is. If the third position is a “9, it means that the manufacturer will produce less than 500 units per year.”  Here is a list of some of the more common VIN prefixes.

fourth through eighth characters – VDS – vehicle descriptor section. These 5 characters occupy positions 4 to 8 of the VIN and can be used by the manufacturer to identify attributes of the vehicle. Identifies vehicle features such as body style, engine type, model, series.

9. Character – the check digit “character or paragraph 9 in the order of a vehicle identification number (VIN) built off the 1981 (when digits format was established in 17 characters) the VIN accuracy are described best as identify.”

A check digit must be part of every vin (since 1981) and is in position nine (9) the VIN on the vehicle and on all documents transferred, provides the vin by the manufacturer, the first owner for purposes other than resale to appear. So the Vins is not produced two vehicles over a period of 30 years to be identical. The check digit means a single number or the letter “X” used to verify the accuracy of the transcription of the vehicle identification number.

After all the other characters in the VIN from the manufacturer identified the check digit is specified a mathematical calculation by performing calculated. This is based on vin position, vin, assigned value code, try weighting factor and multiply weight times the value assigned factors. The values are added, and the sum is divided by 11. The rest is the digit check number.

The correct numeric rest – appears zero to nine (0-9). However, if the rest 10 is the letter “X” is used to refer to the check digit number / value.

10. Character — identifies the model year. For example:

1988: (J) 1989-(K) 1990 – 1991-(L) (M) 1992-(S)-(P) 1994 – 1993 (R) 1995-1996: (S) (T) 1997-(V)-(F) 1999 – 1998 (2000: X) (Y) 2001-(1) 2002-(2) 2003-(3).

11. Character — identifies the Assembly plant for the vehicle.

12-17 Characters – VIS – vehicle identifier section. The last 8 characters of the VIN are, for the purpose of a particular type of vehicle. The last four characters will be always numeric. Identifies the sequence of the vehicle for production as it rolled out the manufacturers assembly line.

How VIN numbers are important for car insurance companies

VIN numbers are important for car insurance companies to identify the vehicle, to trace a vehicle in case of theft of a vehicle or important to catch car insurance frauds. Whether it is Progressive car Insurance, Mercury Car insurance, USAA car insurance company of Allstate or for that matter any other car company, all of them would be interested in knowing the VIN number of your car. It is also important when you rent a car.

Did you get your car insurance for 2012? If not get it now.

Where (as well as how and why) do I find the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on my new car and why is it so darned important when buying car insurance? You may be asking yourself this question as you try to hunt and peck this way-too-long code onto a car insurance online registration page.

The answers to these VIN questions can be quite complicated and yet it is also rather simple. Quite frankly, this jumble of numbers and letters is the car’s DNA imprint into the digital world of car manufacturing, buying, selling and re-selling. Until your new vehicle’s very last day as a road-worthy vehicle, this “VIN number” marks it with a one-of-a-kind stamp.

How to Find Your VIN Number

Your vehicle’s 17-character identification code is also the manufacturer’s serial number. The VIN becomes important every time you get your car registered, buy car insurance, have an accident or sell your car.

But where do you find the VIN? It’s not always located in same spot in every vehicle. So, here’s where you can check to find it:

On the interior dash just below the windshieldOn the driver’s side of the front wheel archOn the steering column just below the steering wheelOn the driver or front passenger inner door panel in what is known as the “firewall”Under the hood along a radiator support bracket or on the engine’s frameInside the vehicle’s maintenance book

What Does It All Mean?

A vehicle’s identification number (VIN) tells the story of the car in 17 “characters” (either numbers or letters), including:

First Character: The first three characters together are called the World Manufacturer’s Identification or WMI. The first character of the WMI denotes the country in which the vehicle was manufactured. For example, VINs with the first character of 1 were built in America.

Second and Third Characters: These two characters denote the manufacturer and make as in GM’s Chevrolet brand.

Fourth through Eighth Characters: The next five characters are called the Vehicle Description Section (VDS) and identify specific equipment such as engine type, restraint system, body style and braking system.

Ninth Character: The Check Digit is a mathematical algorithm developed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to check the accuracy of the previous VIN numbers.

Tenth Character: This identifies the year of the vehicle. For example, a 7 may indicated the car was built in 2007. Vehicles built before 1991 are identified by a letter starting with A for 1980.

Eleventh Character: This character identifies the manufacturing plant in which the vehicle was assembled.

Last Six Characters: The last six characters of the VIN are the vehicle’s actual serial number. This is a unique identifier by each manufacturer.

Still confused? Don’t be. Your VIN number also shows up on your DMV registration and your insurance card. Just keep both documents in your glove compartment and a copy of each in your files at home.

Auto VINs : Wealth of Vital DataElectric Vehicle InsuranceTeen Drivers : Shopping for Your Teen’s First CarInsuring a “Hobby” VehicleInsuring a Recreational VehicleTags: vehicle identification number, vin

Progressive insurance on mobile

eddie cibrian : Is mobile insurance possible? Will it help the customer?

Progressive creates fully mobile insurance

Response : Apart from setting up your insurance policy, you are more likely to need your insurance company if you are not a computer or your home.  Recognizing a public increasingly mobile, progressive insurance has an app that can perform all interactions with her insurer over her cell phone customers.

There are more than 230 million mobile users in the United States, which is more than one per household = and you will overtake mobile Internet users, laptop and desktop computer Internet users by 2014. This shows an increasing trend for people prefer with their mobile phone to get things done, if possible.

