Vehicle Identification Number For Car

The VIN number is a unique number that is provided to your vehicle. Basically, it is a code of identification of your vehicle. This number is commonly used interchangeably with the chassis number as the car identification number is imprinted on the chassis of your vehicle. But, the chassis number is not VIN no. exactly, it is a part of it. So, if you know the VIN, the chassis number will also be known to you.

Issuing a vehicle identification number is one of the common standard practices globally. It can depict details like whether the vehicle is private or commercial, manufacturer, model, and year.

The alphanumeric sequence of the vehicle identification number has important information hidden in it. The VIN number meaning is described below so that you can comprehend the number in a better manner.

The initial three characters in the VIN no. are known as the WMI, and they denote the country of origin of the vehicle and the manufacturer. The 1st character provided information on where the vehicle was built. The second and the third letter depict who the manufacturer was.

• The fourth character in the sequence provides information on the vehicle types. For example, if it is a car, scooter, etc.
• The fourth character in the sequence provides details on the movement of the engine and the range of power of your vehicle.
• The sixth character denotes the type of engine that makes your vehicle run. For example, if it is a single or double-stroke engine.
• The seventh character depicts the design sequence.
• The eighth letter is the version of the vehicle.
• The ninth character is a check digit to maintain the accuracy of the car’s VIN number.
• The tenth character depicts the year in which the vehicle was manufactured.
• The eleventh letter is the plant in which the vehicle has been manufactured.

The characters from twelfth to seventeenth of the car’s VIN number denote the chassis number of your vehicle.

There are a few ways in which you can locate the VIN no. of your car:

• Dashboard

You might be able to find the VIN number on the dashboard of your car. It is usually stamped on the side of the driver. But, many car manufacturers do not give this option.

• Door

Many times the car’s VIN number is printed on the door of the car. This is mostly the driver’s side door. In addition, the number is imprinted on the car’s metal strip, which you will find on the B-pillar of your car.

• Hood

The VIN no. can be found beneath the hood of your car, just where the location of the engine in your car is.

• Boot

In the boot, under the spare wheel of the car, you will find the vehicle identification number. When you lift up the wheel, the VIN will become visible to you.

• Registration Certificate

At the time of purchasing the car, the car is registered at the nearest Regional Transport Office(RTO). The RC issued by the RTO has details of the VIN number of your car. On the RC smart card, you will get the vehicle VIN number and other details as well.

• Car Dealership

Another way to get the VIN no. is to contact the dealership from where you have bought your car. They will be able to provide you with the exact number with ease.

Yes. The VAHAN database, which is operated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, has the registration details of your car. You can locate the VIN no. from there.

Here are the steps:

1. Go to the Vahan portal.
2. Tap on the Know Your Vehicle Details.
3. Enter the registration number of your car.
4. You might have to enter the Captcha Code.
5. Tap on Search Vehicle.

To meet the privacy norms, the website will not be able to show you the entire chassis number.

Thus, now you know that the VIN number is essential for the security of your vehicle. This number has important information regarding your vehicle, and it is important to know the VIN no. of your vehicle when you are on the road. Also, in case of theft of your car, this number will be able to identify your vehicle as it gives your vehicle a unique identification which is different from any other vehicle.

The thief might be able to change the colour or the number plate, but the VIN will remain the same. So, the vehicle VIN number is very important. Also, while you are on the road, ensure that you have valid vehicle insurance. And if you are looking for a vehicle insurance plan, check out the plans offered by Tata AIG today!