How to Find Your Car's VIN, Chassis, and Engine Number Easily

What are VIN, Chassis, and Engine Numbers?

Every car has a unique set of identifiers: a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a chassis number, and an engine number.

As mentioned before, think of the VIN as the car's fingerprint—it is a 17-character code that reveals important details about the car, such as the make, manufacturer, and model.

The chassis number is part of the VIN. It is etched onto the car's chassis and is especially handy for telling cars apart, even if they look identical on the outside.

Then there's the engine number, a unique identity for the engine, marking specifics about its manufacturing and type, stamped directly onto the engine itself.

 

Key Sections of a Car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) has 17 characters and consists of three key sections:

• Characters 1-3: World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)
• Characters 4-9: Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
• Characters 10-17: Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS)

 

1. World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI): The WMI consists of the first three VIN characters and identifies the vehicle manufacturer and country of origin.

 

2. Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS): This section consists of characters 4 to 9 and provides specific details about the vehicle model, body type, engine, and transmission.

 

3. Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS): The VIS consists of characters 10 to 17. These characters include the model year, assembly plant code, and unique serial number.

 

Here’s an example of a VIN: MALHM51GLJM123456
 

Here, “MAL” is the World Manufacturer Identifier, “HM51G” is the Vehicle Descriptor Section, and “LJM123456” is the Vehicle Identifier Section.

Together, these three sections make up the complete VIN, giving essential information about the vehicle’s origin, design, and specific identity.

 

How to Obtain a Car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

You can find your car's vehicle identification number in several places:

1. Dashboard: The VIN can be found in most vehicles on the dashboard, visible through the windshield on the driver's side.

 

2. Driver’s side door frame: Open the driver's door and look at the side panel near the door latch. The VIN is often found here.

 

3. Registration papers: Your car’s VIN should also be listed in its registration documents, which can come in handy if you can’t physically check the car.

 

4. Insurance papers: Your Car Insurance papers will definitely have the VIN number as it is an important detail for insuring your vehicle.

 

5. Vahan account: Visit the Vahan Citizen Services portal by Parivahan Seva, an initiative of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). You can log in using your vehicle registration details and check your vehicle’s VIN.

 

How to Find Your Car's Chassis Number

Need help with a chassis number check? If you're wondering where the chassis number is in your car, check out these places:

1. Engine bay: Pop open your car’s hood and look around the engine bay for a metal plate that contains the chassis number.

 

2. Under the carpet: Some cars have the chassis number printed beneath the carpet in the front passenger seat.

 

3. Rear wheel arch: The chassis number may also be stamped on the rear wheel arch, which is visible when you open the trunk.

 

4. Registration or Insurance papers: The chassis number is an important detail while registering and insuring your vehicle, so you can definitely find it in your Registration Certificate (RC) or your insurance policy copy. 

 

5. Vahan account: Visit the Vahan Citizen Services portal by Parivahan Seva, log in using your vehicle registration details and check your vehicle’s chassis number.

 

How to Locate the Engine Number of Your Car

Your car engine number is a small yet valuable piece of information that can make a big difference. Knowing the engine number of your vehicle is crucial for insurance claims and maintenance. It ensures everything matches up, especially if your engine has been replaced or fixed. So, where do you find this engine number on your car?

1. On the engine block: Look for a metal plate on the engine itself, which will have a series of alphanumeric characters indicating the engine number.

 

2. Owner’s manual: If you're having difficulty locating the engine's serial number on the vehicle, the owner's manual can also provide the information.

Like the VIN and chassis number, you can also get the engine number from your registration papers, insurance papers, and from your Vahan account.

 

Why are VIN, Chassis, and Engine Numbers Important?

As a vehicle owner in India, knowing your car's VIN, chassis number, and engine number is crucial. Here are some reasons why:

• Registration and Insurance: These identification numbers are essential for both vehicle registration and obtaining insurance. It's crucial that insurance claims accurately reflect the vehicle's details, especially in the event of an accident. Otherwise, there may be trouble processing claims and legal repercussions.

 

• Theft Prevention: In the unfortunate event of vehicle theft, these numbers are invaluable in the efforts to track and recover your vehicle.

 

• Legal Requirements: The Government of India mandates that these details be recorded during any sale or transfer of vehicle ownership under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

 

How to Get Your Vehicle Details Online?

With digitisation, finding these crucial vehicle identification numbers online is easy through the Vahan portal operated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). All you have to do is:

 

1. Visit the Vahan portal by Parivahan Seva at https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in/vahanservice

 

2. Enter your vehicle registration details to access your car’s information, including its chassis number and VIN.

 

In summation

Understanding where to find your car’s VIN, chassis number, and engine number is essential. Not only do these numbers help in registering your vehicle or making insurance claims, but they also play a critical role in legal matters, especially if your car gets stolen, is involved in an accident, or simply needs maintenance. Luckily, with the advancements in digital platforms by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, such as the Vahan portal, finding this information has become much easier for car owners in India.

 

To protect your car both on and off the roads, consider Shriram General Insurance. With a range of insurance plans and comprehensive coverage options, including add-ons like Zero Depreciation, Shriram General provides tailored solutions for your needs. Our affordable plans, fast claim processes with minimal documentation, and on-time customer service ensure that you and your vehicle are always in safe hands.

 

FAQs

1. Can I check my car's chassis number online?

Yes, you can check your car’s chassis number through the Vahan portal by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). All you have to do is visit the Vahan portal by Parivahan Seva, and enter your vehicle registration details to access your car’s information, including its chassis number and VIN.

 

2. What is the difference between a vehicle identification number and a chassis number?

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-character code that includes the chassis number and other details about the vehicle, such as the manufacturer and model. The chassis number is part of the VIN and is a unique identifier stamped onto the vehicle’s frame.

 

3. How important is the engine number when buying car insurance?

The engine number is essential for car insurance as it helps verify the engine’s identity in case of a claim, repair, or replacement. Insurance providers require the engine number to ensure the correct vehicle and its components are insured.

 

4. Where is the chassis number in a car typically found?

The chassis number is usually found in several locations, such as the engine bay, dashboard (visible through the windshield), or under the carpet near the passenger seat. You can also check your registration or insurance documents for the chassis number.

 

5. Can I get a replacement if my chassis number or VIN is damaged or unreadable?

In India, if your chassis number or VIN becomes damaged or unreadable, you must visit your Regional Transport Office (RTO) for verification and to apply for a re-stamping of the number.