VIN Etching Discount: How Much Can You Save?

Every automobile has a unique, federally registered vehicle identification number, or VIN. If you inscribe the VIN on your car’s glass surfaces, you could earn a VIN etching discount on your auto policy.

Keep reading to learn why this is one of the auto insurance discounts to ask for and discover how safety discounts can help lower your auto insurance rates regardless of your age, driving record, and coverage needs.

After learning where to buy VIN etching discount auto insurance, remember to enter your ZIP code into our free rate tool above to compare quotes from the top providers in your city.

What is a VIN etching discount?

A VIN etching discount is a safety discount because you’ve decreased your chances of falling victim to auto theft.

VIN etching means your vehicle’s unique 17-digit, federally registered identification number is engraved into its windshields or glass surfaces.

Usually, this is done using a laser, chemical, or mechanical process. The engravement is typically located at the bottom of the glass, leaving your view unobstructed.

Where you get your VIN etching impacts how much it will cost you. But it does not have to be expensive.

VIN etching is available at dealerships but can cost $200 this way.  Do-it-yourself kits are available for around $20.

Some AAA offices offer this service for $30 for members and $40 for non-members.

Plus, police departments and some crime prevention associations host free window etching events to benefit local communities.

So why do it in the first place? Does VIN etching help prevent auto theft? Fortunately, it does.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), window etching discourages thieves from stealing vehicles because they need to replace all glass surfaces before the car can be re-sold.

Doing so would be both costly and suspicious. It also makes it more difficult for the thief to make a profit.

Police can also use that number to identify the stolen vehicle more easily.

To get this discount, you must inform your provider that your windshields are appropriately etched. In some cases, a form may also be required, otherwise, the company has no way of knowing if you qualify for this savings opportunity.

However, the rate reduction usually only applies to comprehensive coverage, not the basic liability coverage required by law in most states.

VIN etching solely prevents auto theft, and auto theft is only covered by comprehensive insurance policies.

Other standard safety and anti-theft discounts offered by auto insurance providers include:

• Adaptive cruise control discount
• Adaptive headlights discount
• Anti-lock brakes discount
• Anti-theft discount
• Automatic seatbelts discount
• Daytime running lights discount
• Electronic stability control discount
• Forward collision warning discount
• Lane departure warning discount
• Vehicle recovery discount

It’s a good idea to ask about additional auto insurance discounts that you might earn.

Through some companies, you earn one generic safety discount that increases depending on how many safety features are installed on your vehicle.

So while there’s no specific VIN etching State Farm discount, you can still earn rate reductions from that company for investing in anti-theft technology.

Ultimately, even if you don’t earn a VIN etching discount, it can still help you save money.

If your vehicle is stolen, your provider only covers the actual cash value of the car, not the original purchase amount.

Typically, that is not equal to the cost of replacing your car.

Comprehensive coverage also usually has a deductible associated with it, which you’d also have to pay if your car is stolen. VIN etching helps prevent all of these problems.

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What auto insurance companies offer a VIN etching discount to drivers?

Currently, 10 national providers offer VIN etching discount auto insurance quotes to drivers.

Customers save an average of 8% on their annual premiums by earning this deal.

Take a look at a complete list below to verify if you already use a VIN etching discount auto insurance company.

• Esurance Auto Insurance Company
• Farmers Auto Insurance Company
• Liberty Mutual Auto Insurance Company – 5%
• MetLife Auto Insurance Company – 10%
• Nationwide Auto Insurance Company
• Progressive Auto Insurance Company
• SafeAuto Insurance Company
• Safeco Auto Insurance Company
• Travelers Auto Insurance Company
• USAA Auto Insurance Company

It’s possible local agencies near you also offer this savings opportunity to clients. Plus, not every company is active in every region for every driver.

For example, the USAA VIN etching discount is only for military personnel and their families; the company doesn’t serve civilians.

Other factors, like your age, driving record, and local auto insurance laws, also impact your total insurance costs.

So to secure your cheapest possible rates, compare quotes online from multiple providers, even those without a VIN etching discount.

VIN Etching Discount: The Bottom Line

If your VIN is inscribed into your vehicle’s glass surfaces, consider asking for a VIN etching discount from your insurance provider.

This discount is ideal for people who live in places with higher-than-average auto theft rates.

However, if you do not invest in comprehensive coverage, you might not qualify for the rate reduction.

Now that you know more about affordable VIN etching discount auto insurance rates, compare quotes from the best companies in your area by entering your ZIP code into our free tool below.