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Vehicle history shorts.

(238 Reviews)

Absolutely love this site. They are FREE, no hidden fees. It's been so nice especially when looking at buying a used car. It's been my go to website during the whole process. Works well, runs quickly, provides the information I need to make a smart buying decision. Also like the fact they bring in the Edmunds fair market value into the report as well. Saves me a lot of time.

(124 Reviews)

As good as carfax and FREE !!!

I've been looking to buy a couple used vehicles and have been purchasing carfax reports which are relatively expensive. I came across VehicleHistory.com after reading a US News & World article on how to research used vehicles. The reports are free by VIN number and they are as comprehensive as a carfax report. This site has saved me lots of money checking out used vehicles. Highly recommend it !

(335 Reviews)

Just what I needed!

Great way to check a vehicle history, it was fast and easy, they listed everything I was looking for and needed to know and best of all it was the best price around. 5 stars!

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Free VIN Check and VIN Decoder

Look up ivin data reports for free.

A valid VIN is 17 characters long. It contains only letters and numbers, except for the letters i , o and q . iVIN Reports are available only for US passenger vehicles model years 1981 and newer.

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What Should You Know Before Buying or Selling a Car?

Vehicle history reports are important, but they only give some of the answers you should know before buying or selling a vehicle.

iVIN Reports are powered by iSeeCars' award-winning data analysis. Try our comprehensive VIN checks to get all of the answers you need, make an informed decision and have peace of mind.

Compare iVIN Data Reports by iSeeCars

We analyze the data. you negotiate a better deal., 3 important questions our reports answer.

What's a fair price for this car?

Know the fair local market value and compare the price with siimlar cars for sale near you.

How does this vehicle compare?

Find out the average mileage for similar cars, key price considerations and iSeeCars listing history.

What else should I know or check?

Check open recalls and reported thefts, and see unbiased dealer ratings all in one place

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Here's what other ivin users are saying:.

This is an "APP" like no other. Everything I needed to know was available, plus other categories that I hadn't thought about. Please continue the great work. Thank you.

I discovered iSeeCars VIN reports by accident, but now I've found them I think the information is invaluable. If you're considering buying or selling this is the site for you.

Excellent free information I can trust in helping me make the right car buying choices. Thank you!

How To Run a Free VIN Check

What is a vin or vehicle identification number.

VIN stands for "vehicle identification number." It is the unique code assigned by manufacturers for a specific automobile. A VIN is the automotive equivalent of a social security number. No two vehicles in operation have the same VIN.

A VIN is made up of 17 alphanumeric characters with each letter or number revealing identifying information about the vehicle including year, make, model, engine size, manufacturer, manufacturing location, and safety features. Along with providing vehicle specifications, a VIN can also be used to identify past or open recalls, registrations, warranty claims and status, insurance coverage and theft records.

Why is checking a VIN on a used car important?

If you're considering buying a used car, it's important to check the vehicle's VIN to help determine the quality and reliability of a used car. If the advertised VIN number does not match the make and model of an advertised vehicle, it can indicate a potential scam or illegal modifications. A standard third-party VIN check may also reveal important vehicle history information, including if it has been officially reported as stolen or if it has a clean title.

How do I look up a VIN number to get a free iSeeCars VIN Report?

You can sign up to get 5 free lookups and access 5 full VIN reports every month. Low-cost paid subscription plans are also available if you want to see more reports.

Here's where you can look up one of our free VIN reports:

• Desktop computer or mobile website - Free VIN lookup
• iSeeCars free mobile Android and iOS VIN apps - Download our app so you can quickly scan a vehicle's barcode and instantly view the VIN report
• All used car listings on the iSeeCars website - Click the "Full Report" button to see the report
• Google Chrome extension - Automatically generates our iVIN report when a VIN is found on any website you're browsing, like Craigslist and car shopping sites

How can I check a car's vehicle history report for free?

Some iSeeCars reports include a free vehicle history report when it's provided by the vehicle's seller. These CARFAX or AutoCheck vehicle history summaries provide helpful information about a car's past, including reported accidents, the number of previous owners, and a reported salvage title. Knowing the free vehicle history info helps you better understand the condition of the vehicle and anticipate future problems.

Can I look up my vehicle specs by VIN number?

Yes. iSeeCars iVIN Data Reports include key vehicle specifications, including trim, color, transmission type, drivetrain, engine type, towing capacity and more. These specs also show how the car compares to the average for its vehicle class.

Can I check safety recalls and recall information by VIN number?

Yes. Each iSeeCars iVIN Data Report includes a free recall check that indicates if there are any open or past recalls for the vehicle. The VIN report also links to the NHTSA database, which identifies (a) if there is an open recall for any new or used cars and (b) information about all past recalls for the vehicle, including safety-related recalls such as those involving Takata airbags.

Along with being a safety hazard, unresolved recalls including emissions recalls can result in a failed vehicle inspection. If a vehicle has an open recall, ask the seller to address the recall notice because it will likely involve recall repairs.

Is a VIN always 17 digits?

Beginning in 1981, all vehicles are required to have a 17-digit VIN. Vehicles manufactured before 1981 have VINs that are between 11 and 17 characters.

In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standardized how VINs are formatted. Under the NHTSA standard, a VIN is composed of 17 characters consisting of numbers and letters, and each set of numbers has a specific meaning. A VIN never includes the letters I, O and Q to avoid being mistaken for 1 and 0 (zero).

Can VIN numbers be changed?

It's a federal crime to alter, remove or tamper with a vehicle's VIN number.

Where Can I Find a Car's VIN?

The Dashboard

The VIN is usually located on the dashboard of the driver's side of a vehicle. It can be found by standing outside of the car and looking at the corner where the dashboard meets the windshield.

The Door Jamb

If you don't see the VIN on the dashboard, it can be found by opening the driver's side door and looking inside the door jamb. A VIN is also included on a vehicle's registration, vehicle title and insurance card.

How To Decode VIN Number Characters

There are 17 digits or characters in each vehicle's unique VIN. Here is what each VIN digit represents to help you better understand your vehicle.

Digit 1: Country of Origin

The first digit specifies where the vehicle was manufactured. Here are the most common country codes and countries:

• United States
• Foreign vehicle made in the US

Digits 2-3: Manufacturer & Division

The second digit identifies the specific vehicle's manufacturer. It's often the first letter of the manufacturer's name, such as B for BMW vehicles.

Since some characters can stand for multiple manufacturers, the third digit combines with the first two to indicate the specific manufacturing division. For example, JM1 can designate Mazda, while JMB can designate Mitsubishi. The first three digits together are known as the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI).

