What is a VIN and how can it help protect your vehicle?

On your car, you can usually find the VIN on the lower-left corner of the dashboard, just in front of the steering wheel. Depending on the make and model, it could also be located:

• On the front of the car frame

• On the front of the engine block

• Inside the driver-side door jamb

• Under the spare tire

• On the driver-side door post

On your motorcycle, you’ll typically find the VIN near the headstock on the right-hand side, where the fork attaches to the frame.

You can also find your VIN printed on your vehicle insurance card, registration documents, or vehicle title.

Every digit in your VIN holds a piece of your vehicle’s story—from where it was built and who made it to its model year and assembly plant. It’s like a detailed ID badge that travels with your vehicle for life.

Note: If your vehicle was made before 1981, its VIN may be shorter. The current 17-digit format wasn’t standardized until that year.

• Digits 1–3: World manufacturer identifier (WMI)
  Identifies the region, country, and manufacturer (e.g., 1HG = Honda USA)

• Digits 4–8: Vehicle descriptor section (VDS)
  Details about body style, engine type, model, and safety features

• Digit 9: Check digit
  A security code that verifies the VIN’s validity (used to detect fraud)

• Digit 10: Model year
  Shows the vehicle’s model year (e.g., A = 1980, B = 1981, etc.)

• Digit 11: Assembly plant
  Indicates the specific factory where the vehicle was built

• Digits 12–17: Production sequence number
  Unique identifier assigned to that vehicle on the assembly line

VINs are a critical resource that can help with the following:

Your VIN can unlock important details about your car or motorcycle. By entering it into a trusted online database, you can find information like:

• Previous theft claims

• Collision history

• Odometer readings

• Market value estimates

If you’re considering a used vehicle—or just want to better understand your current ride—looking up its history can give you valuable insight.

Trusted sources for vehicle history checks include:

• VINCheck^® Lookup from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)

• VinFreeCheck

• CARFAX

Before you buy a used car or motorcycle, checking the VIN can uncover important details—like whether the vehicle has been reported stolen or has hidden title issues.

VIN fraud—such as altered VINs, stolen vehicles, or title washing—is more common with used vehicles than brand-new ones. That’s why it’s especially important to check a vehicle’s history before making a purchase.

Taking this step can help you avoid ownership disputes, legal problems, or unexpected costs later on.

When you request a quote or set up a new policy, you'll need to provide your VIN. Insurance companies can use it to:

• Check for theft or salvage history

• Confirm the vehicle’s make, model, and specifications

• Identify safety features like anti-theft devices that could qualify you for discounts

Vehicle information obtained from the VIN may determine the availability of certain coverages. Whether you're looking for auto or motorcycle insurance, Dairyland^®, a brand of the Sentry Insurance Group, can help make the process as straightforward and flexible as possible.

Your VIN can also come in handy when you’re replacing parts. Running a VIN check can reveal the original factory equipment on your vehicle, helping you and your mechanic find the correct replacements. Manufacturers also use VINs when issuing recalls.

Online vehicle history tools can be useful—but not all VIN check websites are legit. Some mimic official services, then try to trick users into sharing payment details or personal information.

Example: You search for a free VIN check and find a site ending in “.VIN.” It looks official but asks for a credit card to unlock results. That’s a red flag. Trusted databases­—like NICB’s VINCheck^®—are free and never ask for payment.

To help keep your information safe:

• Stick with trusted websites like those listed above

• Always research a site before entering personal or payment information

Your VIN is one of the simplest ways to help protect your vehicle and your peace of mind. Whether you’re shopping for a used ride or keeping your current one safe, knowing how to use your VIN can make a real difference.

Stay informed, stay protected—and when you're ready, we're here to help you explore flexible insurance options that work for you.