Is VIN etching worth it?
VIN Numbers Deter Vehicle Thieves According to the United Nations, the average number of vehicles stolen per 100,000 residents worldwide is 68.5. VIN etching is one of the best deterrents to prevent such crimes. Investing in VIN etching with permanent engraving can be the best way to protect your car from thieves.
What is VIN etching on a car?
VIN etching is the permanent engraving of a vehicle’s federally registered vehicle identification number (VIN) onto its windshield and windows.
How much does it cost to get VIN etching?
VIN etching is one of the easiest fees to avoid. Putting the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) on the window is a proven antitheft measure. While some dealers may charge $200 for the service, you can get a kit and do it yourself for as little as $25.
Is VIN etching optional?
VIN etching is always optional. We have also seen many instances where a consumer is charged for VIN-etching for used cars even though the VIN had already been etched onto the windows before the dealership acquired the vehicle by trade-in or at auction.
How does VIN etching deter theft?
It involves etching the VIN number of the car into a corner of every window, windshield, and other piece of glass on the car. This means that if any of the glass is removed or the glass is disassembled, it’s still possible to track the car and determine the thief.
Why do dealers charge for VIN etching?
Aside from turning a huge profit, dealers VIN etch their cars in order to provide an extra layer of security for them. Most of the time, the dealer will even tell you that the VIN etching is warrantied and that if your car ends up getting stolen, then the company will cover your deductible.
Can you say no VIN etching?
Most of the cost of VIN-etching goes to dealership profits, and most consumer advocates advise against accepting VIN-etching. Although VIN etching is optional, many dealerships will simply add the cost to a contract without telling the consumer.
How do I etch the VIN on my car’s windows?
Etching is a fairly simple process that doesn’t take very long. One way to do it is to use a glass etching tool and hand-etch the number on the glass. A more elegant way is to make a stencil of the VIN and use glass-etching paste to affix the number to your windows in unobtrusive places that won’t hinder visibility.
What is invisible VIN?
Beyond simply finding the lost parts, InvisibleVin is backed by insurance, meaning as long as the vehicle owner has a sticker on their car letting potential thieves know that the vehicle is marked, the insurance company will send some money for a replacement.