Can You Get Car Insurance Without a VIN?

You can get a car insurance quote if you don’t have a vehicle identification number (VIN), but you will not be able to purchase a policy without one.

Because it can be difficult to get a VIN for every vehicle you may be considering, many insurers will offer a ballpark quote based on the basic details you provide. Once you supply the actual VIN, they will finalize your exact rate.

A VIN is a unique 17-character code made up of letters and numbers with no spaces.

Each character represents a piece of information about the car, such as:

• Country where it was built

• Manufacturer

• Engine size and type

• Vehicle’s security code

• Plant that assembled the vehicle

• Year built

• Vehicle serial number

Each car has its own unique VIN.¹ You might think of it as a car’s fingerprint.

You can usually find the VIN in the lower-left corner of the dashboard in front of the steering wheel or within the driver's side door jamb.²

You don’t need a VIN to get a car insurance quote, but your cost will be more accurate if you have it. 

Here are some of the things you’ll need to gather before requesting a quote:

• Your information: Name, date of birth, address, marital status, driver’s license number, and sometimes your Social Security number (SSN)

• Household members: Names, dates of birth, and license numbers of all licensed drivers and legal-driving-age members of the household

• Vehicle information: Year, make, model, VIN if you have it, and mileage

• Usage: Whether the car is used for commuting, pleasure, or business, and the estimated annual mileage

• Safety equipment: Anti-theft devices and factory safety features

• Driving record for all drivers: Traffic violations, accidents regardless of fault, and comprehensive claims for the last five years

Once you've gathered these details, Luva lets you compare rates and offers from multiple carriers side by side. You can start shopping even before you've tracked down the VIN, then complete your purchase with your chosen carrier once you have your VIN.

Will my quote change if I add a VIN later?

Your quote could change if you enter the VIN later. The rate typically does not change very much as long as you submit the correct make, model, and trim package. 

Because your rate usually holds steady once you add the VIN, it pays to compare early. Luva lets you compare rates from carriers and see which is most competitive for you before you commit.

If you notice a significant rate increase after adding the VIN, it may be because the vehicle has pre-existing damage or an accident history.

Yes, you need a VIN to buy car insurance. Insurers require a VIN to accurately identify your specific car and determine the appropriate risk.

Here are some other necessary things you’ll need to turn a quote into an active auto insurance policy:

• Ownership status: Whether you own or lease your vehicle

• Registered owner: Names of whoever owns or leases the car

• Prior insurance: Name of current insurance company and expiration date

• Payment: Payment arrangements, whether paid in full or in installments 

If you lease your vehicle, you’ll also need the lienholder or leaseholder details, including gap insurance information.

It’s not possible to get a fully executed car insurance policy unless you provide the VIN. 

Depending on the insurance company and circumstances, some insurers may temporarily bind coverage for your new vehicle. However, this is only temporary, and you still must provide the VIN.

If you’re buying a used car, it’s critical to check the VIN before purchase. Running a VIN check reveals crucial details about your vehicle, including hidden damage, major accident history, or title issues. Without a VIN, you run the risk of making a costly mistake.