Is VIN etching truly an effective deterrent for car thieves?
I recently purchased my dream car, and now am wondering about other aspects of security. I am outfitted with the typical alarm, but I am thinking outside that form of security.
For those of you who are not familiar, VIN etching this is a process where you chemically etch the VIN number of your car into each pane of glass on the car.
I'm sure it would deter the casual thief, but wouldn’t it make it easier for the professional to copy your VIN number? I have heard that duplicate papers can be easily made from just the number, so should I take the opposite road and cover the VIN completely and work that angle?
I know that on most of the expensive body parts on my car, the VIN number is already etched right into the metal from the factory, so that makes it more difficult to sell these parts once they’ve been stolen.
Which method do you feel is more effective, or none at all? Please give an explanation with your answer, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance.
StarbucksCoffee
on November 30th, -0001
Nope. The Viper is factory equipped with a ‘chipped’ key, meaning only that key(s) will allow the vehicle to start and run. A determined theif will break in, cut the alarm and load it on a flatbed in two minutes flat. Only a system like LoJack will be of any help in this circumstance, which actually doesn’t stop the theft but activates a homing device and the police can zero-in on the scum using GPS. Usually within an hour after the car is snatched it is found and recovered. This is the only system I know of that REALLY shows promise on a high-end vehicle like your Viper (lucky-dog).
Casper
on November 30th, -0001
why not just insure it? people will take stuff from it even if it is etched
RainbowPop
on November 30th, -0001
VIN etching is really not supposed to deter theft, it is supposed to make it easier to ID your vehicle if stolen. As far as covering the VIN, that seems very paranoid. I’ve never heard of fake duplicate paperwork. I’m sure it can happen, but unless you are driving a $100,000 car, I would just insure it well and be safe.
YvY
on November 30th, -0001
most cars are not stolen for parting out, your car is more likely to be stolen for a joy ride, there are alarms that disable a car’s ignition or fuel, these are helpful, but not bullet proof
NeverAlone
on November 30th, -0001
ONLY if they plan to SELL your parts!
ChocolateDrop
on November 30th, -0001
its just another feel good gimick that the usa is famous for. It means nothing.
ConverseShoesRule
on November 30th, -0001
its not supposed to deter them…in fact there not even suppose to be able to see it unless they look hard and from the right angle…if they try to paint your car and resell it with a new vin number they can get busted and you can get your car back with a new paint job
Fairground
on November 30th, -0001
If it makes you feel better do it……but dont waste your money on a steering wheel type lock…hacksaw makes short work of a steering wheel….go with some type of fuel locking device, if they do get it started…they only get about a block……..
Williamer
on January 24th, 2016
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