Anyone ever get VIN etching?

Mine came with some kind of etching plus body stickers. The window etching was done so poorly you can't read it, but oh well. It was all a freebie from Toyota.

 

I had a car I bought in 2007 that had VIN Etching. When I tried to call the 800 number they were out of business. There was no trace of the 800 number.

 

I bought it online for under $20 and did it myself.

 

Personally, unless your insurance gives a discount for it (State Farm does not), I think it's mostly a profit center for the dealership.

My Prius has it and I did not want it but was forced to get it because it was already on the car. Actually, it was never disclosed to me when I was buying the car. It was called 'Express registration' and I thought was a DMV fee. When I found out that it was actually not a DMV fee, I complained about it since they never explained it, and the dealership promised to refund the fee to me, but hasn't yet.

Worse, all 4 of my side windows have a number and also a phone number etched on them, which is something I didn't want.

 

What did they charge you for this?

This is where I got mine for $19.95;

VINshield: VIN Etching - Proven Auto Theft Deterrent - VIN etch - Auto Theft Protection That Works - vinetch - vinetching

 

$100. but their 'normal' price is apparently $300.

 

Mine came with it from the dealer. Another "no charge" gimmick to make you think you're getting something for nothing. Ehhhh.... It doesn't bother me one way or the other.