How to Find Your Vehicle’s Chassis, VIN, and Engine Numbers?

When buying a new vehicle, the first thing you (as a buyer) look for, is the comfort of the vehicle. Next, check whether it meets your requirements of power, safety and convenience. After those considerations, you move on to shortlisting these vehicles based on the mileage, colour, and engine capacity. But when looking for these factors, at times, you might not realize that you are being recommended an older production model of the vehicle. For starters, the one being suggested to you, may not be the latest one that the dealer has. Thus, it is important to check for it before you finalise the decision. All such details of your vehicle, such as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), engine number and chassis number can be found out. This article mentions some of the different ways to acquire these details. Before you know where to look, ensure that you understand well what a VIN is.

What is Chassis Number and What is Engine Number Meaning?

A chassis number, also known as a vehicle identification number (VIN), is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to individual motor vehicles. Positioned on the car's frame, this identifier plays a critical role in vehicle identification and history tracking. It serves as a reference point for various documents, including registration certificates and insurance records. An engine number serves as a factory-assigned identifier stamped onto the engine of the vehicle. Similar to a chassis number, the engine number is crucial for identifying a vehicle. However, it is distinct from the VIN no. of the car and should not be confused with it. While the chassis number primarily identifies the vehicle itself, the engine number specifically relates to the engine.

What is a VIN Number and Why It Matters for Car Buyers?

When buying a car, it is essential to know more than just the price, colour, or engine size. One often-overlooked but crucial detail is the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). This unique code holds key information about the car’s history, manufacture, and identity, and can protect buyers from fraud, hidden damage, and legal issues. Understanding the VIN empowers buyers to make smarter, safer decisions.

Curious to know more about why VIN matters for car buyers? Keep reading to learn more!

What Is a VIN Number?

A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle manufactured since 1981. It acts like a car’s fingerprint, whereby no two vehicles have the same VIN.

VINs include letters and numbers that encode specific details about the vehicle, which include:

1. Manufacturer and country of origin
2. Vehicle type and features
3. Model year
4. Assembly plant
5. Individual production number
6. Vin clarity

Since the format is standardised globally, VINs are recognised across countries and used by manufacturers, governments, insurers, and law enforcement.

Also Read: Check Vehicle Owner Details in Haryana: Step-by-Step Process

Why the VIN Matters and How Buyers Can Use It Before Purchasing a Car?

Many car buyers, especially first-time purchasers or those exploring the used-car market, often focus on visible aspects such as price, mileage, and condition while overlooking the Vehicle Identification Number.

However, this unique identifier plays a critical role in verifying a vehicle’s authenticity, history, and legal standing. Assigned at the time of manufacture and remaining unchanged throughout the car’s lifecycle, Vehicle Identification Numbers act as a permanent identity marker that enables buyers to make informed and secure purchasing decisions.

Confirms the Car’s True Identity

The Vehicle Identification Number is far more reliable than exterior badges or seller descriptions because it is permanently assigned at the factory. Matching the VIN stamped on the vehicle with the one mentioned in registration and insurance documents ensures the car being inspected is genuinely the same vehicle offered for sale. Using a VIN decoder further helps buyers validate manufacturer details, model year, and production data, reducing the risk of misrepresentation or document mismatch.

Helps Verify the Vehicle’s History

One of the most valuable uses of Vehicle Identification Numbers is accessing detailed vehicle history through a VIN number check online. This allows buyers to uncover critical information that may not be visible during a physical inspection. A comprehensive VIN check online can reveal:

1. Previous ownership records
2. Accident or collision history
3. Mileage discrepancies or odometer tampering
4. Flood or fire damage
5. Salvage, rebuilt, or total-loss status

These insights help buyers avoid vehicles with hidden damage or unresolved issues that could lead to costly repairs or safety concerns.

Protects Against Theft and Fraud

The Vehicle Identification Number is essential for identifying stolen vehicles and preventing fraud. In VIN cloning scams, criminals copy legitimate Vehicle Identification Numbers to disguise stolen or illegally rebuilt cars. Running a VIN check online through official databases and decoding the details using a VIN decoder helps identify inconsistencies between manufacturer records and official registries. Any mismatch may indicate theft, cloning, or fraudulent activity, particularly in used-car transactions.

Ensures Legal Compliance and Documentation Accuracy

Vehicle Identification Numbers are mandatory for registration, ownership transfer, loan processing, and insurance coverage. Transport authorities, lenders, and insurers rely on the VIN to verify vehicle details and complete legal documentation. Even minor discrepancies in the VIN across documents can cause registration delays, claim rejections, or legal complications, making accurate VIN verification essential.

Helps Check Safety Recalls and Repairs

Manufacturers issue safety recalls based on specific production batches or assembly plants. Using the VIN decoder, buyers can check whether a vehicle has open recalls and whether required repairs have been completed. This ensures the car meets safety standards and prevents buyers from unknowingly purchasing a vehicle with unresolved safety defects.

What Information Does a VIN Contain?

The 17 characters of a Vehicle Identification Number have the following meaning:

Note: This structured format of a VIN makes it unique and globally recognisable, which helps in decoding detailed vehicle data quickly.