Here are some of the commonly used second digits:

• General Motors (Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Buick)

Digits 4-8: Vehicle Descriptor Section

These characters identify specific details about the car's vehicle type.

• Digit 4: Safety features and information specific to the model
• Digit 5: The vehicle's series
• Digits 6 & 7: Bodystyle and body type
• Digit 8: Engine size

Digit 9: Security Code

The ninth digit is the check digit, which is a security code used to help detect incorrect VINs, based on US Department of Transportation guidelines.

Digit 10: Model Year

The tenth digit represents the vehicle's model year.

• 1981-2000: Designated by the letters B through Y, with the letters I, O, Q, U and Z excluded.
• 2001-2009: Designated by the numbers 1 through 9 indicate the model years 2001 through 2009.
• 2010-Present: In 2010, the alphabet cycle started again with A and will continue through the year 2030. In 2031, the number cycle of 1 through 9 will start again until 2039.

Digit 11: Manufacturing Plant

The eleventh digit indicates the vehicle's assembly plant. Each vehicle manufacturer has its own set of plant codes. For example, these are the VIN characters for some of Toyota's many manufacturing plants: R for Lafayette, Indiana; S for Princeton, Indiana; and U for Georgetown, Kentucky.

Digits 12-17: Production Serial Numbers

These ending digits are the production line numbers that represent the vehicle's unique production or serial number. (Digits 10-17 are collectively known as the Vehicle Identifier Section.)

VIN Decoders for All Makes

• Aston Martin
• Lamborghini
• Mercedes-Benz
• Rolls-Royce

Get Free iVIN Reports Anytime, Anywhere

Your car research just got easier. Scan and look up VINs with our free app.

Free VIN Check and Vehicle History for Any Car, SUV or Pickup Truck

Access crucial information about any vehicle’s history, including accident and theft records, vehicle specifications, and title details. Our user-friendly platform enables you to quickly and conveniently unveil a vehicle’s past before buying or selling. Try our free VIN check today!

Uncover your car’s hidden secrets with a free VIN check!

Vehicle specifications.

Verify the year of manufacture, country of origin, trim, vehicle and fuel type, and other technical features

Title History & Title Brands

Search title status, previous registrations in and out-of-state, and any title brand issued by the local state DMVs

Sales & Lien Records

Review previous sales listings and corresponding prices, and verify whether there is a claim to ownership by a finance company

Accident & Theft Records

Check for any report of minor and major accidents as well as theft and theft recoveries reports based on DMV and police reports

Market Value

Get an idea of what a vehicle is worth based on patterns of similar vehicles sold in recent months in your area and across the US

Fuel Economy

Determine if the vehicle is energy-efficient based on how far it can travel per gallon of fuel

Safety Ratings

Verify how efficient the vehicle can avoid or reduce the severity of crash and protect the passengers in a crash

Warranty & Recalls

Check current warranty coverage and open recalls announced by the automaker

A vehicle identification number (VIN) check is a great way to get information about a car’s history. It can help you avoid potential car fraud and protect yourself from buying a vehicle with hidden issues. Make sure you look up your VIN and get a vehicle history report before investing in a vehicle. It’s a smart and practical step that can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. You can either perform a VIN check by make or VIN check by state .

VINCheckPro.com – Research Any Vehicle in Minutes!

Vehicle History: Find Out in Just Two Minutes.

Finding vehicle history is easy as 1-2-3. We use clear, easy to understand information and you don’t have to be an expert to find the vehicle history you are searching for. Click here start your free VIN search .

Free VIN Decoder Service

Understanding VIN decoding brings you even closer to learning a car’s history and revealing all its details to you. >> Decode any VIN for Free.

Free Carfax Alternative

VINCheckPro is a free Carfax alternative. Unlike Carfax, you can try our reports for free. Even as a Carfax alternative, VINCheckPro does not have the complete information of every vehicle (nor does Carfax). Get a free Carfax report alternative now.

Huge Vehicle Database and Advanced Technology

VIN lookup require a vast collection of vehicle records and search technology which are our expertise. Our sophisticated engine scan millions of records and retrieve results instantly for any VIN. Start your VIN lookup here.

How Can I Get a Free VIN Check?

VINCheckPro offers free VIN check reports sourced from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information (NMVTIS), partners, non-profit organizations, and leaders in the automotive industry. This amalgamation results in one of the most comprehensive, clear, and accurate vehicle history reports available. Here’s how it works:

• You enter a valid VIN number with 17 digits and we confirm whether VINCheckPro has records available for this vehicle.
• We pull your VIN check report from our data sources, and highlight important information to help make the report easier to understand.
• You create an account with VINCheckPro. It takes just a couple minutes to sign up. Your reports are updated and saved to your account so you can check back as often as you want.
• We show you offers and recommendations that could save you money, like insurance saving and finance offers.
• If you take an offer from one of our advertising partners, we make money. If you don’t see any offer you like, no worries – You still get your free VIN check.

Get critical vehicle data for free with VINCheckPro’s personal use.

Trusted by over 3,000,000 car shoppers.

VINCheckPro has service over 3,000,000 car buyers and sellers. Our goal is to create trust between car buyers and sellers by reducing the barriers to VIN check data.

Our customers love us.

We’ve been reviewed by over 400 of our customers on eKomi, an independent review platform, with an average rating of 4.8 stars. That means higher satisfaction for you.

100% Free VIN Check  – No Credit Card Needed!

Find out everything you need to know to buy a good car – for free. No catch! Simply enter your VIN on the Free VIN Check tool. This is really as simple as that.

Unbiased info – we don’t sell cars!

You can do a Free VIN Check on any vehicle of all shapes and sizes so long as it carries a state-approved, 17-digit VIN format. Review as many vehicles as you want – there is no limit!

Get Your Free Car History Report Today!

VIN Decoder

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is an operating administration of the United States Department of Transportation and is the federal agency responsible for improving motor vehicle safety on United States roadways. As part of our mission, NHTSA develops certain standards for motor vehicle safety and reporting. Under NHTSA’s regulations, each motor vehicle must contain a vehicle identification number, also known as a VIN, which is a 17-character number that encodes specific information about the particular vehicle.

On NHTSA.gov, you can query a particular vehicle’s VIN to identify specific information encoded in the number. NHTSA’s VIN decoder is publicly accessible at: https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/ .

Using NHTSA's VIN Decoder to Identify a Vehicle’s Plant of Manufacture

Among the information NHTSA's VIN decoder provides is information about the vehicle’s plant of manufacture. After searching a VIN, you'll see the build plant and country for the vehicle in question. This is a two-step process:

Step 1: Go to https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/ and enter the full VIN into NHTSA’s VIN decoder, then click Decode VIN .

