Originally Posted by 98Bird

Don't mean to hijack the thread (yet free bumps)...but what can someone do with a VIN#, I'm curious to hear what others have to say. I had 2 cars stolen before, and it sucked. Just want to see how possible it is to use the VIN# for thieving purposes since I give people my VIN# all the time when I'm selling a car for them to run a Carfax.

I would think that if someone worked at the motor vehicle admin. and/or has a buddy there, they can get your home address using the plates and/or VIN#. When I owned an Allstate agency, I used to be able to get our claims dept. to trace the owner, address, etc. with a license plate (hit & run). We used a 3rd party service that we pay with an account but I think that just about anyone can buy this info.

Also, thieves would more likely go after highly modified cars to strip the expensive parts. If they made an appointment to see your car, they've already got your plate and not hard to get your VIN#.