VIN Etching?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 2
From: Meriden CT
VIN Etching?
Anyone hear of this? They etch your VIN into your windows. I guess this helps in identifying your car if its stolen. Additionally, there are some insurance companies that offer additional savings if this is done.
Reason I ask is this... We have an employee car show at work next Monday to benefit the United Way. Of course I signed up and donated my $15 for registration. This year they are having Liberty Mutual on site to do this etching for an additional donation to United Way. Should I get it done?
Here's what they say:
"A new feature to the Car Show this year is Liberty Mutual will be present to VIN etch your car for a donation. All donations will benefit the United Way Campaign. PROTECT YOUR CAR WITH A SCRATCH -- Did you know that having your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched into your car windows is one of the best ways to prevent your car from being stolen? And, VIN etching your car may qualify you for additional savings on your auto insurance. Bring a copy of your current auto insurance declaration page to guarantee accurate VIN Information.
"
Reason I ask is this... We have an employee car show at work next Monday to benefit the United Way. Of course I signed up and donated my $15 for registration. This year they are having Liberty Mutual on site to do this etching for an additional donation to United Way. Should I get it done?
Here's what they say:
"A new feature to the Car Show this year is Liberty Mutual will be present to VIN etch your car for a donation. All donations will benefit the United Way Campaign. PROTECT YOUR CAR WITH A SCRATCH -- Did you know that having your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched into your car windows is one of the best ways to prevent your car from being stolen? And, VIN etching your car may qualify you for additional savings on your auto insurance. Bring a copy of your current auto insurance declaration page to guarantee accurate VIN Information.
"
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 872
Likes: 3
From: Cortlandt Manor New York
Vin etching is an income producer for car dealerships. Its benefit in reducing theft is somewhat circumspect. Etching the vin on the glass might stop someone from stealing the car to use the glass in another vehicle. I somehow doubt that glass is a major cause of car theft.
If they are out for a joy ride the vin is not altered and in most cases the plates are not even removed and replaced. It is just a drive and dump. Do you think they care if the glass has the vin # on it?
If they are stealing it to strip for parts the glass is probably not the most important piece and won't stop them from stealing it. If they steal it at night they won't know it is etched until they start dismantling it and then it is too late.
Liberty Mutual can get the vin number off the vin plate which is much more accurate than the insurance policy. They want to look at the insurance policy to see if they can steal you business from your current carrier by offering you a better deal.
All in all you have nothing to lose except a couple of numbers scratched into your glass.
If they are out for a joy ride the vin is not altered and in most cases the plates are not even removed and replaced. It is just a drive and dump. Do you think they care if the glass has the vin # on it?
If they are stealing it to strip for parts the glass is probably not the most important piece and won't stop them from stealing it. If they steal it at night they won't know it is etched until they start dismantling it and then it is too late.
Liberty Mutual can get the vin number off the vin plate which is much more accurate than the insurance policy. They want to look at the insurance policy to see if they can steal you business from your current carrier by offering you a better deal.
All in all you have nothing to lose except a couple of numbers scratched into your glass.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
My Buick had the etched glass when I bought it in 1991.
It also had a VIN sticker on every panel of the vehicle.
This car was stolen once (dumazz ME dropped the keys next to the car).
It was a cruise and dump .. stole a few items in the car ... broke EVERY
electrical switch (lots in Buick Park Ave).
Finally recovered the car after more than 2 weeks.
I wouldn't do it to my vette, as it would never be in a position to be stolen.
It also had a VIN sticker on every panel of the vehicle.
This car was stolen once (dumazz ME dropped the keys next to the car).
It was a cruise and dump .. stole a few items in the car ... broke EVERY
electrical switch (lots in Buick Park Ave).
Finally recovered the car after more than 2 weeks.
I wouldn't do it to my vette, as it would never be in a position to be stolen.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 2
From: Meriden CT
Originally Posted by NHvette
I wouldn't do it to my vette, as it would never be in a position to be stolen.
Yea... thats what I figure.. I dont park anywhere, and I dont even have a top on the car.. so this may be pointless.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
Likes: 7
From: Jennings LA
I have done this many times at our dealership, you get the vin printed on a piece of what looks like some sort of transfer paper. it sticks to the glass and has little holes in it on the numbers and letters. you dab an etching (acid)soloution on it and when you remove the paper the vin is etched permantly in the glass. I would never do this on my vintage vette astro glass 
also one slip up by the person doing it and your glass is ruined. I have several bottles of the etching compound. definitley not something you would want a mad wife/girlfriend to get a hold of 
also one slip up by the person doing it and your glass is ruined. I have several bottles of the etching compound. definitley not something you would want a mad wife/girlfriend to get a hold of
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: NY
Originally Posted by JoeRags
Originally Posted by NHvette
I wouldn't do it to my vette, as it would never be in a position to be stolen.
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Originally Posted by I'm Batman
Source? I'm not familiar with this one...
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by Shark Racer
It WOULD make sense that a higher proportion of classic cars are stolen from driveways than cars that are driven more frequently...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 826
Likes: 22
From: Chicago Area
Dude...that sux! Did that a few years back on a dirt bike too. Hit a rut in a trail and it thew me over the bars when the wheel slammed to one side.
Drove home like 4 hours to the hospital by my house since I heard horror stories about the rinkie dink wisconsin hospital we were close to from the guys that I was riding with.
Your gonna be slow going for a few days...
Do you have that strap deal on to keep your sholders back?
Drove home like 4 hours to the hospital by my house since I heard horror stories about the rinkie dink wisconsin hospital we were close to from the guys that I was riding with.
Your gonna be slow going for a few days...
Do you have that strap deal on to keep your sholders back?
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: East Windsor CT
Hey Joe,
I was reading your post and experienced dais vu because I was reading a work email this morn that talked just the vin etching and car show. Apparently we both work for the same company. Too bad you wont be coming to work this morn and have to miss the show.
I was reading your post and experienced dais vu because I was reading a work email this morn that talked just the vin etching and car show. Apparently we both work for the same company. Too bad you wont be coming to work this morn and have to miss the show.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 2
From: Meriden CT
Originally Posted by Scootin_Z
Dude...that sux! Did that a few years back on a dirt bike too. Hit a rut in a trail and it thew me over the bars when the wheel slammed to one side.
Drove home like 4 hours to the hospital by my house since I heard horror stories about the rinkie dink wisconsin hospital we were close to from the guys that I was riding with.
Your gonna be slow going for a few days...
Do you have that strap deal on to keep your sholders back?
Drove home like 4 hours to the hospital by my house since I heard horror stories about the rinkie dink wisconsin hospital we were close to from the guys that I was riding with.
Your gonna be slow going for a few days...
Do you have that strap deal on to keep your sholders back?
HA! that would be the figure-8, and no... thankfully. the doc says the chances of that thing working vs. having to wear it for 6 weeks without removing it is crap... it will heal with the bone not aligned.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 2
From: Meriden CT
Originally Posted by gorrie16
Hey Joe,
I was reading your post and experienced dais vu because I was reading a work email this morn that talked just the vin etching and car show. Apparently we both work for the same company. Too bad you wont be coming to work this morn and have to miss the show.
I was reading your post and experienced dais vu because I was reading a work email this morn that talked just the vin etching and car show. Apparently we both work for the same company. Too bad you wont be coming to work this morn and have to miss the show.
HS? yea, im upset. i just started working there in june. i was really lookinh forward to the show!!!
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,881
Likes: 9
From: staten island ny
Originally Posted by Red70vette
Vin etching is an income producer for car dealerships. Its benefit in reducing theft is somewhat circumspect. Etching the vin on the glass might stop someone from stealing the car to use the glass in another vehicle. I somehow doubt that glass is a major cause of car theft.
If they are out for a joy ride the vin is not altered and in most cases the plates are not even removed and replaced. It is just a drive and dump. Do you think they care if the glass has the vin # on it?
If they are stealing it to strip for parts the glass is probably not the most important piece and won't stop them from stealing it. If they steal it at night they won't know it is etched until they start dismantling it and then it is too late.
Liberty Mutual can get the vin number off the vin plate which is much more accurate than the insurance policy. They want to look at the insurance policy to see if they can steal you business from your current carrier by offering you a better deal.
All in all you have nothing to lose except a couple of numbers scratched into your glass.
If they are out for a joy ride the vin is not altered and in most cases the plates are not even removed and replaced. It is just a drive and dump. Do you think they care if the glass has the vin # on it?
If they are stealing it to strip for parts the glass is probably not the most important piece and won't stop them from stealing it. If they steal it at night they won't know it is etched until they start dismantling it and then it is too late.
Liberty Mutual can get the vin number off the vin plate which is much more accurate than the insurance policy. They want to look at the insurance policy to see if they can steal you business from your current carrier by offering you a better deal.
All in all you have nothing to lose except a couple of numbers scratched into your glass.
In many jurisdictions it is the police who supervise auto body shops as well as junk yards. The more parts with VIN #'s on them the easier the job is.
ESU
PS I just bought a 2006 trailblazer a few months ago and the VIN etching was free with a minor discount from the insurance company.