Where to Find a Vehicle’s VIN?

VINs are intentionally placed where they can be easily checked. Here are the different places where this number is generally placed:

1. On the dashboard, visible through the windshield on the driver’s side
2. Inside the driver-side door frame or pillar
3. On the engine bay or firewall
4. In the car’s registration, title, and insurance documents

Also Read: How to Get a Learning Licence in Uttar Pradesh: All You Need to Know

Why VIN Verification Matters in India?

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plays a vital role in the Indian automotive market, particularly due to the high volume of used car transactions across states and cities. The VIN acts as a reliable tool to confirm a car’s identity, age, and manufacturing details before purchase, with millions of pre-owned vehicles changing ownership every year.

Key Reasons VIN Is Critical for Indian Buyers

1. High Used Car Volumes: A large second-hand market increases the risk of accidental or intentional misinformation.
2. RC and VIN Mismatches: Any discrepancy between the VIN on the vehicle and the Registration Certificate can lead to transfer delays, insurance rejection, or legal complications.
3. Manufacturing Plant Variations: Cars assembled at different plants may have specification or part differences, making VIN decoding essential for authenticity and maintenance.
4. Old Stock Sold as New: Some dealers may sell older manufacturing-year vehicles as new models; decoding the VIN helps buyers verify the actual build date.

Using VIN decoding tools, such as VIN Decoder India, allows buyers to validate information independently. Therefore, checking the VIN before finalising a deal significantly reduces financial risk, prevents documentation issues, and ensures long-term ownership peace of mind.

Once you have verified your vehicle’s VIN, securing the right insurance is the next crucial step. With Bajaj General Insurance, you can get car insurance that aligns accurately with your vehicle details, ensuring correct coverage, smoother policy issuance, and hassle-free claim support when you need it most.

Common VIN-Related Issues Vehicle Owners May Face

Here are the common issues and red flags related to VIN:

Tampered or Altered VINs

One of the most serious warning signs for car buyers is a VIN that appears tampered with. A genuine VIN should be clearly stamped or affixed and consistent in style and alignment. Any visible irregularity may indicate illegal activity.

Watch out for signs such as:

1. Scratched, filed, or uneven VIN plates
2. Numbers or letters that look re-stamped or misaligned
3. Loose, damaged, or replaced VIN plates

Such issues often point to vehicle theft, concealing a major accident, or identity manipulation. According to RAC guidelines, buyers should avoid vehicles showing any signs of VIN alteration, as they may lead to legal seizure or insurance rejection.

Mismatched VINs Across Documents

Another critical issue is the inconsistency between the VIN displayed on the vehicle and the VIN mentioned in official documents. The VIN on the car, Registration Certificate (RC), insurance policy, and service records must match exactly.

Common problems include:

1. Typographical errors in documents
2. Intentional swapping of VINs
3. Incorrect details during ownership transfer

Even minor mismatches can cause registration delays, claim denials, or ownership disputes. Therefore, RAC strongly advises verifying VIN consistency before completing any transaction.

VIN Cloning and Fraud

Vehicle Identification Number cloning is a sophisticated form of fraud where criminals copy a legitimate VIN from a legally registered vehicle and use it to disguise a stolen or salvaged car.

How Buyers Can Protect Themselves Using VIN Checks

Run VIN Checks Through National Databases

One of the most effective ways buyers can safeguard themselves is by running a VIN number check online through authorised national or regional databases. These platforms compile official records from transport authorities, insurers, and law enforcement agencies.

Benefits include:

1. Identification of stolen or blacklisted vehicles
2. Detection of accident, flood, or salvage history
3. Confirmation of manufacturing year and specifications

A reliable VIN check provides factual data that goes beyond what sellers disclose.

Compare Vehicle History With Seller Claims

Buyers should always compare the information revealed in the Vehicle Identification Number history report with the seller’s statements and advertisements. Any discrepancy, whether related to ownership, mileage, or accident history, should be treated as a warning sign.

Key aspects to compare:

1. Mileage readings over time
2. Number of previous owners
3. Accident or insurance claim records

Consistent information builds trust, while inconsistencies justify renegotiation or walking away.

Verify Ownership and Registration Records

VIN verification should extend to checking ownership and registration documents. Buyers must ensure that the VIN on the vehicle matches exactly with the information on the Registration Certificate and insurance papers.

Important checks include:

1. Correct the owner's name and address
2. Valid registration status
3. No pending legal or financial liabilities

Early VIN verification significantly reduces the risk of financial loss, ownership disputes, and legal complications, ensuring a safer car-buying experience.

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Why VIN Accuracy Is Important for Car Insurance?

How Insurance Companies Use the VIN?

Insurance providers rely heavily on the Vehicle Identification Number to accurately assess and insure a vehicle. The VIN acts as a verified reference point that ensures the policy issued truly corresponds to the car being insured. Reputed insurers, such as Bajaj General Insurance, utilise VIN data to eliminate ambiguity and reduce the risk of incorrect coverage.

