What is VIN Number And How to Check It?

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By Aren Mirzaian
First published on September 07, 2023

5 minute read

MyChoice follows a strict content review process designed to ensure reliable and unbiased information.

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For first-time car buyers, checking a used car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) may seem like a waste of time. However, knowing how to find one and looking for discrepancies could mean the difference between finding a steal or actually buying a stolen car.

VIN Numbers at a Glance

  • VINs contain essential information about a car and can help determine whether a car has been stolen.
  • Checking your VIN helps insurance companies identify your car and lets you confirm ownership when making claims.
  • If you find any discrepancies in your VIN, alert the licensing office in your province or territory right away.

Read on to explore the importance, location, and components of a VIN, as well as what you can do to identify whether a VIN has been altered.

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What is a VIN Number and Where is It on a Car?

A vehicle identification number (VIN) is like a car’s fingerprint. It’s unique to each car and is used by manufacturers and authorities to track and identify vehicles. Since 1981, all vehicles in North America have been assigned a 17-character VIN. 

A car’s VIN can be found on the dashboard. To find the VIN, stand in front of the driver’s side and look at the dashboard through the windshield. You can also find your car’s VIN on the door jamb and inside the driver’s side door. 

Take note that VINs should be identical in every location on your car and match up to the VIN on the car’s documents.

How to Read Your VIN Number

Your car’s VIN code represents key information about your car, including things like when and where it was made, its unique features and specifications, and what kind of fuel it runs on. 

VIN Number: How To Check And Understand Your VIN

Here’s a quick guide to decoding your VIN:

The world manufacturer identifier (WMI) makes up the first three digits of your VIN. The first digit is a letter or number corresponding to the place where the car was built. The second digit refers to the car’s manufacturer, with each one having a specific code. The third digit refers to the specific division of the manufacturer that built the vehicle.

For the first digit, the code is as follows:

  • A-H: Africa
  • J-R: Asia
  • S-Z: Europe
  • 1-5: North America
  • 6-7: Australia and New Zealand
  • 8-9: South America

The fourth digit of your VIN provides details of your car’s model-specific features, necessary safety information, and the like. The fifth digit — typically a letter — represents the car’s model or series. The sixth and seventh digits refer to the car’s body style and type. Finally, the eighth digit refers to the car’s engine size. 

The ninth digit of your VIN is often called the “check digit” or the security code. It’s used by professionals to validate whether your VIN code is authentic or not.

Digit 10 on your VIN tells you what year your car was made. For example, cars made in 2014 will have the code E. 

The last six digits of your VIN make up your car’s serial or production line number. This number is assigned by the manufacturer and helps auto shops and mechanics find specific parts.

What if Your VIN Does Not Follow the 17-digit Format?

If your vehicle sports an 11- or 13-digit VIN and is well over 20 years old, there’s no need to worry. Only vehicles made after 1981 sport the 17-digit VIN that has come to be known as the standard today. 

If you own or are planning on selling or buying a classic car or any pre-1981 vehicle, just remember that non-17-digit VINs don’t decode well on modern search systems. 

Why Should You Check Your Car’s VIN?

According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, these are some of the reasons why you should confirm your VIN: 

The VIN Protects Your Car’s Identity and Helps Avoid Buying Stolen Cars

Car thieves clone VINs all the time. This lets them sell a car even if its VIN has been flagged by the authorities to prevent it from being sold. Comparing all the VINs in a vehicle with the VINs on the car’s papers is one way to exercise due diligence before buying.

It Helps Insurance Companies Identify Your Car

Confirming your car’s VIN helps your insurance company ensure that your insurance is properly rated. It also helps to confirm ownership when you have to make a claim.

It Helps Auto Shops Find the Right Parts to Repair Your Car

Since VINs carry important information about a car’s model series, drivetrain, engine, and fuel specifications, they can help clue mechanics into the right parts needed to get it up and running again.

It Helps You Sell Your Car

If you’re selling a used car in Ontario, you’re required to get a used vehicle information package or UVIP. To get one, you’ll need to provide a VIN, your driver’s license, and your name and address. 

When selling used cars, interested buyers will also likely ask for the car’s VIN so they can perform a background check on the vehicle on their own. 

Is It Safe to Give Out Your VIN Number?

Generally, it’s safe to give your car’s VIN out. If you’re selling your vehicle privately or through a dealer, interested parties may request for your car’s VIN. Likely, they’re just looking to run the VIN through Carfax or some other VIN decoder to check the validity of your claims and ensure you’re not selling a stolen vehicle. 

How to Identify an Altered VIN 

You can identify an altered VIN within 15 minutes by following these steps:

Review available documents:

Check for discoloration, erasures, whiteouts, and similar signs that documents have been tampered with. Ensure the VIN is the same on all documents and make sure that the person presenting the documents is the same as the one listed on the title and registration. 

Compare the car’s VIN to the documents:

Check the VIN found atop the driver’s side front dashboard and verify if it matches the VIN found on the vehicle’s documents.

Check the surrounding area of the car’s VIN:

Inspect the area around the car’s VIN for any signs that it may have been removed or replaced. Look for scratches on and around the VIN plate, damage to the windshield and moulding around it, and excess glue on the windshield. 

Inspect major components in the vehicle:

Some major components, such as the transmission, hood, bumpers, and doors, are labelled with the vehicle’s VIN. Make sure these match the VIN on the dashboard and the car’s documents.

Examine the vehicle’s firewall and body plate:

Some manufacturers attach a body plate to their vehicles upon production. This usually includes a full or partial VIN and can be found on the firewall inside the engine compartment. 

How to Report Discrepancies in Your VIN

If the VINs on your car don’t match or if the VINs on your ownership, insurance, and service documents don’t match the ones on your car, contact the licensing/registration office in your province or territory immediately. If the VIN on your liability card doesn’t match up to the VIN plate on the dashboard, get in touch with your insurance agent or broker. 

Key Advice From My Choice

  • Always provide the correct VIN to your insurance company to ensure that your policy accurately reflects your vehicle’s specifications.
  • Though it’s generally safe to share your VIN when selling your car or getting a quote, be cautious about sharing it in public forms or with unverified parties.
By Aren Mirzaian

With over a decade in Canada’s insurance sector, Aren is a leading voice in the industry, providing thought leadership on auto insurance, underwriting innovation, and how technology is reshaping insurance.

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