16 Jul 09 Naples Collision Service

The Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN is your cars fingerprint. It is original to the car and unless the car has been cloned, completely unique. It is used by manufacturers, the DMV, state vehicle registrars and warranty owners to identify and track the car through its lifetime. If you are involved in a vehicle theft, auto collision or other mishap you may need to provide this number to your insurance or authorities.

The VIN is placed on several positions within the vehicle. The first, and easiest one to spot is on the driver side. Stand outside the door and look through the window at the side of the dashboard. You should see a metal place with 17 digits comprised of letters and numbers. This is your VIN.

Alternatively, it can be found on the driver’s side door post, near where the door latches. This is often a black or silver place or sticker with other information on it too. It is also on the front bulkhead under the hood. With the hood open look down and you will see another plate or sticker with the VIN on it. If it isn’t there, it may be on your engine block, depending on the manufacturer.

There is also often a VIN plate under the spare wheel in the trunk if your vehicle doesn’t have any on the places already mentioned. The last place to look is the owner’s manual. If you can’t find a VIN then you should be concerned, especially if the car is new. Every vehicle made in the world has at least two or three VIN plates around it. If your doesn’t then it is advisable to contact either the manufacturer or the dealer you bought the vehicle from.