Car Insurance How to do an auto insurance look up by VIN number You can use your car’s unique 17-character VIN, to know if you have car insurance coverage. You can use this number to contact your insurance provider, use online insurance portals, or check policy documents to confirm coverage. View Carriers Please enter valid zip Compare top carriers in your area Written by Insure.com's Editor Expert insight from Lauren Fix Lauren Fix Editor in chief of Car Coach ReportsGo to comment Updated on: November 5, 2024 Why you can trust Insure.com Quality Verified At Insure.com, we are committed to providing the timely, accurate and expert information consumers need to make smart insurance decisions. All our content is written and reviewed by industry professionals and insurance experts. Our team carefully vets our rate data to ensure we only provide reliable and up-to-date insurance pricing. We follow the highest editorial standards. Our content is based solely on objective research and data gathering. We maintain strict editorial independence to ensure unbiased coverage of the insurance industry. We all know that having valid car insurance is a must when it comes to driving legally and safely. But did you know that you can easily check your car insurance status using something called a Vehicle Identification Number or VIN? In this user-friendly guide, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step. We’ll also touch on related topics like how to find insurance company by VIN and how to get insurance quotes using your car’s VIN. Key Takeaways Your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is like its own special fingerprint. It’s a unique 17-character code that tells you crucial details about your car, including its make, model, year, and more. Your VIN helps you confirm your insurance coverage, get quotes, and even verify a used car’s history. Many resources, like insurance company websites and third-party services, allow you to quickly access insurance details with your VIN. What is a VIN? Your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is like its own special fingerprint. It’s a unique 17-character code that tells you crucial details about your car, including its make, model, year, and more. You can usually find your VIN on the dashboard near the windshield, typically on the driver’s side, or inside the driver’s side door frame. How to check car insurance by VIN Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of checking your car insurance using your VIN: Reach out to your insurance provider: Start by contacting your current insurance provider. They should be able to provide you with all the information you need about your policy, including coverage details and its current status. Use online insurance portals: Many insurance companies offer convenient online portals or mobile apps that allow you to log in and access your policy details. You’ll often find a section dedicated to your vehicle’s information, including coverage. Check your insurance cards and documents: Your VIN is typically listed on your physical insurance card or policy documents. So, don’t forget to check these documents for quick reference. Try independent online services: Several third-party websites and services can help you check your car’s insurance by vin number. Keep in mind that some of these services might charge a fee for their assistance. Why check car insurance by VIN? Checking your car insurance using your VIN can be incredibly useful for a variety of reasons: When buying a used car: If you’re in the market for a used car, using the VIN can help you make sure it’s not stolen, damaged beyond repair, or has any outstanding financial obligations. Confirming your coverage: You can use your car’s VIN to double-check that your insurance policy is in good standing and covers your specific vehicle. Identifying the insurance company: Sometimes, you might need to find out which insurance company covers a particular vehicle, whether for legal or informational purposes. Getting insurance quotes: To get accurate insurance quotes, insurance companies often need your VIN to determine the risk associated with your car accurately. Finding out which insurance company covers a vehicle by VIN If you’re on a mission to figure out which insurance company covers a particular vehicle, here’s what you can do: Get in touch with the DMV: Reach out to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). They may have the information you need, especially if it’s for legal purposes. Use car insurance lookup services using a VIN number: Some online services specialize in tracking down insurance information associated with a VIN. Keep in mind that these services may charge a fee. Getting insurance quotes with your VIN If you’re in the market for a new insurance policy and want to get quotes using your VIN, it’s straightforward: Visit insurance company websites: Many insurance companies have handy online tools where you can enter your VIN to get quick and accurate insurance quotes. Connect with local insurance agents: Contact local insurance agents who can assist you in gathering quotes based on your car’s VIN and your specific insurance needs. Conclusion Checking your car insurance using your VIN is a smart move, whether you’re buying a used car, verifying your current coverage, or just curious about insurance details. Understanding the importance of your VIN and how to use it to access insurance information is a practical skill for any car owner. Make sure to take advantage of the resources provided by your insurance company, and when needed, explore reputable online services to get the information you’re looking for. This way, you can drive with confidence, knowing you have the right coverage in place. Frequently asked questions Do I need a VIN number to get insurance? You need your car’s VIN to get insurance. The VIN helps insurers identify your vehicle’s details like make, model, and year, so they can give you an accurate quote and set up your policy correctly. However, you may be able to get insurance quotes without your VIN number. In case you missed it Best Car Insurance Companies of 2024 Car insurance rates by state in 2024 What is full coverage car insurance? How much does car insurance cost for seniors in 2024? A complete guide to adding a teenager to your car insurance policy in 2024 What to do after a car accident that’s not your fault Total warfare: What to do when your auto insurer totals your car Car insurance claims: Who gets the claims check? Used car insurance costs: Most and least expensive models to insure The Best Car Insurance for Bad Credit of 2021 The best car insurance companies for speeding tickets Car insurance after a DUI Guide to car insurance discounts Proper insurance coverage for college-bound children How to read your auto insurance policy A complete list of car insurance companies New driver insurance grace period: What you need to know How much do insurance agents make? Autonomous cars: 5 delightful and 5 distressing things Busted! Part 1: How insurance companies spot bogus claims Insurance options for rideshare drivers 10 things that are illegal but shouldn’t be 1/1 On this page What is a VIN?How to check car insurance by VINWhy check car insurance by VIN?Finding out which insurance company covers a vehicle by VINGetting insurance quotes with your VIN ConclusionFrequently asked questions ZIP Code Please enter valid ZIP See rates