if you have.can you explain it to me?

 

VIN etching is a security feature to deter thieves from stealing your vehicle. A shop can laser etch your VIN # onto each and every window of your vehicle. The etching is not removable in any way other than to replace the windows. If a shop is located by authorities and your vehicle is found it is more likely not to have had all the normal VIN areas scratched off. This aids in recovery. A smart thief (oxymoron)will see the etching and hopefully move on. I had this done to my new 2001 SE and got an additional 10% off on my insurance premium. It doesn't make any real impact on the appearance of the car and it gives some piece of mind considering I park in downtown Philly all the time.

 

By permanantly etching your vehicle's identification code into the windows of your vehicle you make it extremely difficult for a professional car thief to profit from stealing your vehicle. An etched vehicle is not only easily traceable by law enforcement, but it is also very costly for the professional thief to replace all of the vehicle's glass in order to resell the vehicle.

For more info, do a Yahoo search on "vin etching".

 

how much does it usually cost to get vin etching?

 

I've got vin etching on all 6 windows. The dealer I bought the car from was having a problem with cars being stolen off the lot so they had it done. Basically the VIN is etched in the corner of each window. That way if the car is stolen the thief has to replace all 6 windows when getting rid of the vin (an expensive proposition).

 

I just searched for VIN etching. It was stated it was done for security reasons and some insurance companies give discounts for VIN etching being done.


I called AllState and they said "no discount for that".

 

My dealership where I live do that to all the cars there and then charge you for it like they do when they detail. My mom though, got them not to charge her . Cause they'll give up 200 dollars if you act like you won't buy the car cause of that. The etching was on all 8 windows. (Even the 2 little small windows in the back seat.)

[Edited by 2Maxed-out4u on 01-12-2001 at 05:44 PM]

 

I got a discount from Allstate in NY for it. Maybe it varies by state?

Dave

 

When I worked as a finance manager at a dealer, we often prepacked it as a dealer option. Most of the etching is actually done with a mild acid that transfers the numbers to your vehicle. Our cost was $39 , and we often charged $199 to $299.

 

I'm an insurance agent for GEICO....we give discounts for it in certain states..but not in mine