How to check your car’s manufacturing year

Updated on - 19 Jan 2026

It is important to know when your car was manufactured, especially if it is a used or second-hand vehicle. This is because car dealers often display false dates and present old models as new ones, scamming customers.

Once you know the correct year of manufacture, it becomes easier to evaluate other essential factors. It guides your decisions on pricing, maintenance and long-term spending, as older vehicles may require more frequent repairs. In fact, the manufacturing date can also affect the warranty validity and even the kind of insurance premium you pay.

This article talks about how to check the car manufacturing date and make smarter decisions regarding spending and insurance.

Why knowing the car manufacturing date matters

Knowing a car’s manufacturing date helps you assess its true value. The vehicle’s age can directly impact how well it works and how soon it will need repair. The year in which a car was manufactured also helps you determine if its safety features, such as airbags and seatbelts, meet present standards.

Being aware of the exact date also gives the buyer bargaining power and helps them negotiate prices with the seller. Additionally, the age of your car impacts insurance costs as well as accident inspections and claims. All of these reasons make being aware of the vehicle’s manufacturing date an absolute must.

Steps on how to check the car manufacturing date

To check any car’s manufacturing date, first locate the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door frame or on the dashboard. Usually, the 10th character of the VIN indicates the year of manufacture, and the 12th character denotes the month. However, different makers place the date code in various spots within the VIN.

Here is how to check the manufacture date of a car for famous car brands in India:

1. Hyundai: The VIN’s 10th letter shows the production year, while the 19th letter shows the month.
2. Mahindra: The 10th letter codes the year, while the 12th letter codes the month.
3. Maruti Suzuki: The company’s VIN uses the 10th letter to show the producing year and the 11th letter to indicate the month.
4. Tata: Tata cars use the 10th letter of the alphabet to code the producing year and the 12th letter to represent the month.

Here is a table to understand the month and year codes:

Another method you can try is looking for a sticker on the door jamb that lists the manufacturing date directly. If you are wondering how to check car manufacturing date online, you can use a VIN decoder to a manufacturer-specific guide.

How car age affects depreciation and car insurance premiums

As your car ages, its value drops due to the process of wear and tear. New cars lose value the fastest, especially within the first few years, while older cars depreciate slowly over time.

Newer vehicles end up having higher insurance premiums because their replacement cost is greater, increasing the insurer’s financial risk. Older cars attract lower premiums since their market value and payout in case of total loss are lower.

If a car becomes too old or difficult to repair, the premium becomes costly again, especially if it lacks safety features and breaks down a lot.

If you are buying car insurance online, make sure to compare how different policies handle depreciation. The ideal car insurance policy offers broader protection, covering accidents, damage from theft, fire or natural disasters.

Conclusion

Knowing your car’s manufacturing year helps you understand its true value and make better decisions about maintenance and insurance. It may seem like a small detail, but it influences depreciation, warranty eligibility and the kind of cover you should choose.

As you take care of your vehicle, let us help you choose the right insurance plan, whether you need third-party cover or a comprehensive care insurance plan for wider protection. Fill out the form on this page to get personalised guidance and select a plan that meets your needs and budget.

FAQs

1. Does the car’s manufacturing year affect how claims are settled?

Yes, it can. The insurer uses your car’s age to calculate its Insured Declared Value (IDV), which determines the maximum payout you can receive in case of theft or total damage. An older car means a lower IDV and, therefore, a smaller claim amount.

2. Can the manufacturing year impact my car loan or resale process?

Absolutely. Banks and buyers often check the manufacturing year to assess the car’s true market value. A newer manufacturing year can help you get a better resale price or higher loan value, while an older one may lower both.

3. Is it possible for two cars of the same model year to have different manufacturing years?

Yes, and it happens often. The model year indicates the version or generation of the car, while the manufacturing year shows when that specific unit was built. Always check the VIN or manufacturer’s label to know the exact production date before finalising a purchase.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.