You Can Check Your Car’s VIN History for Free
Buying a used car can be a risky proposition if you don’t do your due diligence. One of the most important steps is to check the vehicle’s VIN (vehicle identification number) for any bad history, such as past accidents, flood damage, or odometer rollback fraud. Luckily, there are ways to get a free VIN check that can alert you to potential problems before you close the deal.
What is a VIN check?
VIN is a 17-digit code that uniquely identifies a vehicle. By decoding the VIN and checking it against databases such as NMVIC and vehicle history report providers, you can find out detailed information about the vehicle’s provenance, such as:
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Previous ownership
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Accident and damage records
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Odometer reading
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Lemon/producer buyback status
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Flood damage
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Theft records
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Recall Notices
This inside information can help you avoid mistakes, cut losses if a trade goes wrong, and negotiate a better price if problems are discovered.
How to get a free VIN check
Although some vehicle history report providers charge a fee for VIN verification, there are several legitimate free (or cheap) options:
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National Vehicle Title Information System (NMVIC). This federal database allows you to check the history of brands, such as “junk,” “recycled,” or “flood,” that may have been produced in another state for as little as $3.
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Sample vehicle history reports. Sites like carshistory.com allow you to view a free sample report by entering the VIN. This provides basic information about past owners, accidents and service records, and can highlight any major problems.
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VIN NICB check. The National Insurance Crime Bureau offers a free VIN check service to determine if a vehicle has been stolen – an important red flag.
When purchasing from a private seller, always obtain the VIN in advance and run it through the free verification services listed above. For added peace of mind, you can also purchase an affordable, detailed report from providers like CarFax for around $40.