Identifying a vehicle
The two ways to identify a vehicle in Companion, and when to use each.
Every lookup starts from one of two values: the vehicle's VRM or its VIN. Type whichever you have into the lookup box and Companion works out which it is, so you do not need to choose.
VRM
The VRM (Vehicle Registration Mark) is the number plate. It is the most common identifier in trade and insurance work because it is what is on the glass and what a customer reads out.
A VRM is not a permanent identifier. When a plate is moved (a cherished transfer of a private registration), there can be a delay before the new plate maps to the correct vehicle, typically a week or two while the change works through. If you look up a vehicle in that window you may get the previous vehicle, or no match. When you need a stable identifier, use the VIN.
VIN
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is the 17 character identifier stamped on the chassis. It does not change, so it is the reliable choice when you need to match a vehicle consistently over time.
In practice the VRM is what you will use most of the time. Reach for the VIN when a plate has recently changed hands, or when you need to be certain you are looking at the same vehicle across more than one lookup.