The app is for iPhone and Android phones (and iPads) available and allows customers to pretty much do everything normally would they need with their insurance company on your mobile phone. Of course this applies only to progressive customers, but we are sure that others follow suit.

VIN scanning

Not only has the app function as an entire insurance company Web site, but it offers also an additional nice feature.  You want an insurance quote for a car, you simply take a photo of vehicle identification number of the car and send it.  You will receive an offer within minutes, and the app you can compare up to three different vehicles in a single quotation mark.

Send scans in the scene

With the progressive app customers must wait no longer an inspector to show claims to get photos of your vehicle.  Users can simply start the claims and taking photographs of the damage with their cell phone for an upload of the app. If damage would further needs to be examined, would be at the discretion of the insurer.

The app contains also a handful of other useful features that allow you to achieve that, five years ago, you would your insurer have things to get done call.  These include so that you pay instantly with your mobile device, get emergency, you are looking for a progressive approved roadside assistance service centre, or find a local insurance agent if you need to speak to someone personally.

Progressive reach out for mobile users

In addition to its award winning app launched progressive two other free apps on Apple app store and Android marketplace.  “We are still on the improvement of the distinctive mobile products that we offer, so that easier for our customers, transactions with us, can it”, said Matt Lehman, progressive of mobile business leader. “Our mobile and interconnected world gives us the possibility of more value add drivers, wherever they are.” “Compared to technology customers give this commitment more control on their car insurance is what sets progressive apart.”

The two other apps contain a collection of pictures and wallpapers, compiled by progressive and a strange little app, with all their mascot, Flos, jokes and silly comments listen, whenever you want. Reviewers are not sure why anyone would like this app, but it shows that the company, to reach mobile users trying new things.

Compare auto insurance quote now.

Perez Hilton : How to review car insurance auto theft coverage when you compare auto insurance quotes? What can I do to prevent auto theft? Review car insurance auto theft coverage: Response : Perez, you need to reveiw car insurance theft coverage to make sure that you have this coverage especially for expensive cars and sports cars or new cars. The liability portion of the car or liability coverage would cover only liability and you need to have a comprehensive coverage to cover auto theft. Review car insurance policy and check out whether you have this coverage.

There are certain things that you can do prevent auto insurance coverage. You need to review the following points and habits if you want to prevent auto theft. These are some of the points recommonded by the insurance companies themselves :

Prevention of auot theft .
• Parking of vehicle : You should park your car in a populated, well-lit area. Auto thieves do not like witnesses and prefer unattended parking lots.
• Your belongings should be kept in compartments and do not leave valuable items on the seats or in the open in the car. This will prevent the break up or auto theft. You also need to remember that your belongings and not part of the auto theft but the coverage for them is in your home insurance policy.
• Your car should be locked at all times and do not leave an unlocked vehicle. Roll up windows, lock-up doors and take your keys.
• Make Your Mark: VIN etching—a permanent engraving of a vehicle’s federally registered vehicle identification number (VIN) on its windshield—makes it tougher for a thief to resell or take your vehicle across the border without replacing the marked glass.
• Keep Track: High-tech tracking devices can alert you—and law enforcement—the moment an unauthorized user moves your vehicle

Compare auto insurance quotes
Compare auto insurance quotes at all times, since most general insurance companies offer you discount if you have anti-theft devices installed in the vehicle and the discount rates would vary from company to company. You need the best car insurance coverage at the least expensive rates or low auto insurance rates.

Thanks.
Kamlesh

Guy Laiberte : Hi! I am based in Alabama and would like to know what proof of insurance is required for driving my car – proof of auto insurance?

Response : Alabama has compulsory auto insurance. The goverment has made compulsory auto insurance liability limits since they are concerned about any harm to porperty or life. The insurance must provide a minimum of $25,000 for injury liability for one person in an accident, $50,000 for all injuries in an accident, and $25,000 for property damage in an accident (Act 2008-393). The policy must be issued by an insurance company qualified to issue motor vehicle liability insurance in Alabama.

The best proof of liability insurance is the insurance card issued by the insurance company. The insurance cards are issued by companies qualified to issue auto liability insurance in Alabama, and contain the vehicle year model, vehicle make, vehicle identification number, name of the insured, the name of the insurance company, the policy number, and the effective and expiration dates of the policy. Insurance companies often issued cards two or more times a year. Motorists must be sure that the insurance card carried within the vehicle is current.
Other acceptable documents to prove insurance include:
o A temporary insurance card issued by the insurer.
o A premium receipt or insurance binder issued by the motorist’s insurance agent.
o The current declarations page of a liability insurance policy.
o The actual liability insurance policy issued for the vehicle.
o A certificate of liability insurance policy issued by either the insurer or an authorized agent.
o Proof of purchase of a motor vehicle with the previous 60 days and a valid insurance card issued for the motor vehicle replaced by such purchase. The proof of purchase is to be a copy of the bill of sale if the vehicle is a pre-1975 year model, or the owner’s permit (yellow) copy of the application for certificate of title for a 1975 and subsequent year model vehicle.
o A copy of the rental agreement when renting a motor vehicle which specifies the insurance coverage.

Here is an important tip, if your car is new or not more than 5 -7 years old you must go for a comprehensive auto insurance and compare auto insurance quote before you buy one. After you get the policy review auto insurance coverages to verify if you have the correct and optimum coverage.
Thanks.
Have a great day
Kamlesh