Just this year, I have found 4 trucks that have unmatched VINs. (“Unmatched” meaning that the VIN located on the cab of the truck does not match the VIN located on the frame rail.)
One of the truck owners (insured) had an immediate explanation: His truck had been involved in a total loss accident where he retained the salvage. He bought a second truck that had experienced a catastrophic engine failure. He utilized components from 2 trucks to build 1 truck and had the Titles for both vehicles. He should have insured and licensed the truck using the title that matched the VIN on the frame rail, but his explanation was reasonable and an acceptable error on his part.
Another owner bought the truck that way and had no explanation as to why the VIN did not match. I contacted local authorities and found the VIN on the frame did not hit as being stolen. This truck was repairable, and we recommended payment of the claim with underwriting comments mentioning the discrepancy.
The remaining two trucks hit as being stolen when the VINs were researched by local authorities. Unfortunately, I do not hear the results of our investigation as our client takes over at this point. It was interesting to note that one of the VINs was involved in a case where I was asked by the FBI to travel to a storage lot at the Kentucky state police headquarters in Pikeville Kentucky. The FBI had made a sting operation where they recovered many components of stolen vehicles. They involved me, requesting that I try to match the components. (Which engine goes with which frame? Which front axle goes with that frame? etc.)
Hopefully, your claims department requires your field people to locate the frame VIN. Hopefully, your field people know where to find it. A lot of today’s “heavy equipment experts“ don’t know where to look.