VIN etching is really not supposed to deter theft, it is supposed to make it easier to ID your vehicle if stolen. I've never heard of fake duplicate paperwork. Other theft deterrents like electronic alarms and GPS tracking devices are probably more effective than VIN etching. Consumer Reports recommends that car buyers skip the undercoating and several other pricey add-ons, including VIN etching, fabric protection, and extended warranties. #8 dustoff003, Jun 19, 2012. VIN etching is recommended by law enforcement agencies throughout the United States as an effective auto theft deterrent. VIN etching is a process that involves an acid etching of your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number onto a windshield, or side window. From etching on used auto parts to etching on glass windows, the VIN gives a unique identity to any vehicle. These cheap stickers cannot be applied in the rain and are seen by professional car thieves as useless because the sticker and the vin can easily be removed by the use of a razor blade. The Chemical Etching process can be concluded in a series of steps including Cleaning, Laminating, Exposing, Developing, Etching, and Stripping, after which rigorous inspection is automatically carried out on all components. The few major insurers I telephoned didn't. A dash-mounted VIN plate, or door tag can easily be removed by a car thief. However, officials couldn’t offer any hard numbers to show how well it works. Kit includes an Insurance Certificate to send to your auto insurer. Posted from my iPhone via the Tapatalk app. VIN etching complicates things for thieves. SILVERCwSUN Member. Joined: Jun 18, 2012 261 77 29 Location: Western North Carolina foothills Vehicle: 2012 Prius c Model: Three. For example, VIN etching is more appropriate for glass surfaces such as the windscreen. VIN etching is a great way to deter criminals from stealing your vehicle VIN etching may qualify you for an auto insurance discount through some providers The value of a car with VIN etching that is stolen is dramatically lower than a stolen car’s value without VIN etching VIN etching discounts can reduce car insurance rates by up to 10% Besides preventing theft, insurance companies like it when you agree to get your vehicle VIN-etched. The Insurance Council of Texas says it is up to each individual provider. When done right, the wafer will get etched the right way. This costs time and money. It's a teardrop-shaped piece of metal alloy that when dipped into a glass of wine is supposed to replicate the aging process. But there’s no proof it’s stolen, because manufacturers don’t mark their stuff,” said Hicks. One can buy a single car DIY kit to do it on Amazon for about $20. One way to make vehicles even less attractive to thieves, police say, is through the process of VIN etching. Front ¾ vehicle photos © 1986-2021 Autodata, Inc. dba Chrome Data. Sort by … VIN etching is a countermeasure to motor vehicle theft, that involves etching a vehicle's VIN onto its windows to reduce the value of a stolen vehicle to thieves. If you're referring to the act of etching a vehicle VIN number into each sheet of glass on the car, than the answer is yes...albeit in a very small, minor way. So the answer is yes, having your VIN number on every window does help when it comes to car thefts, but you have to take investigators’ word for it. Bought the kit from vinguard.org. Regardless of how you get it done, VIN number etching is an easy way to deter car thieves, and save some money on your insurance. There are two different technologies used in this trade, namely; etching, and engraving. It takes only minutes and you or any one in your family over grade school age can do it in about 15 minutes. A dealer probably pays a local vendor ~$25 per vehicle to do the work on a bulk basis. It’s where officers etch your vehicle identification number into each window. However, it may work but I would suggest using a smooth cream during warmer temperatures. The other options are to purchase privacy vinyl that adheres to the glass. Benefits of VIN Etching. A: We consider anything larger than 1"x1" too large for solid etching. The truth is that VIN etching isn’t … While VIN etching may discourage some thieves from reselling the entire vehicle it won’t keep them from reselling parts that don’t have the VIN stamped on them. Many car dealers have a VIN etching fee as an add-on in the Finance Office. Funeral arrangements announced for HCSO deputy Sgt. Police say you can even get a discount on your insurance if you have it done as an anti-theft measure. VIN etching is supposed to deter thieves and help police investigate car thefts. If you are doing it how are you making your stencils? I've never heard of fake duplicate paperwork. It also won’t stop the large percentage of thieves who simply steal vehicles for a joy ride. UV VIN labels can only be seen with a black light, and cops are trained to look on certain areas of  a vehicle for these tags. The Chemical Etching process explained. Police say you can even get a discount on your insurance if you have it done as an anti-theft measure. VIN etching is a useful means by which each vehicle can be identified. As I understand it, vehicles are stolen for three reasons: 1. You’ve significantly lowered your chances of a theft if you VIN etch your vehicle. What is Find the Best Car Price and Why is it Free? Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. They’re also a tool for law enforcement officials to identify a stolen vehicle. You may well find that your insurance company does not discount premiums for vehicles with etched windows. How does the VIN etching process work? VIN etching is the permanent engraving of a vehicle’s federally registered vehicle identification number (VIN) onto its windshield and windows. If you're referring to the act of etching a vehicle VIN number into each sheet of glass on the car, than the answer is yes...albeit in a very small, minor way. The main challenge with plasma etching – or dry etching – lies with producing the right type of plasma that’s somewhere between the electrode and the wafer that has to be etched. Allstate does offer a discount for customers who get VIN etching done on their vehicles, but the discount amount depends on the policy. For example, on a car, the VIN is typically etched in the door panel of the driver's side, a location visible in the bottom right of the front windshield (when looking at the front of the car from outside), and on the car's frame somewhere in the engine compartment. As I understand it, vehicles are stolen for three reasons: 1. We now include 2 pairs of gloves. More. VIN Etching. Not sure how it holds up to the sun. The service only takes about ten minutes to complete. Here’s why: VIN etching is permanent. And this helps them to track down car thieves, and recover more stolen cars for the insurance companies. I'm sure it can happen, but unless you are driving a $100,000 car, I would just insure it … It's a misleader!!! If they’re investigating a suspected ‘chop shop’, they’ll be able to trace any stolen parts back to your vehicle. Your VIN decode results in multiple "style" records. Make it so he passes up yours and goes for someone else’s.”. Q: Why did Armour Etch not work well on a solid etched area? Insurance discounts are usually offered. There is no doubt that VIN etching (VINetching) really does deter auto theft. Stolen vehicle’s are valuable for three reasons: As passive as it is, VIN number etching can actually save you money on your insurance. VIN etching is the permanent stenciling of your vehicle’s 17-digit identification number onto the windshield and all window glass -- such as rear window, T-top, sunroof or moonroof and door glass -- of your automobile. VIN etching is where a dealer will take the VIN number of a vehicle and etch it into parts not typically marked with a VIN. It seems like a no brainer, but does it really work? Don't go for it. The engraving can be done by either laser, chemical or mechanical process and usually takes as little as 10 to 15 minutes. I'm sorry to sound so negative about this Vin etching add-on when your looking for only positive replies but I'm just being honest and "you did ask the question" What scratch removal system did I use to remove etching in less than 5 minutes? Glass etching will make your vehicle very unattractive to car thieves. Home. Proponents of VIN etching say that a vehicle’s windshield and window are valuable and that VIN etching makes these parts less profitable to a potential thief, who will (in theory) instead steal a vehicle without VIN etching. Thus saving you money on insurance, so ask your insurance company if they have a VIN etching insurance discount. For example, the VIN 4T1BF1FK9GU572575 is a 2016 Toyota Camry, but it could be a Camry LE, SE, Special Edition, XSE, or XLE! VIN Engraving Vs. Etching. You know it’s stolen. Don’t pay for this, instead…. Now you can Vin etch glass in the field without a bulky printer. A dash-mounted VIN plate, or door tag can easily be removed by a car thief. It looks like there are DIY kits if the OP really wants to do it. There's no law in Canada that says a car's Vehicle Identification Number has to be etched on windows, says Transport Canada. I know it is off topic a bit but since my GM 1000 came with it I figured I would ask. As far as covering the VIN, that seems very paranoid. The dealer might tell you that by etching your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) into the windows, your car will still be recoverable and traceable if it gets stolen, even if thieves remove the metal plate VIN by the windshield. Q: Does Armour Etch work on ceramic items or ceramic tiles? These come with a custom stencil of your vehicle’s VIN number and a mild acid solution to etch the number into the glass. VIN etching is really not supposed to deter theft, it is supposed to make it easier to ID your vehicle if stolen. If he knows enough to look for the hidden ones, then he also knows enough to know about the glass etching. VIN etching is supposed to deter thieves and help police investigate car thefts. The idea is to deter vehicle theft by limiting the thief’s ability to sell a stolen vehicle, or its parts. info@vinetchservices.com . The factory does not do VIN etching. While etching vehicle windows is not an outright scam, the practice is of dubious value. How To Buy A New Car at the Best Possible Price, How to Negotiate a Car Lease for the Best Deal, How to Get the Most Money for Your Trade In. Reasons to acquire a BMW VIN Check & History Report . Has anyone heard of this, and does it work? I saw an advertisement for something called "Clef du Vin". The VIN code (Vehicle Identification Number) describes common characteristics of manufacture for individual vehicles and is unique for every vehicle. Presidents Day Weekend Car Sales [2021 Edition], Best 0% APR Financing Deals For January 2021, Best Deals on New Cars Under $20,000 for January 2021, Coronavirus Car Payment Assistance Programs. Armour Etch is NOT made to etch solid large areas of glass. DIY VIN Etch Kits for $19.99 free shipping Bulk Rates for Stencils and Etching Chemical for Car Dealers - Standalone VIN-Etch Systems - Visit our Online Store. This complimentary service … A: Armour Etch will take the glaze off of a ceramic item or ceramic tile. “Can they all be defeated? If a thief swaps out the VIN on a car that’s been etched, the thief must also swap out all the etched glass. But an acid-etched VIN number can’t be hidden, requiring the villain to remove the VIN etched … VIN etching is a process that involves an acid etching of your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number onto a windshield, or side window. If you opt for the UV VIN tags, the kit will also come with ultra violet paint to put the VIN number on the inside of the body panels. The