Can You Get Car Insurance Without a VIN?
You can get car insurance quotes without a VIN, but most likely not a binding policy.
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What is a VIN?
A VIN, or vehicle identification number, is a 17-character code that every vehicle gets when it’s manufactured. A VIN can tell you a lot about a vehicle, such as its country of origin, service history, and recalls.
You typically don’t need a VIN to request auto insurance quotes. But you’ll need one to finalize your insurance application.1
You don’t need a VIN for a real-time quote
The good news is you probably won’t need a VIN to get a car insurance quote. But when you’re ready to buy a binding policy, you’ll need to provide a VIN to complete the process.
Information you need to get a car insurance quote
Most insurance-comparison tools or insurance professionals require you to provide some or all of the following information to get a car insurance quote:2
Name: Insurance-comparison websites ask for your name and the names of anyone else of driving age in your household, though the specific requirements vary by insurance company and state.
ZIP code: Your location affects your auto insurance rate significantly. Most platforms ask for your ZIP code so they can adjust your quote accordingly.
Driver’s license: An insurance-comparison website may ask you to provide your driver’s license details, such as your driver’s license number, issue date, and expiration date.
Age: Your age is one of the most important factors that affects car insurance rates. Drivers younger than 25 typically pay higher auto premiums than older, more experienced drivers.
Gender: Your gender can also affect your auto insurance premiums, which is why you may be asked to share this information when requesting quotes.
Ownership status: An insurance-comparison site may ask whether you own, lease, or finance your vehicle as part of the quote process.
Make, model, and year of your vehicle: Insurance rates are partly determined by the year, make, and model of your vehicle, so you’ll likely need to provide these details to get a quote.
Don’t buy a car without a VIN
In general, buying a car without a VIN isn’t a good idea.
For example, if a used car you want to buy doesn’t have a VIN or the VIN looks like it’s been altered in any way, it could mean it’s stolen.3 Or if the seller is unwilling to provide the VIN, this is typically a big red flag, and you should consider walking away from the sale.
What you need to get a car insurance policy
Aside from the VIN, here’s some additional information you may need to provide to get a car insurance policy:4
Your name and address
Names of anyone else you want to be covered under the policy
Date of birth
Marital status
Social Security number
Driving history
Vehicle information (year, exact make, mileage, etc.)
Additionally, you’ll also want to determine which insurance coverage is best for you, such as liability-only or full coverage. Liability insurance is usually cheaper than full coverage, though coverage is more limited. If you lease or finance your car, the lender will probably require you to purchase a full-coverage auto policy.
How to compare car insurance quotes
If you’re in the market for a new car insurance policy, it’s a good idea to compare multiple quotes to find the best coverage and price for your needs. You can compare quotes on an insurance-comparison website or with your insurance agent.
Here’s how to compare car insurance quotes to aid in your financial decision-making process.
Insurance without VIN FAQs
Here’s some additional information about securing car insurance without a car’s vehicle identification number.
Why do VINs matter?
VINs matter because they provide important information about a vehicle and its history. A VIN can tell you many things about a car, including where it was manufactured, its airbag type, its engine size, and its model year.
What happens if the VIN is missing?
If the VIN is missing or has been altered in any way, it could mean the vehicle was stolen. If you simply can’t find your VIN anywhere on the vehicle or its paperwork, call the dealer or manufacturer for help.
Why is my VIN not found?
A VIN may be not found due to an error during the VIN assignment process at the manufacturing plant. Less commonly, a VIN may not be found because it was altered to hide the fact that it’s a stolen or salvaged vehicle.5
What happens if a VIN doesn’t match the title?
If the VIN doesn’t match up with the information on the car’s title, it can be cause for concern. A VIN mismatch can be due to something as innocent as a typo during the registration process. But it can also indicate something more serious, such as potential fraud or theft.
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