Step 2: Refer to the field at the bottom of the page result, which expressly lists the build plant and country for the searched vehicle. 

Note:  The information displayed through the VIN decoder is reported by the manufacturer. If you have further questions regarding this information, please contact the vehicle manufacturer. In addition, more information may be available on a label affixed to the vehicle. See 49 C.F.R. Part 583.

• What Is a VIN

Free VIN Check

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Why VIN Check?

There are ample situations in which a VIN search online can prove to be helpful. Some of these reasons can be:

• Extracting all the specs about you car
• Checking the history of a used vehicle
• Getting well-informed prior to car purchase
• Ensuring that the car is not stolen
• Verifying the ownership of the car
• Replacing the car parts with the originals
• Preventing any frauds
• Confirming car conditions

A VIN check is usually helpful when purchasing a used car. You never know what dark history a vehicle may possess. Running a VIN check keeps you assured of the vehicle ' s history such that you don ' t fall prey to a defective vehicle.

What Information Will You Get from a Vehicle History Report?

• Previous Accidents
• Theft or Burglary
• Warranty Coverage
• Actual Distance Covered
• Original Specs Confirmation
• Manufacturing Defects
• Registration History
• Car Sales History
• Damages Incurred
• Odometer Readings
• Lien and Repossession
• Inspection and Registration History

Why Do You Need a Free Vehicle History Report?

A free vehicle report is a handy piece that makes any vehicle buyer getting a used car make an informed decision about their purchase. Asides the basics of helping you know the car model, manufacturer date and specifications, it may also help you:

• Avoid buying poorly serviced vehicles. This is possible since the history report gives you a breakdown of its maintenance and repair requirements, recurrent faults and the entire maintenance history.
• Against the craftiness of fraudulent dealers. It helps you identify from a distance, dishonest dealers, since you can cross-check what they claim with what the history reports.
• Steer clear of stolen or salvaged vehicles. A VIN history report highlights all red flags pertaining to car ownership.

How to Run a Free VIN Check?

Checking a VIN number is easy. All you need to do is follow these steps:

• Locate the VIN number of the car. It could be located beside the engine.
• Use a VIN number lookup service, like VinPit , and enter the extracted VIN number.
• Hit enter, and wait for the details to be served to you.

What Should I Do After Reading The Vehicle History Report?

Once you have extracted a vehicle history report, the actual task begins now. Depending on the vehicle history report, you will have to decide whether it is worth purchasing the vehicle or not. However, before anything else, it should be noted that a vehicle history report can never be a substitute for getting the vehicle inspected by a mechanic. The inspection can help in detecting damage and other problems that the vehicle history report won't mention.

Here are some of the things to do after reading the vehicle history report:

• Check what the report mentions with the present owner of the car. (If the owner denies what the report claims, this will make sure the deal can be problematic)
• Go on the test drive
• Ask the owner for the maintenance records
• Know the market value of the car before negotiating the price of the car.
• Do proper research on the maintenance and repair costs reports (this will ensure if the used vehicle would demand high maintenance costs too)

VIN Check by Make

We also provide VIN check by make, i.e., just click on the given make of your vehicle and extract information faster.

• Acura VIN Check
• Alfa Romeo VIN Check
• Aston Martin VIN Check
• Audi VIN Check
• BMW VIN Check
• Bentley VIN Check
• Bugatti VIN Check
• Buick VIN Check
• Cadillac VIN Check
• Chevrolet VIN Check
• Chrysler VIN Check
• Daewoo VIN Check
• Dodge VIN Check
• Eagle VIN Check
• FIAT VIN Check
• Ferrari VIN Check
• Ford VIN Check
• GMC VIN Check
• Genesis VIN Check
• Honda VIN Check
• Hummer VIN Check
• Hyundai VIN Check
• INFINITI VIN Check
• Isuzu VIN Check
• Jaguar VIN Check
• Jeep VIN Check
• Kia VIN Check
• Lamborghini VIN Check
• Land Rover VIN Check
• Lexus VIN Check
• Lincoln VIN Check
• Lotus VIN Check
• MINI VIN Check
• Maserati VIN Check
• Mazda VIN Check
• McLaren VIN Check
• Mercedes-Benz VIN Check
• Mercury VIN Check
• Mitsubishi VIN Check
• Nissan VIN Check
• Pagani VIN Check
• Pontiac VIN Check
• Porsche VIN Check
• RAM VIN Check
• Rolls-Royce VIN Check
• Saturn VIN Check
• Scion VIN Check
• Subaru VIN Check
• Suzuki VIN Check
• Tesla VIN Check
• Toyota VIN Check
• Volkswagen VIN Check
• Volvo VIN Check
• Smart VIN Check

VIN Check by State

To help you refine your search, we also provide a VIN check by state . This would allow you to extract information on your VIN faster. Just click on the state you have the VIN from and extract information quickly.

• Alabama VIN Check
• Alaska VIN Check
• Arizona VIN Check
• Arkansas VIN Check
• Colorado VIN Check
• Connecticut VIN Check
• Delaware VIN Check
• Georgia VIN Check
• Illinois VIN Check
• Hawaii VIN Check
• Idaho VIN Check
• Indiana VIN Check
• Iowa VIN Check
• Kansas VIN Check
• Kentucky VIN Check
• Louisiana VIN Check
• Maine VIN Check
• Maryland VIN Check
• Massachusetts VIN Check
• Michigan VIN Check
• Minnesota VIN Check
• Mississippi VIN Check
• Missouri VIN Check
• Montana VIN Check
• Nebraska VIN Check
• Nevada VIN Check
• New VIN Check Hampshire
• New VIN Check Jersey
• New VIN Check Mexico
• New VIN Check York
• North VIN Check Carolina
• North VIN Check Dakota
• Ohio VIN Check
• Oklahoma VIN Check
• Oregon VIN Check
• Pennsylvania VIN Check
• Rhode VIN Check Island
• South VIN Check Carolina
• South VIN Check Dakota
• Tennessee VIN Check
• Utah VIN Check
• Vermont VIN Check
• Virginia VIN Check
• Washington VIN Check
• West VIN Check Virginia
• Wisconsin VIN Check
• Wyoming VIN Check

Other Types of VIN Check

• Motocycle VIN Check
• DMV VIN Check
• Car Title Check
• RV and Motorhome VIN Lookup

Recently VIN Searches

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• 1GYS3AKJ8LR261835

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a vin.

VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number. It is a 17 characters unique code assigned to every vehicle as its fingerprint. These 17 characters are capital letters or numbers and include no special characters or small letters to avoid confusion.