law does require cars to be branded with their VIN -- a code unique to each vehicle -- but by the manufacturer, not the dealer. Stencils are heavy vinyl custom cut with your VIN number and can be re-used. Post by JustSayNoToCrack » February 25th, 2007, 7:48 pm Does anyone on this board do VIN etching? Houston Police Department Sgt. VIN etching is also widely recommended by police agencies, the FBI, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the Insurance Bureau of Canada and by many insurance companies, some of which even offer premium discounts for vehicles protected with a window VIN etching kit. 860-532-0822. VIN etching is where a dealer will take the VIN number of a vehicle and etch it into parts not typically marked with a VIN. The same statistics also Prove that cars actually stolen that have VIN Etching are Recovered 60% to 85% more often and returned to their owners than non VIN Etched cars. GT Scratch Hog. They may even offer you a discount on your monthly premium if you do so. About Us. Was really easy, took all of 20-30 minutes. HOUSTON - Police say there are about 40 cars stolen every single day in Houston - that's why Houston Police offer a service called "VIN etching" for free. Automotive Theft Prevention Services. Enter your ZIP code now for a FREE online car insurance quote!. Unfortunately, some OEMs encode less information in their VINs than others. Moreover, charging $398 for a procedure an owner can do with an $18 kit from Amazon seems a bit cheeky. In this 640-553 guide, find useful information on VIN etching. Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington have laws providing for insurance discounts … The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority does recommend getting it done. Yes. VINs, which are located on the lower left of most dashboards, provide useful information about a car — such as its make, model and year. I'm sure it can happen, but unless you are driving a $100,000 car, I would just insure it … If you want to have VIN etching done to your vehicle, you can buy a do-it-yourself VIN etching kit on the internet for about $20-30. I can recommend the kit. It deters theft, lowers insurance premium, and saves you a whole load of worry. KHOU 11 News checked with a handful of insurance companies. How does Chemical Etching work? Contact. It’s because they say it is difficult to count how many cars are not taken. It is simply using the VIN Etching Kit shown below and putting your car's VIN Number (Vehicle Identification Number) which is found in the Windshield area on the Drivers side of every car, on all of your glass windows in the vehicle. I have tried to make a stencil the way they say how but it seems impossible. Vin etching is not as profitable as some may believe. Choosing one or the other depends on personal preferences, machine selected, and also the kinds of surfaces you will be working on. Proven deterence. HOUSTON - Police say there are about 40 cars stolen every single day in Houston - that’s why Houston Police offer a service called “VIN etching” for free. The reason is, cops are able to locate and trace the VIN number more quickly. VIN etching will affect your car insurance rates. 8. Online Store. So what about getting an insurance break? The good news is that VIN window etching will lower your rates rather than increase them like so many things do!. That might be true, presuming they’re not just joyriding or dismantling it to sell for parts. For example, on a car, the VIN is typically etched in the door panel of the driver's side, a location visible in the bottom right of the front windshield (when looking at the front of the car from outside), and on the car's frame somewhere in the engine compartment. Does VIN Etching Prevent Car Theft? 1. Just wanted to tell you that I just got my car's windows etched with the VIN. The whole idea is to layer these different approaches so a thief says, ‘you know what, this car just isn’t worth it.’ That’s the whole idea. Etching cream is known to crystalize when it is cold which can create more noticeable blotches during winter time. It's cheaper to use a do … Unfortunately, despite being a relatively simple process, VIN etching as a dealer option can cost the car buyer from $150 to $300. As far as covering the VIN, that seems very paranoid. All recommend VIN etching as a useful anti-theft tool. In the process, you do not really have to deposit a layer, but rather, etch the surface of the material at the same time. © 2021 FindtheBestCarPrice.com, But an acid-etched VIN number can’t be hidden, requiring the villain to remove the VIN etched part before they can dispose of the vehicle. The VIN etching process uses a chemical to permanently mark glass, takes only about 10 minutes to complete and doesn’t affect the appearance of the vehicle. The primary rationale for VIN etching is that it is a theft deterrent. Tracy Hicks says he’s seen first-hand how the markings can help investigators prove car parts are stolen, especially when they bust operations like chop shops. This in turn, allows the insurance company to recover more of the money they just paid you. VIN Etching. Vin Etching stickers get the vin on top of the glass and not into the glass as a regular engraving or etching machine would achieve. This is a redundant system in case the VIN system doesn’t work, which in all likelihood is not going to happen, and if it does, the glass etching will probably be defeated as well. google.com, pub-7464935623205894, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0 VIN-ETCH SERVICES. They’ll put your vehicle’s VIN on the windshield, back glass, and side windows. “I know it’s stolen. Section 115 of … Some dealers might tell you that the etching is free but will add on the etch money to your monthly payments to make up for it. In fact, it funded 140 free VIN etching events across the state last year. 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