Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts in 2024 (Save up to 15% With These Companies)

If your vehicle identification number (VIN) is etched into your windshield, you could earn a VIN etching discount. You can buy VIN etching discount auto insurance from 10 national providers. Customers save an average of 8% on their annual auto insurance premiums by qualifying for VIN etching discount auto insurance rates.

Free Auto Insurance Comparison

Enter your ZIP code below to compare auto insurance rates.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Chris Abrams

Licensed Insurance Agent

Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chris works tireles...

Licensed Insurance Agent

Michelle Robbins

Licensed Insurance Agent

Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...

Licensed Insurance Agent

UPDATED: Oct 24, 2024

Advertiser Disclosure

It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.

Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We partner with top insurance providers. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.

Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.

Every automobile has a unique, federally registered vehicle identification number, or VIN. If you inscribe the VIN on your car’s glass surfaces, you could earn a VIN etching discount on your auto policy.

Our Top 10 Company Picks: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts

CompanyRankSavings PotentialA.M. BestWho Qualifies?
Progressive: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts#115%A+Policyholders with VIN etching and comprehensive coverage
Allstate: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts#212%A+Drivers with VIN etching in anti-theft plan
Nationwide: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts#310%A+Customers with comprehensive and VIN etching
State Farm: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts#49%BInsured drivers using VIN etching for theft prevention
Travelers: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts#58%A++Policyholders with comprehensive and VIN etching
Liberty Mutual: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts#67%ADrivers with VIN etching and anti-theft device
Farmers: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts#76%ACustomers with VIN etching for theft protection
Auto-owners: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts#85%A++Drivers with VIN etching and full coverage
American Family: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts#95%AInsured drivers with VIN etching in anti-theft package
Safeco: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts#104%ADrivers with comprehensive and VIN etching

Compare RatesStart Now →

Keep reading to learn why this is one of the auto insurance discounts to ask for and discover how safety discounts can help lower your auto insurance rates regardless of your age, driving record, and coverage needs.

After learning where to buy VIN etching discount auto insurance, remember to enter your ZIP code into our free rate tool above to compare quotes from the top providers in your city.

Can't-Miss Facts

  • VIN etching discounts are offered by 10 national auto insurance companies
  • Drivers save 8% on average by earning this safety discount
  • Safety discounts sometimes only apply to comprehensive or collision coverage

How to Get a VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discount 

What is a VIN etching discount? A VIN etching discount is a safety discount because you’ve decreased your chances of falling victim to auto theft. VIN etching means your vehicle’s unique 17-digit, federally registered identification number is engraved into its windshields or glass surfaces.

Usually, this is done using a laser, chemical, or mechanical process. The engravement is typically located at the bottom of the glass, leaving your view unobstructed.

So why do it in the first place? Does VIN etching help prevent auto theft? Fortunately, it does. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), window etching discourages thieves from stealing vehicles because they need to replace all glass surfaces before the car can be re-sold.

Doing so would be both costly and suspicious. It also makes it more difficult for the thief to make a profit. Police can also use that number to identify the stolen vehicle more easily.

To get this discount, you must inform your provider that your windshields are appropriately etched. In some cases, a form may also be required. Otherwise, the company has no way of knowing if you qualify for this savings opportunity.

However, the rate reduction usually only applies to comprehensive coverage, not the basic liability coverage required by law in most states.

VIN etching solely prevents auto theft, and auto theft is only covered by comprehensive insurance policies.

So, while there’s no specific VIN etching State Farm discount for policies without comprehensive insurance, you can still earn rate reductions from that company for investing in anti-theft technology.

Ultimately, even if you don’t earn a VIN etching discount, it can still help you save money.

If your vehicle is stolen, your provider only covers the actual cash value of the car, not the original purchase amount.

Typically, that is not equal to the cost of replacing your car.

Comprehensive coverage also usually has a deductible associated with it, which you’d also have to pay if your car is stolen. VIN etching helps prevent all of these problems.

Enter your ZIP code below to compare auto insurance rates.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Best Companies for VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts

Currently, 10 national providers offer VIN etching discount auto insurance quotes to drivers. Customers save at least 4% on their annual premiums by earning this deal.

Take a look at a complete list below to verify if you already use a VIN etching discount auto insurance company.

It’s possible local agencies near you also offer this savings opportunity to clients. Plus, not every company is active in every region for every driver.

For example, the USAA VIN etching discount is only for military personnel and their families; the company doesn’t serve civilians.

Other factors, like your age, driving record, and local auto insurance laws, also impact your total insurance costs.

So to secure your cheapest possible rates, compare quotes online from multiple providers, even those without a VIN etching discount.

Other Ways to Save on Auto Insurance 

Other standard safety and anti-theft discounts offered by auto insurance providers include:

It’s a good idea to ask about additional auto insurance discounts that you might earn.

Through some companies, you earn one generic safety discount that increases depending on how many safety features are installed on your vehicle.

Securing Lower Rates With a VIN Etching Discount

If your VIN is inscribed into your vehicle’s glass surfaces, consider asking for a VIN etching discount from your insurance provider. This discount is ideal for people who live in places with higher-than-average auto theft rates.

However, if you do not invest in comprehensive coverage, you might not qualify for the rate reduction from a VIN etching discount.

Now that you know more about affordable VIN etching discount auto insurance rates compare quotes from the best companies in your area by entering your ZIP code into our free tool below.

Enter your ZIP code below to compare auto insurance rates.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get a VIN etching insurance discount?

If the VIN is already etched on your car, let your insurance company know so they can apply the VIN discount to your auto insurance policy.

What is VIN etching on a car?

VIN etching is where the Vehicle Identification Number is engraved on the car windows.

What does VIN etching look like?

VIN etching varies depending on who did it, but basically, it will look like a small black or white engraved number on your window.

How do I know if my car has VIN etching?

Check your car windows, as the etching will be clearly visible.

What is a VIN etch fee?

A VIN etching fee is the fee to have your VIN etched on your window.

What is an etch fee when buying a car?

If you see a window etch fee when buying a car, this means that the dealership is charging for etching the VIN on your car.

How much does VIN etching cost?

Where you get your VIN etching impacts how much it will cost you. But it does not have to be expensive. VIN etching is available at dealerships but can cost $200 this way.  Do-it-yourself kits are available for around $20.

Some AAA offices offer this service for $30 for members and $40 for non-members. Plus, police departments and some crime prevention associations host free window etching events to benefit local communities.

Do I have to pay for VIN etching?

Yes, if your car doesn’t have VIN etching, you will have to pay to get it done or pay for a kit to do it yourself.

Does VIN etching lower insurance?

Yes, VIN glass etching will lower insurance if your company offers a VIN etch insurance discount. Shop for affordable insurance with your VIN etching today by entering your ZIP in our free tool.

Is car window etching worth it?

Yes, vehicle window etching is worth it because it deters theft and results in an auto insurance discount at most companies.

Free Auto Insurance Comparison

Enter your ZIP code below to compare auto insurance rates.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption