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

With the best VIN etching auto insurance discounts, you can save at least 4% on your comprehensive insurance just by having your vehicle identification number (VIN) etched into your windshield. VIN etching discourages vehicle theft and makes it easier to recover stolen vehicles.

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Chris Tepedino

Insurance Feature Writer

Chris Tepedino is a feature writer that has written extensively about auto insurance for numerous websites. He has a college degree in communication from the University of Tennessee and has experience reporting, researching investigative pieces, and crafting detailed, data-driven features. His works have been featured on CB Blog Nation, Healing Law, WIBW Kansas, and Cinncinati.com. He has been ...

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Rachael Brennan has been working in the insurance industry since 2006 when she began working as a licensed insurance representative for 21st Century Insurance, during which time she earned her Property and Casualty license in all 50 states. After several years she expanded her insurance expertise, earning her license in Health and AD&D insurance as well. She has worked for small health in...

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UPDATED: Nov 2, 2024

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The best VIN etching auto insurance discounts offer a discount if your car has the VIN etched somewhere on the vehicle. 

 

best VIN etching auto insurance discounts

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+Insured with VIN etching and comprehensive
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 glass VIN etching
State Farm: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts #49%BInsured using VIN etching to prevent theft
Travelers: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts #58%A++Policyholders with 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%ADrivers with VIN etching in anti-theft package
Safeco: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts #104%ADrivers with comprehensive and VIN etching

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Keep reading to learn why this is one of the auto insurance discounts to ask for and discover how safety discounts can help you get cheap car 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

  • Several national auto insurance companies offer VIN etching discounts
  • Drivers save up to 15% by earning this safety discount
  • Safety discounts sometimes only apply to comprehensive 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 number is engraved on the car.

VIN Etching Definition Card: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts

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.

You must inform your provider that your windshields are appropriately etched to get a VIN etching discount. In some cases, a form may also be required. Otherwise, the company cannot know if you qualify for this savings opportunity.

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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.

Learn More: Auto Insurance Coverage Options

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.

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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 are signed up for VIN etching discount auto insurance company.

Min. Coverage Auto Insurance Rates After VIN Etching Discount

Insurance CompanyMonthly Rates
Allstate: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts $53
American Family: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts $48
Auto-Owners: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts $52
Farmers: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts $56
Liberty Mutual: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts $60
Nationwide: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts $50
Progressive: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts $43
Safeco: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts $58
State Farm: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts $41
Travelers: Best VIN Etching Auto Insurance Discounts $51

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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 (Learn More: These Factors Affect your Auto Insurance Rates). See below what the top companies with VIN etching discounts charge for different driving records. 

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 

Safe drivers will qualify for the most discounts, as they will have lower rates to start and can save with usage-based programs, but you can also save just by having safety features installed in your car. 

Insurance companies offer a variety of discounts if you have certain safety features, such as lane departure warning or electronic stability control. Other common 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, like a vehicle recovery discount. 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 (Read More: Cities With the Highest Vehicle Theft Rates).

If you do not have comprehensive coverage, which covers vehicle theft, you might not qualify for the rate reduction from a VIN etching discount.

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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.

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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. If you have a VIN etching, let your insurance company know so you can lower your rates if possible (Read More: How to Lower Your Auto Insurance Premiums).

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. The etch fee ranges in price depending on who does the etching.

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. If you want to learn more about fees and insurance when buying your first car, check out our guide on how to buy your first 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.

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 cheap auto insurance companies.

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.

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