You’ve been saving to purchase a brand-new vehicle for several months. You finally discover the perfect vehicle, take it home and then get a call just a few days later.
The car was taken, and now you have to investigate the police.
It’s obvious that this situation is quite extreme, but it’s unusual for people to experience issues when buying new or used vehicles. One method to minimize the risk of issues when buying a car is to conduct a VIN report to verify the history of the vehicle prior to deciding to purchase it.
What is a VIN Number?
The VIN number is an identification code tied to a particular car.
It is a VIN number comprising 17 letters (numbers as well as letters) that serve as the fingerprint of the vehicle. There are no two vehicles with the exact VIN number, which is why you can utilize the VIN number to trace the history of a particular vehicle as well as registrations and registrations.
It is possible to find a vehicle’s VIN code by looking at the driver’s side of the car or at the point where the windshield is positioned to meet the dashboard, or on the doorpost on the driver’s side’s front door. It is also possible to find the VIN number on the car’s insurance card or title and registration.
What is the reason I should check the VIN Number Before Buying the car?
If you’re looking to purchase an automobile (new and used) it’s essential to conduct an absolutely no-cost VIN check on the vehicle’s VIN number in order to gain an understanding of the car’s history.
A VIN search will uncover any claims of significance that have been made concerning the vehicle. They will also reveal whether the vehicle was taken away and if it ever experienced severe damage, like flood or fire damage.
Most reliable car dealerships will offer an exact copy of the VIN report of the vehicle you’re considering buying at no cost. The salesperson will likely go over this report along with you and note that the car’s owners include the incidents or claims that were reported on the vehicle, as well as any other matters of interest for instance recalls or warranties that have expired.
How to use the NIC Bureau’s free VIN Check
The National Insurance Crime Bureau is an excellent resource for running an online VIN lookup search to search for total loss and theft records. In this article, I’ll explain how to utilize this NICB as a tool to verify the past background of an automobile. They provide a free vin check report.
Other VIN Checking Options for Free
It is possible to get a complimentary VIN check on several other websites. They generally provide more thorough VIN reports than the National Insurance Crime Bureau. You can also pay at any of these websites to enhance your VIN check and get more information on the car you’re looking to purchase.
#1: CarFax
CarFax is recognized as the leader in providing detailed VIN reports to customers. Most car dealerships will give you the CarFax report for the car you’re considering buying. Although the most thorough CarFax reports are expensive, you can also get the basic VIN report for used vehicles listed on the website of CarFax for no cost. The reports include accidents that have been reported, the owner’s history, usage data as well as service history.
#2: Research.com
Research.com provides the most thorough free VIN report that provides detailed information about the car’s inspection and performance record, including the warranty, safety rating, and much more. It also informs you when and where the car is available for sale and the cost of the sale.
3. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides the VIN search that details the car’s maker and model so that you will know if it’s subject to any recall or recalls. Being aware of recall orders can aid you in determining if the vehicle is safe to drive and if it’s in need of costly or long-term repairs.
