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Every number and letter in the vehicle identification number gives a story. Every one of the 17 numbers and letters has significance. When cars are manufactured they are each given a unique VIN. There are no letters “I” or “O”, so there is no confusion with the numbers 1 and 0. A sample VIN looks something like this:
1 G 1 D P 1 2 P X T 2 1 3 6 0 0 1 – and this is the breakdown of this VIN
1. Country vehicle was manufactured in
2. Motor company (such as GM)
3. Car Make
4. Carline code
5. Carline series
6. Body type
7. Restraint system (manual seat belts, electric seat belts)
8. Engine Code
9. Check digit
10. Model Year
11. Assembly Plant
12. 17 Production sequence.
As you can see, just about everything you need to know is already on the VIN. Since the vehicle identification number is always used to identify a car in an accident and/or insurance claim, any damage that has been done to the car has been recorded.
Law enforcement, insurance agencies and even perspective car buyers can decode the VIN. It is by checking the vehicle identification number that you can be sure that the information you are being given about a car is accurate. Because the VIN is usually located on more than one place on each vehicle, there can be little doubt of the history of the car. Cars must have the VIN listed in order to get the title and it will also be used for insurance purposes.