Insurance companies use the VIN to:

1. Determine Make, Model, and Year: These details directly affect premium pricing and eligibility for coverage.
2. Assess Safety Features: Information such as airbags, anti-lock braking systems, and theft-prevention technology can be identified through the VIN and may help lower premiums.
3. Validate Vehicle Identity: The VIN confirms that the car presented for insurance is the same as the one mentioned in registration and purchase documents.

This verification process protects both the insurer and the policyholder from errors or fraud.

Why VIN Accuracy Is Crucial for Claims?

An incorrect or mismatched VIN can create serious problems during claims processing. Insurers use the VIN as the primary identifier in cases of theft, accidents, or total loss.

Potential risks of VIN errors include:

1. Delayed claim approvals
2. Rejection of theft or accident claims
3. Disputes during total loss settlements
4. Policy renewal complications

Buyers can enjoy smooth coverage and faster claim settlements with trusted providers like Bajaj General Insurance by ensuring the VIN matches across the vehicle, Registration Certificate, and insurance policy. Hence, accurate VIN verification ultimately safeguards financial protection and ensures stress-free insurance support when it matters most.

Where Can the Engine Number Be Found on Your Vehicle?

Similar to the chassis number, the engine number is another unique field for the vehicle’s engine. It too serves as an identifier for the vehicle’s engine. However, it is important to note that the VIN and the engine number are not the same and are two separate unique fields. The engine number can be found embossed on the vehicle’s engine. In most cases, it is a metal sticker imprinted and placed on the engine in a way that you can see it clearly. Also, the registration certificate of your vehicle mentions its engine number. Finally, even the insurance policy document has a mention of the engine number alongside the VIN and other registration details of the vehicle. Also check out the commercial vehicle insurance offered at Bajaj General Insurance.

Steps to Identify Your Car Engine Number

To identify your car's engine number, follow these simple steps:

Review the Insurance Policy Document:

Your car's insurance policy document contains essential details, including the engine number. Insurance companies usually send out policy details to your registered email address immediately after purchase, allowing you to cross-check the engine number easily.

Inspect the Engine Body:

Look for the engine number on the body of your car's engine. Manufacturers ensure that the number is clearly visible, often imprinting it on a metal sticker placed strategically for easy visibility when the hood is opened.

Consult the Car Dealership:

Reach out to your car dealer for assistance in locating the engine number. They have access to your vehicle's details and can help you track down the engine number effortlessly.

Refer to the Owner's Manual:

Car manufacturers typically stamp the engine number on the engine block, but its location may vary based on the model. Use your owner's manual to pinpoint the exact location of the engine number on your vehicle.

Check the Registration Certificate:

The engine number is printed on the Registration Certificate, which is obtained when the dealer registers the car with the local Regional Transport Office (RTO). Refer to this document to find the engine number.

Also Read: Underage Driving Rules & Fines: A Complete Guide

Final Words

For every car buyer, the Vehicle Identification Number is far more than a simple identification number. It reveals a vehicle’s true history, confirms authenticity, supports accurate insurance coverage, and protects against fraud. Verifying the VIN before purchase helps buyers avoid legal complications, financial loss, and unsafe vehicles. By making VIN checks a standard step, buyers can approach car ownership with confidence, transparency, and long-term peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can two cars ever have the same VIN?

No, each VIN is designed to be globally unique. Manufacturers assign a distinct VIN to every vehicle to prevent duplication. If two cars appear to share the same VIN, it usually indicates fraud, clerical error, or illegal VIN cloning, which requires immediate verification.

Does the VIN change if a car is repainted or modified?

No, cosmetic changes such as repainting, wrapping, or interior modifications do not affect the VIN. The VIN remains constant throughout the vehicle’s life, regardless of upgrades or alterations, as it is linked to the car’s original manufacturing and registration identity.

Is a VIN required when selling a car privately?

Yes, the VIN is essential during private sales. Buyers often request it to verify history, while authorities require it for ownership transfer, registration updates, and insurance changes. Providing the VIN builds trust and speeds up the documentation process.

Can I check a VIN before physically seeing the car?

Yes, buyers can request the Vehicle Identification Number in advance and run history or recall checks online. This helps filter out risky vehicles early, saving time and travel costs, especially when browsing listings across different cities or states.

What should I do if the VIN plate is damaged but readable?

If the VIN is readable but damaged, buyers should proceed cautiously. It’s advisable to cross-check the VIN in multiple locations on the vehicle and confirm it with official documents or an authorised inspection centre before completing the purchase.

Does the VIN help in ordering spare parts?

Yes, many service centres and parts suppliers use the VIN to identify the correct components for a specific vehicle variant. This ensures compatibility, reduces errors, and helps avoid purchasing incorrect or unsuitable spare parts.

Is the VIN useful after buying the car?

Absolutely. Even after purchase, the Vehicle Identification Number is used for insurance renewals, service records, resale, recall checks, and theft reporting. Keeping the VIN recorded safely helps owners manage their vehicle responsibly throughout its ownership lifecycle.

*Standard T&C Apply **Disclaimer: Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.