Car Insurance Can’t find your car insurance info? Use your VIN You can use your car’s unique 17-character VIN to find out 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 | Reviewed by Nupur Gambhir Nupur Gambhir Nupur is a licensed life, health, and disability insurance agent and an auto and home insurance expert. She has written extensively on insurance topics for QuinStreet’s CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com as well as for Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker and The Financial Gym. | Expert insight from Lauren Fix Lauren Fix Editor in chief of Car Coach ReportsGo to comment | Updated on: March 21, 2025 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. Your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can tell you a lot more than just its make and model—it can also help you figure out whether it’s insured. If you’ve lost track of your car insurance details or aren’t sure which company is covering your vehicle, the VIN can be a useful starting point. You can use it to confirm your coverage, check policy documents, or even find out who insures a car you’re thinking about buying. Having this number handy makes it easier to get the information you need—especially when paperwork is missing or questions come up. 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 insurer. An agent or representative 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 company websites and mobile apps 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 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. Keep in mind that some 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 vehicle adequately. 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: 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 a straightforward process. 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. 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 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. Where can I check my car’s VIN? You can use the National Crime Insurance Bureau’s free online VINCheck Lookup to find out if a vehicle has ever been reported stolen or declared totaled by an insurer. Kelly Blue Book offers a similar service. You can also use a VIN to calculate a vehicle’s fair market value, which can be useful if you’re shopping for a used car or want to sell your automobile and price it accordingly. Lastly, you can use the NHTSA website to find out if your vehicle is subject to any safety recalls using your VIN or license plate. 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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 Frequently asked questions ZIP Code Please enter valid ZIP See rates