Can You Get Car Insurance Without a VIN?

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.

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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.

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  1. Enter your personal details

  You’ll first need to provide general information about yourself, such as your name and ZIP code, to receive personalized quotes.

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  2. Choose your coverage type and deductible

  Next, you’ll want to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples by choosing the same insurance policy terms for each quote. It’s a good idea to pick one coverage type, such as liability or full coverage, and one deductible amount, such as $500 or $1,000.

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  3. Select optional coverages

  The next step is to add on any optional insurance products you want to compare, such as rental reimbursement, roadside assistance, and gap insurance.

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  4. Compare liability coverage limits

  Liability coverage limits are the maximum amount of coverage for liability claims resulting from an accident. Think about the coverage limit you’re comfortable with before requesting quotes.

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  5. Choose a policy and payment method

  Finally, it’s time to select a policy and pay your premium. Most insurers allow you to pay your premium up front or monthly. Some insurers may offer discounts or other financial offers to customers who pay for their policy in advance.

Insurance without VIN FAQs