This is a bit of a grey area.
So i had my front windshield replaced in the process the window company scratched the VIN, the scratch is only tiny nothing major.
I complained to the window company and holden they both advised they cant replace it and nothing can be done.
My question to u guys
.. is this correct it can not be repalced?
..will this scratch impact the value of the car ?
Thanks looking fwd to your replies .
The scratch is a deep scrartch around 5cm long just under the numbers on the vin.
Luckily your VIN behind the windscreen is clearly legible. There is also a VIN stamped under the front drivers seat, to be sure to be sure. In any case, the VIN’s in these two locations will match so there is no need for concern.
If the VIN behind the windscreen was damaged so that it was not legible and thus could not match the one under the seat, then you
may have issues. But with purchase documents, valid legible VIN under the seat, a known issue of dumb knuckle windscreen repairers damaging the VIN foil behind the windscreen, car not listed as stolen, registered with same plates since new, etc, etc, the likelihood of police or rego authorities seeing an issues is close to zero.
But if you are OCD and want everything shmick, sadly my experience is that the manufacturer’s will do absolutely nothing to help in your a situation. You can of course go to your local registration authority and discuss the Vehicle Identification Verification process (Victoria) or Vehicle Identification Inspection Unit process (NSW) with them to see what can be done. With lots of jumping backwards through flaming hoops after paying lots of fees, you may get the state to issue a new VIN which you then have stamped on the vehicle by an authorised person. Since the one under the windscreen is legible, it’s crazy to even think of going down that path.
As to the value of the car, any buyer worth their salt will try and reduce the vehicle cost to them when buying. Likewise, any seller worth their salt will counter any arguments to reduce the price below what is acceptable to them. And in any case, the vehicle value is only relevant when it’s time to sell so ain’t worth worrying about if you will keep the car long term.
But even if selling now, I really doubt a scratch under the VIN, which still remains legible, would impact value in any way. I’d think mechanical issues and aesthetic issues (interior condition, paint, etc) would have a bigger impact.
As to legalities of replacing/restamping a VIN, any crash that damages a VIN will almost certainly result in the insurance company classifying that vehicle as a statutory write-off, scrapping the vehicle and invalidating that VIN forever. Doubt regulators who mandated ISOVIN (and NEVDIS) back in mid ‘90s considered the future when 25 year old car are undergoing restoration of rusted out structural panels that contained VIN stamping. Guess some will cross that bridge in years to come. Meanwhile, manufacturers, as you found out, and aren’t obliged to help.