This number is assigned to every vehicle after it is manufactured. Each character of a VIN stands for something meaningful that lets you know a lot about a vehicle. Different vehicle manufacturers imprint this VIN in various places on the vehicle. Most commonly, you can find your VIN on the dashboard of a car.

Vehicle History Report vs. VIN Check - What's the difference?

VIN check and vehicle history reports are two terms commonly used interchangeably in this industry. However, they aren't exactly the same.

A VIN check should turn up only basic information like the vehicle's make, model, year of manufacture, where its parts were assembled, and the engine and drivetrain.

A vehicle history report, on the other hand, highlights even more. This, of course, includes service records, ownership changes, odometer discrepancies, and changes in ownership history, among other things.

Essentially, a vehicle history report is more comprehensive and detailed than a VIN check.

How can I get a free vehicle history report?

You can get a comprehensive free vehicle history report from providers like VinPit. Using reliable resources like the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), service stations, and insurance companies, VinPit familiarizes you with all important details related to the vehicle and is helpful in making wise purchases.

What are the benefits of running a free VIN check?

Conduct a Free VIN Check Now!

Do a VIN check on your car now and get a free history report instantly.

The easiest way to uncover mileage fraud and accidents

Free VIN Lookup to check vehicle's history

What is a VIN Decoder?

A VIN Decoder is a tool that breaks down and analyses (“decodes”) Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs). 

The VIN is a 17-character number, which is the key to useful facts about the vehicle. This includes manufacturing information, specifications, features, and more. To learn this information, you need to know the meaning behind the VIN characters and their combinations. This can be complicated: the characters don’t mean the same thing for different manufacturers, models, and countries. 

This is why our free VIN Decoder is useful: to learn some basic facts about any vehicle or VIN code, you only have to enter it into the field above and click Decode VIN .

How to use the VIN decoder to do a VIN number lookup?

Using our universal VIN checker is as simple as it can get:

• Enter your vehicle’s 17-character VIN into the Enter VIN number field.
• Click Check Car.

In most cases, the VIN Decoder will provide some basic information for free. This info should be enough to:

• Check whether the VIN is real
• Confirm the VIN corresponds to the vehicle you’re checking
• Help you decode the number by breaking it down into parts

To access more details about the vehicle, such as mileage records, damages, old photos, and theft records, you can get a carVertical history report .

What is a VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number)?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) number is a unique code identifying (almost) every vehicle in the world. Car manufacturers started using it in the middle of the 20th century, but without strict standards all manufacturers constructed their own VINs – different lengths, meanings, etc.

The current standard was issued in 1981. It requires VINs to be 17-characters long and without the letters O (o), I (i), and Q (q) to avoid confusion with similar-looking numbers – 0, 1, and 9.

An auto VIN number is divided into several sections. Each of these holds unique information about the vehicle’s year and country of manufacture, features, options list, etc. And while figuring out the meaning of the VIN number can be difficult, VIN decoders like ours are a good place to start.

More importantly, you can use the VIN to access records on global databases. These are very useful when buying a used vehicle – they’ll help you avoid scams like mileage rollbacks, hidden damages, and more.

Where is the VIN number on a car?

As the VIN number is necessary to save various records and perform a VIN lookup, you have to know where to find it. The VIN code is always located in secure locations on the vehicle, so no one can accidentally damage or remove it. 

Here are the most common VIN number locations:

• Under the hood – the Vehicle Identification Number is often located in front of the engine block
• Dashboard on the driver’s side – step outside the car and look for it behind the windshield
• Driver’s side door pillar – open the driver’s door and look for a VIN plate on the inner side of the pillar
• The front end of the frame – on older vehicles, it’s often located on the inner front wheel arch
• Firewall – some older cars have the VIN on the firewall, which is located between the cabin and engine bay.

These are the on-car locations, but you can also find it on the vehicle title documents (registration) and on the insurance certificate. Just remember that all VINs must match.

Free VIN number check vs full car history report

The carVertical VIN checker scans dealer, repair shop databases, car sales reports, rental companies worldwide and provides you with all kinds of information from regular mileage checks to photos of damages.

While a free VIN decoder provides only basic data, here’s what you may learn about from a full carVertical vehicle history report:

• Mileage rollbacks
• Theft records from law enforcement agencies
• Damages (sometimes, even photos after accidents)
• Registration and inspection dates
• Vehicle’s title info (was it used as a taxi, rental, police vehicle, etc.; has it suffered water damage, and so on)
• Original equipment
• Specific model problems and recalls
• Country of origin, model year

You can see what a full VIN check can tell about your car in our sample vehicle’s history report . 

Meanwhile, the free VIN Decoder may tell you the car’s:

• Manufacturer
• Basic equipment info
• VIN number breakdown

Don’t risk your own safety when buying a used car – put its VIN code in our VIN decoder and unveil potential safety issues and problems right away.

Why do full car history reports cost money?

If you’re familiar with car history reports and free VIN decoders, you probably already know the difference in the amount of information they provide. The reason for this is simple – most information isn’t free.

A free VIN checker mostly provides data that’s accessible for free. We can always tell you the car’s make, model, and year of manufacture. In some cases, we can access even more data: e.g.: for some cars, we can give you the basic vehicle specifications. Technically, you could scavenge the internet for all of that information, but an actual VIN searcher does that in a matter of seconds, saving lots of your time.

The information our free VIN Decoder can find varies from one vehicle to another.

When it comes to the full vehicle history report, we delve into various paid databases around the world. carVertical has built strong business relations with auctions, insurance companies, manufacturers, and other institutions to obtain as much valuable and reliable data as possible. 

Not only is this data not free – a regular individual won’t always be able to simply buy it.

How to decode the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

The VIN number consists of 17 characters, which are divided into multiple sections. And you can technically decode a VIN without using a decoder. Every character has a fixed meaning.

World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

The first section, known as the WMI code , has three characters. 

• The first one shows the country of origin, and it can vary from the number “1” (US) to the letter “Z” (Italy)
• The second character shows the brand’s name. For example, “A” is for “Audi”, “B” is for “BMW”, "N" is for "Nissan". However, sometimes "A" represent British manufacturers or "R" can represent "Audi". That’s why another (third) character is needed in the WMI section.
• The last one reveals the manufacturer’s division or whether it’s a sedan, convertible, SUV, or any other body type

The structure of the World Manufacturer Identifier section is a bit different when the vehicle isn’t mass-produced.

Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)

The second section is the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), and it consists of five characters. They hold information about the engine size and type, braking system, car series, model and body style. Each character represents different features and their meaning depends on the manufacturer.

Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS)

The last 9 characters are the Vehicle Identifier Section or VIS. The information in this section is different, depending on whether the maker is American, European, or Asian.

• For US vehicles, the first 2 digits designate the model year and manufacturing plant, whereas the remaining characters are a serial code.
• With EU vehicles, the VIS only has to provide a "clear identification of a particular vehicle." 

There’s no doubt that many vehicles will have the same configuration and will be assembled in the same location, so the only difference in their VIN is going to be the serial number.

Figuring out the model year without a chart is complicated. For example, while “1” is 2001 and “2” is 2002, “A” is 2010, and “B” is 2011.

Each assembly plant also has its own coding, so it’s best to find the character first and then look it up.

Check digit

This is the shortest section, and it has only one character – a “check digit.” This digit is the result of a mathematical operation, using all the other VIN characters into a formula.

If at least one character is fake or incorrect, the result won’t match the check digit. It’s possible to calculate the check digit yourself without performing a VIN search.

In US and Chinese cars, the check digit is always the 9th character in the VIN. EU vehicles don’t specify the exact position. Meanwhile, UK and Australian VIN codes have no check digit.

International VIN Decoder

The VIN number is just one of multiple ways to identify a vehicle. 

Multiple identification ways are necessary for various reasons, including to detect various types of fraud. With that said, the standard ISO VIN is the most reliable vehicle identification method.

Old VIN numbers

Our universal VIN Decoder doesn’t work with old VIN formats due to different formatting. Vehicles manufactured between 1954 and 1981 use various VIN formats, so you’ll have to find a specific VIN lookup tool to decode them.

With that said, pre-1981 models can also be stolen, damaged, or written off just like any vehicle. As such, old VIN numbers are still necessary.

Frame or chassis number (especially in Japan)

VIN numbers aren’t as common in Japan. Instead, the country often uses chassis or frame numbers, whose format is completely different from the standard 17-character code.

Ordinary decoders can’t recognise these "chassis numbers" and "frame numbers" found in Japanese vehicles, so you’ll have to look for a decoder designed specifically for them.

License plate numbers

Most countries require you to register a vehicle to use it on public roads. This means there are databases holding data about each vehicle based on license plate numbers. Often license plate checks are free, but this depends solely on the country.

This check should provide no more than basic information like vehicle make and model, title and insurance status. Additionally, it’s not nearly as useful in cross-border situations.

Why is it important to do a VIN number lookup?

There are many reasons why it is important to do a VIN lookup. They depend on the situation of the user.

You may want to get a free VIN Decoder check to:

• Confirm the VIN code matches a specific vehicle
• Check basic specifications information
• Help decode the VIN manually

Getting a VIN lookup for a full vehicle history is important if you’re:

• Buying a used car – learn about damages, mileage rollbacks, and other important details. This can help you avoid bad deals or help to negotiate the price.
• Selling a used car – buyers value transparency, so providing a history report is a great first step to build trust.
• A car owner – learn about potential weak points or simply satisfy your curiosity.

What does a VIN decoder do?

A VIN decoder processes Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), analyzes them, and helps users learn the meaning behind the 17-digit VIN code.

What is a free VIN decoder?

A free VIN decoder provides only information that is freely available. This includes details about the model and (sometimes) basic specifications, but typically does not include vehicle history data.

What does a VIN check show?

A paid VIN check shows important historical information about a vehicle. This includes past damages, suspected mileage rollbacks, and more.

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What is a VIN Number?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code assigned to every motor vehicle when it's manufactured. This 17-character string of letters and numbers, excluding the letters Q (q), I (i), and O (o) to avoid confusion with the numbers 0 and 1, provides specific details about the vehicle's manufacturer, model, year, and place of production, without intervening spaces. Each section of the VIN offers distinct information about the vehicle, including the make, model, year, and the serial number. This alphanumeric code, typically found printed in a single line on the vehicle's chassis or documents, is essential for registration, insurance, and tracking the vehicle's history.

How to Find the VIN Number

Finding your vehicle's VIN is straightforward. Here's where to look:

• Passenger Cars: Check the front of the dashboard on the driver's side. View it from outside the vehicle through the windshield. Also, inspect the driver's side door pillar—open the door to find the VIN where the door latches.
• Motorcycles: Typically found on the steering neck below the handlebars, but it could also be on the motor or on the frame near the motor.
• Semitrailers: Look on the front part of the semitrailer on the left side.

If you're unable to locate the VIN on the vehicle, it can also be found on:

• Your vehicle's title documents.
• Liability insurance documents.

How to Do a VIN Number Check

Enter your vehicle's 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in the field above to look up and receive an instant report on its manufacturer, brand, make and model, body style, engine size, assembly plant, and model year. The information is provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from the data submitted by the manufacturers to NHTSA. The VIN Decoder lookup is intended for use with vehicles manufactured since 1981. If your vehicle was made before 1981, the VIN will most likely contain 11 characters.

How to Decode the Vehicle Identification Number

Wondering what all the characters in your vehicle's VIN stand for?

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Free vin decoder & lookup, what is a vehicle identification number (vin).

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a distinct code allocated to each motor vehicle during its production process. This 17-character alphanumeric sequence lacks spaces and deliberately excludes the letters Q (q), I (i), and O (o) to prevent confusion with the numerals 0 and 1. Structured by the ISO Institute , the VIN serves as a comprehensive identifier, divulging specific details about the vehicle, encompassing its manufacturing year, country and factory of origin, make and model specifics, and the unique serial number. This code functions as a vital repository of information, revealing critical details like the engine type, transmission, and more, offering an intricate profile of the vehicle’s characteristics and history. Typically, VINs are displayed in a continuous line, each character holding significant details integral to the vehicle’s identity and history.

Where can you find the VIN number?

• Under the hood (engine block)
• Dashboard (near the windshield)
• Door frame (left-hand inner wheel arch)
• Driver’s side door (near door jamb)
• Some cars may have it on the firewall, steering wheel, and radiator support bracket.

You can also find the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of a vehicle on various documents, including:

• Vehicle Title : The VIN is listed on the vehicle’s title documents, which prove ownership. It’s an important identifier on the title.
• Registration Documents : The VIN is commonly included on the vehicle registration documents issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
• Insurance Documents : Insurance policies often list the VIN, as it helps identify the insured vehicle accurately.

How to Decode the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

Characters 1-3: World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI)

The first three characters of the VIN represent the World Manufacturer Identifier, which identifies the vehicle’s country of origin and the manufacturer. The first character typically represents the country where the vehicle was manufactured, the second character may identify the manufacturer’s division or the vehicle type, and the third character often represents the vehicle’s model or manufacturing division.

