What Is VIN Etching and Is It Worth the Cost?

Having your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched onto its windows is believed to deter criminals from stealing it, but does it really work? Let’s look at exactly what VIN etching involves and whether it is worth it. 

What Is VIN Etching?

A VIN is a 17-character alphanumeric code that is unique to each car. It acts like the car’s fingerprint and provides information about the model, make and manufacture. It also contains a history of title changes, insurance claims and law enforcement records. It is essential for identifying a car throughout its lifecycle.

It is encouraged under federal law that a car’s VIN should be printed on key parts of the car. This includes windows, bumpers, engines and doors.

How Does VIN Etching Work?

It is recommended that the VIN is etched on a car’s windows and can be done in several ways:

• Acid etching: A frosted, rough texture is created by using hydrofluoric acid to dissolve the glass surface.
• Laser etching: Small amounts of material are removed with a computer-controlled laser to produce detailed and smooth etchings.
• Glass etching cream: A chemical cream is used to react with glass to create a frosted and uniform appearance. It is applied with a brush or stencil.

Etching can be done by a mechanic, a dealer or by yourself. There are kits and tutorials available online to assist with this.

Where Is VIN Etching Applied on a Car?

VIN etching is applied onto the glass surfaces of the car. These are the six windows of the car. The etchings are usually 2 inches in width and less than ¼ inch in height. They appear as small, white characters that are small enough to not obstruct your view while driving, but large enough to be visible on close inspection.

Benefits of VIN Etching

Theft Deterrence and Recovery Advantages

The principal benefit of VIN etching is theft deterrence as the window etching makes it harder for them to sell a stolen car. Cars with VIN etching are also easier to trace.

While the VIN is often present in other areas of the car, these can be replaced. However, replacing six windows is time-consuming and costly and can make a big dent in a criminal’s profits. In some cases, thieves sell individual parts of a car separately but if the windows have VIN etching on them, they will not be able to sell these individually.

Insurance Discounts: How Much Can You Save?

VIN etching can help reduce your insurance premium as insurers believe it protects against theft. Typically in 2025, VIN etching can reduce coverage by between 5 and 15%. However, it is worth noting that this reduction usually only applies to comprehensive coverage.

How Much Does VIN Etching Cost?

Dealership vs. DIY Kits: What’s the Difference?

You can either take your car to the dealership for VIN etching or do it yourself with a DIY kit. Etching at a dealership can range in price from $200 to more than $400. That said, you should inquire as to whether a dealer will offer free etching when buying a new car.

DIY kits typically come with stencils and etching cream and can save you considerable costs. You can find these in some auto parts retailers, or online and you can find them for as little as $10 on Amazon.

Are Free VIN Etching Programs Available?

Sometimes community events offer free or low-cost etching services. You should check your state’s DMV website to see if they are organizing any VIN etching events near you.

VIN Etching vs. Other Anti-Theft Measures

VIN etching isn’t the only way to deter thieves, so often motorists are turning to other measures to offer their cars extra protection.

GPS Trackers

Global Positioning System-based (GPS) recovery systems continuously track your car’s location and inform you if it has moved outside of a predefined area.

They report a 90% to 94% recovery rate, making them very attractive to car owners.

Car Alarms and Immobilizers

Another option for increasing security in your car is utilizing car alarms. These can monitor movement around doors and windows, activating a siren noise when triggered. They can also send notifications to your smartphone.

Meanwhile, steering wheel locks will lock a steering wheel unless removed by a specific key, making it impossible for a thief to drive away with your car.

Is VIN Etching Worth It?

VIN etching is endorsed by the Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Standard, as well as by insurance companies and police departments.

Not only does it provide increased vehicle security, but it also helps recover your car if it has been stolen. This is because a car’s VIN can be found in the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, allowing stolen cars to be verified quickly.

Who Should Consider VIN Etching?

When considering if VIN etching is beneficial to you, you should consider the cost of the etching and compare it to any potential insurance savings. You should also think about how important it is for you to have peace of mind and security as to the protection of your car from thieves.

If you live in the suburbs where crime rates are low, then perhaps you can do without VIN etching. However, if you have a high-value car, use your car every day or live in a high crime rate area, it is probably best to consider VIN etching your car.

Expert Opinions and Customer Experiences

Christopher Schouten, an expert in embedded security strategy, has written that thieves looking to steal cars for parts are rarely deterred by VIN etching. He also stated that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule have been cracking down on mis-leading fees and add-ons that include VIN etching. There have even been legal action resulting in fines for such practices.

Moreover, some consumers have likened the high dealership fees associated with VIN etching as a scam, especially as it can be done themselves for as little as $20.

Others have said it is not necessary because cars are sold for three reasons:

• Joy ride: A thief will not care if the car is etched or not.
• Chop shop: Unnecessary as they are more interested in power trains, rims and tires, and body panels. There is not a big market for glass.
• Shipping the car abroad: The new country owner will not be able to access any database and is unlikely to care about VIN etching.

Common Myths About VIN Etching

Does VIN Etching Guarantee Theft Prevention?

VIN etching does not guarantee theft prevention. Although it is a strong deterrent as it makes reselling a car less profitable. A stolen car that has had VIN etching is also easier to trace and recover. If a car hasn’t been stolen to be resold, however, VIN etching is unlikely to be a great deterrent, so it is not 100% effective.

Is VIN Etching Mandatory for Insurance Discounts?

VIN etching is not usually mandatory for insurance discounts, however some companies may offer a discount if your car has it. If the insurance company does offer a discount for etching, it is generally between 5% and 15%.

It is worth noting that other safety features like alarms and GPS trackers may also lead to insurance discounts.

VIN etching can help reduce theft and help recover a stolen car, but it doesn’t offer 100% protection. A smart choice would be to combine VIN etching with other security measures like GPS systems, alarms and steering wheel locks. While it is probably worthwhile to have VIN etching on your car, a more economical choice would be to do this yourself with a DIY kit instead of paying hundreds of dollars at a dealership.