'Compulsory' marking of car windows

[Rocam]

My Ducati is etched with UV marker in certain places. This was required by the classic insurance I had in Ireland but never heard of it being compulsory. I the insurance company requires it to be done then OK either do it or go elsewhere for insurance. The present insurance on the Ducati didnt require it.

[hairbear]

@AngelaR

My partner’s understanding is that this is the vehicle identification number, unrelated to registration

Yes, my originally UK registered car has this. It’s the vehicle VIN along with other identifying information and was applied by the manufacturer. A garagiste here used that extra info to order a spare part for my vehicle, so it must be related to the vehicle type, engine type, options etc…

[JohnH]

@Rocam

My Ducati is etched with UV marker in certain places.

My French insurer made it a condition of insurance that my S1000XR was engraved and wanted to see receipt.

[Rocam]

@JohnH

French insurer

Mine didnt. Even if they had required it, I could have shown them the UV etching.

[Corona]

A passing fad?

[JohnH]

What? Engraving?

[Corona]

Yes, had it done years ago at the request of my insururers but never since. Understand bikes being marked as theft is a very large market.

[JohnH]

I suspect the car dealers see it as easy money. I went looking at cars last week and the quote has about €700 with a list of things in very small print that included engraving, seat treatment, paint treatment and fuel.
Not sure yet if I’m buying but that’ll be €700 off the quoted price.

As for bikes, it’s been common in the UK for years that insurers offer discounts for things like engraving so it can be worthwhile but I don’t think it was ever a condition of insurance like I had here. As you say, bikes are easy meat for thieves and they’re stripped in a flash.

[billybutcher]

@Corona

So if your vehicle gets stolen they find your windows and give them back?

I wonder if Q had Bond’s car windows etched?

For Your Eyes Only (1981) Burglar Safe Car scene, HD

[Rocam]

@JohnH

ever a condition of insurance

I dont remember it being either, but the premiums were higher. I can understand it these days. Back then it was “does it have a steering lock” now it has both lock and software immobility.

[JaneJones]

@JohnH

list of things in very small print

When we got ours there was €75 for “welcome kit”. We asked what this was and it was two gilets jaune and a triangle. All of which we have already ! We said no thank you, and they didn’t quibble.

[Corona]

@JaneJones

two gilets jaune

And a pile of old tyres to burn?

[Corona]

Any update on the window marking?