Characters 4-8: Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)

Characters 4 through 8 in the VIN make up the Vehicle Descriptor Section. This portion of the VIN provides specific details about the vehicle, including its body type, engine type, series, and more. It can vary in length and content depending on the manufacturer and the specific vehicle.

Here’s what the VDS section can encompass:

• Model Information: The VDS may contain characters that represent the specific model of the vehicle. This could be a concise representation of the model name or a combination of characters indicating the model.
• Body Style: Information about the body style of the vehicle can be encoded within the VDS. This could indicate whether the vehicle is a sedan, coupe, convertible, SUV, truck, etc.
• Engine Type: Some VDS codes might include details about the engine type or configuration. This can provide insights into the powertrain of the vehicle.
• Trim Level: The trim level of the vehicle, which denotes the various features, options, and upgrades, can be encoded in the VDS. This helps distinguish between different configurations of the same model.
• Other Vehicle Specifics: Depending on the manufacturer, additional details like safety features, special packages, or specific equipment may also be included in the VDS.

It’s important to note that while the VDS code provides valuable information about a vehicle, it is not standardized across all automakers. Different manufacturers may use this section to encode various details based on their own internal coding systems. As a result, interpreting the VDS code requires access to the manufacturer’s decoding guide or database.

Characters 9-17: Vehicle Identification Section (VIS)

The remaining characters (from 9 to 17) form the Vehicle Identification Section. This part of the VIN is unique to each vehicle and provides information about the vehicle’s model year, assembly plant, and the serial number of the vehicle as it came off the assembly line. The 9th character is often used to check the VIN’s accuracy.

Character 10: Vehicle Identification Section – Model Year

The 10th. character of the VIN represents the model year of a car. It is one of the important information you should check if you’re planning to buy a used car. This matters because the model year helps assess the value of a car. Insurance fees also depends on the age of the car. As shown above, the 10th character of the VIN indicates the model year.

What types of information can you get from VinCheck.info VIN decoder service?

VinCheck.info’s VIN decoder service provides a comprehensive range of information about a vehicle’s history, including:

• country of origin
• name of the maker
• engine type and size
• transmission type
• Vehicle ownership history: shows the number of owners, duration of ownership, registration details, and state of registration.
• Title History : Access details regarding the vehicle’s title, including any previous title transfers, salvage titles, or branding issues that may affect its value or legality.
• Flood or Salvage History: Flood-damaged or salvaged vehicles may have hidden issues. Land Rover VIN Check Reports reveal any history of flood damage or salvage, aiding buyers in avoiding vehicles with potential hidden problems.
• Odometer Readings : Verify the accuracy of the vehicle’s odometer readings to prevent potential odometer fraud or tampering.
• Lien and Loan Records : Discover any existing liens or outstanding loans on the vehicle, ensuring a smooth ownership transfer and preventing complications.
• Ownership Cost: Approximate calculation of the expenses associated with owning and operating a vehicle over a specific period. This estimate takes into account various factors such as the vehicle’s purchase price, depreciation, fuel consumption, insurance premiums, maintenance and repair costs, taxes, financing charges (if applicable), and other related expenses.
• Current warranty : type of coverage and warranty status.
• Accident History : Gain insight into any reported accidents or collisions the Land Rover has encountered, offering a comprehensive understanding of its past damages and repairs.
• Recalls and defects : latest recalls, impact on performance and safety, and available remedies.
• Market value : the estimated average value people are paying for the same car in your area.
• Sales history : shows historical listings of this vehicle for sale, either by a private party or by a car dealership.
• Equipment details : air conditioning system, mirrors, safety features, tires, and other related items.
• Fuel efficiency : the car’s city and highway mileage per gallon, fuel capacity, and type.
• Crash-worthiness is how a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash.
• Crash avoidance and mitigation refer to technology to prevent a crash or lessen its severity.

Decode Any VIN, Select Your Manufacturer to Begin

Acura   Alfa Romeo   Aston Martin   Audi   Bugatti   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Dodge   Ferrari   Fiat   Ford   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   KIA   Lamborghini   Land Rover   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Mazda   McLaren   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Pontiac   Porsche   Rolls-Royce   Subaru   Suzuki   Tesla   Toyota   Volvo   Volkswagen

Other VIN-based Tools and Resources from VinCheck.info

All these vehicle research tools offer comprehensive vehicle history reports absolutely free – great alternatives to pricey car reports.

Free VIN Recall Check Free Motorcycle VIN Check Free ATV VIN Check

If the VIN is not available, VinCheck.info offers a free license plate lookup that can yield the same results as a free VIN check.

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The VIN you have entered is invalid.

Possible reasons:

• there may be a typo in the VIN
• the VIN provided in the offer you're checking is invalid
• the seller has provided you with an invalid VIN

Remember: before you enter the VIN, double-check it against the photo of the nameplate or documents.

Enter the VIN number of the vehicle whose history you want to check.

It consists of 17 characters and cannot contain the letters I (i), O (o) i Q (q). You will find it in the registration book and several places in the vehicle, depending on the model.

Remember - before you enter the VIN, double-check it against the photo of the nameplete or documents

AutoDNA is a leading provider of vehicle history reports for second-hand cars from Europe and the USA. Gain access to our knowledge and experience and verify the history of your car in detail . Free VIN lookup before buying a car.

• Our reports contain information coming from various of local and global sources (including European countries, the USA and Canada). The most important are dealers, workshops, vehicle inspection stations, financial institutions, state administration, records of stolen vehicles, police, dismantled stations and many others.
• We've been operating since 2010. Years of experience have taught us what information is most important for buyers of second-hand cars.
• AutoDNA online is available 24/7 . We work hard to keep our customers satisfied every day.

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How Can I Get a Free VIN Check?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique number assigned to every car and is logged by mechanics, insurance companies and state agencies every time work is performed or ownership changes. This provides a complete history of its past.

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The VIN is like an SSN for your vehicle

One of the most stressful aspects of buying a used car is not knowing what secrets lie beneath its paint. A lack of regular maintenance, a history of recalls that haven’t been addressed, or even a history of flood damage can be difficult for most buyers to spot. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to get a look into the past history of a vehicle you’re considering. And, best of all, at least some of it is available for free.

Every new vehicle is assigned a vehicle identification number, or VIN, when it is built. A unique seventeen-digit alphanumeric code that stays with it throughout its life, the VIN is like a Social Security number for your car. Every time the car goes to a dealer or independent shop for repairs or routine maintenance, mechanics log the details into its history by referencing the VIN.

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Several online services provide ways to easily access this information. Decoding the VIN can tell you whether a crash or flood damage has resulted in a salvage title, or whether the vehicle has been recalled for a safety defect or other issue – and whether that issue has been addressed. You can even find out where the car has previously been registered, which can provide insight into regional factors such as whether it has spent time in a cold climate and was regularly exposed to salt and potential corrosion damage.

“A VIN check is imperative for used car shoppers, as it will let you know if the car has a salvaged or branded title – that is, if the car has been totaled by an insurance company due to extensive damage from an accident, flood, or another event,” said Jim Sharifi, managing editor of U.S. News Best Cars. “Avoiding cars with salvage or branded titles will save consumers some major ownership headaches.”

Free VIN Checks

While a number of well-known companies such as Carfax provide detailed reports you can run yourself for a fee, we found several others that provide varying amounts of historical data for free. All you need to do is enter the VIN on their website, and you’ll get a report in a matter of seconds. Like Carfax, some of these will provide more details for a modest fee. Here’s a quick look at some of the better free options available and what they provide.

VehicleHistory.com has the most free information available, providing useful data that include recalls, safety ratings, original specifications, standard and optional equipment, warranty and more. The site also includes information about what key safety equipment was included when the vehicle was new, fuel economy data, user reviews, common reported problems and links to similar vehicles for sale in your area. If the car goes up for sale, VehicleHistory.com can tell you where, as well as its list price, sale price and the status of its parts and components.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau offers a free VIN check to determine whether a vehicle was ever reported stolen or damaged to the point where it was issued a salvage title. NICB offers up to five free VIN checks from one IP address within a 24-hour period, using data supplied by car insurance companies. As a result, information may not be completely up to date.

VINcheck Pro offers a free report including the year, make and model of the vehicle, along with where it was built, specifications, safety ratings, current value and original price. The site also provides free details on any recalls issued since the vehicle was built and offers a free checklist of items that buyers should check before committing to a purchase. Another handy feature is predicted ownership costs for the next five years, but Vincheck Pro does not include maintenance and ownership history.

Paid VIN Checks

The only way to get the most complete information on a vehicle’s past is to pay for it. The relatively modest cost can be a wise investment, however, saving you a bundle on repairs later by steering you away from an unsavory vehicle.

“Free VIN checks will get you the major red flags, like a salvaged title,” Sharifi said, “but paying for a VIN can get you more details, like how many owners the car has had.”

The two largest and best-known providers of paid VIN check reports are AutoCheck and Carfax. In addition to basic information included with free sites, both provide any history of recalls, thefts or crashes and detailed reports on the vehicle, including a description and overall evaluation. You can also learn where it was originally sold and states in which it was previously registered by prior owners. AutoCheck and Carfax reports can dive deep into granular details, including any hail damage, whether the vehicle was leased or has served as a government or police vehicle and whether there is evidence of a rolled-back odometer.

Carfax is a partner of U.S. News, meaning that you can get a free Carfax report on many of the vehicles available through our listings. More thorough reports are available through the Carfax website. A single report costs $44,99, or you can get three for $64.99. For really serious shoppers, a package of five is available for $99.99.

AutoCheck offers basic information for free, including the vehicle's make, model and country where it was built. Paid reports include details about flood, theft or incident damage and assign a numerical score for that specific vehicle so you can compare it to others from that same model year. Paid options include a single report for $24.99 or a bundle of five for $49.99 over a 21-day period.

If you’re buying from a car dealer, remember that many dealers include a free vehicle history report with a vehicle purchase and often have a subscription to Carfax or another service. If the salesperson doesn’t offer one, don’t be afraid to ask. Chances are, they’ll throw in a report if that’s what it takes to close the deal.

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3 Ways To Get a Free VIN Check Before Buying a Used Car

Every vehicle has its own number, appropriately called a Vehicle Identification Number: VIN for short. Researching that number can tell you a lot, including the car’s registration(s) by state, type of title and whether anyone’s made an insurance claim on the vehicle following an accident.

There are several ways to get a VIN checked that won’t cost a penny. You can even get one on your current car if you’re just curious about its history before you owned it.

This article was updated in January 2024 and I review it every month.

Here’s Where To Get a Completely Free VIN Check!

There are a variety of services you can use for a completely free VIN check before you buy a used car .

Getting a VIN check is especially important if you’re buying a car through Craigslist or eBay since you’re not working with a dealership that could provide free access to paid sites such CARFAX , AutoCheck or autoDNA.com .

You can get a free VIN check at the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), VehicleHistory.com or iSeeCars.com/VIN .

Just pop in your car’s digits and these sites will do the VIN lookup and give you information on the vehicle.

But you should use more than one of these sites to get the full picture. Read on to find out why.

Table of Contents: 

National insurance crime bureau, vehiclehistory, how to decode your vin.

• Clark’s Key Rules for Used-Car Buying

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB.org) keeps it simple with its VIN check search tool . The site will tell you if your vehicle has been:

• Reported as lost or stolen
• Declared a total loss following an accident

This is the most basic of the completely free VIN checks you can get, and this site is limited to five searches within a 24-hour period per IP address.

To get your report, visit the website and enter your car’s VIN number under “Look Up a VIN.” You can also take a photo of your car’s VIN number and upload it to the website instead of typing it in. Once you agree to the terms and conditions and verify that you aren’t a robot, you can click “Search VIN.”

From there, you’ll see the VIN check results.

For a more complete VIN lookup, VehicleHistory is a free option that provides other data like fuel economy, cost to own and price analysis.

Other things you’ll get in this free VIN lookup include:

• Selling history
• Current recall information
• Detailed list of the expiration of manufacturer warranties
• Price predictions about the best time to buy a particular make and model

To get your free VIN report through VehicleHistory, enter your car’s VIN number on the homepage.

iSeeCars offers another robust free VIN check experience. Culling 200 data points, your free car history report from iSeeCars includes the following:

• Accident history
• Market value
• Price analysis
• Price history
• Projected depreciation
• The best times to buy and sell

The limit is five searches per month. To get your free VIN check from iSeeCars, enter your VIN number at the top of the page and click “Check This VIN.”

VINs come in two lengths: 17 characters or 11 characters. Every motor vehicle that’s on the road today has a unique VIN.

While a VIN may seem like a meaningless string of numbers, there are a few keys to decoding it.

• The first character of your VIN indicates the country of origin.
• The second and third characters tell you the manufacturer and division.
• The fourth through eighth characters indicate vehicle description, safety and type of engine.
• The ninth character is the manufacturer’s security code.
• The 10th character tells you the vehicle’s model year.
• The 11th character is the assembly plant identifier.
• Characters 12 through 17 are the plant sequential number/vehicle serial number.

Clark’s Key Rules of Used-Car Buying

If you’re searching for a free VIN report, chances are you’re looking to buy a used car. According to money expert Clark Howard , buying used can be a smart move for your wallet. But it does come with some possible pitfalls you’ve got to watch out for.

Here’s what you need to know after you pull a free vehicle history report but before you buy.

Have a Mechanic Check the Vehicle Before You Buy It

It is possible that a free VIN check could come back clean with no accidents listed even though the car has clearly had major repairs.

This would be likely if a previous owner paid for repairs out of pocket instead of making an insurance claim. So use these services as a tool, but don’t rely on the information to be 100% accurate.

For real peace of mind when you’re buying a used vehicle, you’ve got to hire an independent mechanic to take a look at the vehicle before you agree to buy it.

The reality is that all used cars are sold “as is,” whether by a private seller or a licensed dealer unless they come with a written warranty. Worse yet, the seller is not required by law to be honest about the condition of the vehicle.

For that reason, one of Clark Howard’s key rules of used car buying is to get an inspection from a certified diagnostic mechanic before you buy. If you leave a deposit on the vehicle, make sure you get it in writing that the seller will return your deposit if the car doesn’t check out. Clark says you can eliminate nine out of 10 used car buying disasters this way.

When looking for an independent mechanic, you want to see ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification. Garages that participate in what’s called the Blue Seal program typically feature the most highly trained ASE-certified mechanics. Visit ASE.com to find one near you.

Watch Out for Hidden Flood Damage

In the aftermath of any major hurricane or widespread flooding, you have to worry about flooded vehicles entering the used car market. Following Hurricane Katrina, hundreds of thousands of vehicles were rebuilt and had their titles “washed,” Clark notes.

That’s when dishonest people take flooded vehicles into states where they can easily modify the titles. This removes any evidence that a vehicle was ever in a flood. Cars with washed titles can then be sold to dealerships that either don’t know or don’t care that they’re buying flooded vehicles.

These cars often end up in the hands of “curb stoners,” illegal dealers who run ads in the paper. They pretend they’re selling their sister’s car or their mother’s car and they hope you don’t know what they know. About 20% of these cars go to unsuspecting people overseas. Clark says the other 80% stay right here at home.

To the naked eye, there’s usually no way to tell what’s wrong with these cars. But you’ll know you’ve got a flood car when you encounter failed electrical systems throughout the vehicle.

Again, it all comes back to the need for a good diagnostic mechanic to inspect the car thoroughly before you buy it!

Final Thoughts

Getting a free VIN check from the sites listed here is a great first step to take when you’re thinking about buying a used vehicle.

All the data you get back on your free VIN reports should match up across providers. If there’s no match, that’s a potential sign that the vehicle has undergone VIN forgery, and that should certainly give you pause before you move ahead with the purchase.

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• What is VIN Number?
• Where to find the VIN?

Free VIN decoder and lookup. Get your vehicle check now!

Decode your VIN for free and learn everything there is to know about your vehicle - its country of manufacture, repair history, warranty status, and more. The My Free VIN decoder will help you make informed decisions when buying used vehicles.

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How does the VIN decoder work?

The VIN decoder reads your unique vehicle id number and provides information about the vehicle. This includes details encoded in the VIN, such as the manufacturer, type of engine and transmission, the year of production, make, model, and more. Additionally, the decoder will give you up-to-date information on the vehicle gathered from the manufacturer, dealerships, salvage/scrap yards, insurance companies, as well as government institutions - highway safety agencies, law enforcement agencies, and motor vehicle departments.

Using the VIN decoder is a great way to protect yourself when buying a used car, searching for the right replacement part, or looking up statistics on your vehicle.

What information does the report contain?

Vehicle information:

Additional information

Our VIN decoder is a powerful tool for learning the history of a vehicle you own or want to purchase.

Ownership history - details related to the ownership of the vehicle, such as the number of owners, duration of ownership, and registration details, such as the country, state, or city of registration

Accident history - details about any accidents the vehicle has been in, including dates and potential severity of damages

Warranty status - information about the type of coverage and warranty status

Recall and defect information - learn if the vehicle has any recalls, registered defects, their impact on safety, and possible fixes

Archive photographs - in some cases, VINs are tied to archival footage of the vehicle, allowing you to see how it looked at various stages

Market value - an estimation of the value of the vehicle based on average prices in your area

Safety rating - crash ratings provide useful information on the safety of the vehicle in a crash, as well as its technological capabilities to avoid accidents

Equipment details - information on the vehicle equipment, such as safety features, air conditioning, lights, etc.

Law enforcement incidents - information from law enforcement agencies to help determine whether the car was stolen

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Vehicle History Reports

What is a vehicle history report.

A vehicle history report (VHR), also referred to as a VIN check , VIN number check , or VIN lookup , is a detailed document that provides vehicle information about the history of a particular car, boat, truck or RV. In order to obtain a VHR to verify a car's history, you'll need to know your vehicle identification number (VIN) .

Typically companies offer either a free VIN Check, or a more complete paid VIN number lookup.

What Will a VIN Check Tell Me?

A car report or a DMV VIN check can reveal any other strikes against a vehicle that might make you think twice about signing on the dotted line, such as:

• Past ownership.
• Any liens held on the vehicle.
• Vehicle maintenance.
• Title history blemishes.
• Faulty odometer settings.
• Flood damage.
• Accident history.
• Car title check.
• Whether a vehicle was determined to be a lemon.
• Airbag deployments.

How Do I Find My Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

In order to get your car info by VIN lookup, you will need to verify the VIN. Use the diagram below to help you when looking up VIN numbers.

Do I Need a VIN Check if I'm Buying a Car?

Vehicle history reports can make purchasing a car less of a gamble. Why roll the dice when you can actually know exactly what you are buying by doing research on a VIN number? Obtaining a report is as simple as verifying the VIN number and hopping on a computer.

Do I Need a VIN Number Check if I'm Selling a Car?

Whether you're a private seller or a dealer, a vehicle history report can help you sell a vehicle. If the VHR is free of questionable content, what better way to gain the buyer's confidence? Also, if there happens to be suspicious-looking information on the report, you can find out what it's all about and ease any concerns a customer might have.

Can I Get a Free Vehicle History Report?

There are many companies that offer what they call:

• Free VIN checks.
• Free vehicle history reports.
• Free VIN number lookups.
• Free VIN number checks.
• Free VIN number search.
• Free VIN number decoder.

The information you receive is limited to basic things such as recalls and customer complaints. If you want a vehicle's accident or lien history or a stolen vehicle check, you'll have to pay for that information.

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