Where and What is a VIN Number on a Car

By Larry Anderson and the Mercury Team

If you own a car or are thinking about buying one, there’s one small code you’ll want to get familiar with: the Vehicle Identification Number or VIN. In this guide, we’ll break down what a VIN is, where to find it, how to read it, and why it matters, especially when it comes to getting the right car insurance for your vehicle.

What Is a VIN Number?

A VIN number is a unique code assigned to every car, truck, or motorcycle. Think of it as your vehicle’s fingerprint—no two VINs are exactly alike. Each VIN is made up of a combination of letters and numbers that tell you key details about the vehicle, such as its make, model, engine type, and place of manufacture.

Since 1981, VINs have been standardized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which means every car built since then follows the same convention. This system makes it easier to track a vehicle’s history, from registration and recalls to insurance and title records.

Whether you’re buying a used car, getting a quote for coverage, or just curious about your vehicle’s background, the VIN is your go-to for accurate info.

“Your VIN gives us a complete picture of your vehicle before you even drive off the lot. It’s how we tailor your coverage, assess risk, and verify details during a claim,” says Larry Anderson, Director of Underwriting Operations.

How Long Is a VIN Number?

A VIN is always 17 characters long (see below). It’s made up of a mix of capital letters and numbers, but you won’t see the letters I, O, or Q in there. Those are left out to avoid any confusion with the numbers 1 and 0.

This 17-character format has been the standard since 1981, thanks to the NHTSA. If you’re looking at a classic car or anything made before 1981, don’t be surprised if the VIN is shorter or formatted differently.

For modern vehicles, though, that 17-digit VIN is the key to unlocking important details about the car’s identity, features, and history.

Where Is the VIN Number on a Car?

Knowing where your VIN is located can come in handy when you’re filing a claim, updating your insurance, or checking your car’s history. You can find it in several places—some on the vehicle itself and others on paperwork. Here’s where to look:

Dashboard: Check on the driver’s side near the windshield (look through the glass from outside).
Driver-side door frame or pillar: Look for a sticker where the door latches shut.
Under the hood: See if the VIN is stamped on the engine block or firewall.
Vehicle documents: Your VIN is also listed on important documents like your vehicle registration, title, and insurance card or policy paperwork.

How to Read a VIN Number

A VIN might look like random letters and numbers, but it’s actually packed with meaning. Every VIN is made up of three main sections, each revealing specific details about your vehicle.

WMI (World Manufacturer Identifier): The first three characters tell you where the car was made and who made it. For example, a VIN starting with “1HG” means it’s a Honda built in the U.S.
VDS (Vehicle Descriptor Section): Characters 4 through 9 describe the vehicle itself—things like the model, body style, engine type, and even safety features.
VIS (Vehicle Identifier Section): The last eight characters (positions 10–17) include the model year, the plant where it was assembled, and a unique serial number just for that specific vehicle.

How to Decode a VIN Number

Decoding a VIN can help you confirm key vehicle details, which is especially important when getting an insurance quote or filing a claim. Each character or group of characters in your VIN provides a clue about your vehicle’s identity, from where it was built to what kind of engine it has.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Characters 1-3: Manufacturer and country of origin
Characters 4-8: Vehicle specs (model, body type, engine, etc.)
Character 9: A security check digit to verify the VIN’s validity
Character 10: Model year (marked by letter or number depending on the year)
Character 11: Assembly plant
Characters 12-17: Unique serial number for that specific vehicle

To decode your VIN, use trusted sources like the NHTSA’s VIN decoder or check with your car’s manufacturer or insurance provider.

What Are VIN Numbers Used For?

Your VIN plays a big role in everything from insurance to registration. For insurance companies, the VIN helps determine key vehicle details like make, model, trim, engine type, and safety features. All of that information helps generate an accurate quote tailored to your specific vehicle. It can also reveal modifications or risk factors that might affect your rate.

Insurance providers also use VINs to track past claims, ownership history, and even check for salvage titles or reported accidents.

Outside of insurance, your VIN is used in various other ways:

Vehicle history reports from sites like Carfax or AutoCheck
DMV services for registration and titling
Recall notices from manufacturers
Theft recovery efforts by law enforcement
Resale value assessments when selling or buying a vehicle

Conclusion

Whether you’re shopping for a new ride, checking for recalls, or just trying to get cheap car insurance, knowing where to find your VIN—and understanding what it means—can make the process faster and smoother.

Need coverage you can count on? Mercury offers reliable, affordable auto insurance that fits your needs. We also provide helpful resources to guide you through every step of the insurance process, including answers to common questions like, “How do insurance claims work?”

Larry Anderson

Director of Underwriting Operations at Mercury Insurance

Larry Anderson is the Director of Underwriting Operations for Mercury Insurance, where he leads several teams including Audit, Training, and Regulatory Compliance. Anderson has been with Mercury since 2002 when he began as an underwriter. Anderson received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton.