Whether you are looking to purchase a used vehicle or find out if your vehicle is safe and has a clean history, one of the best services you can use to gather information is a VIN lookup reports. This is a simple, yet very important report that will give you tons of information about a car’s history and condition, giving you peace of mind, information and making better decisions. In this blog we will delve into, what is a VIN, why is it important and how a VIN lookup reports can save you from being at risk.
What is a VIN?
Every motor vehicle is assigned a unique 17-character code called a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at the time of manufacture. This number, which is unique to every car, serves as a fingerprint, offering information on the following:
- Make, model, and year
- If you OK the basics, you could also get to know the engine type and specifications.
- Place of manufacture
- Vehicle’s safety features
- Previous ownership history
The VIN is important not only for identifying a vehicle, but also for tracking its history as it ages.
What is a VIN Lookup Report?
A VIN lookup report is a detailed history report that gives critical information about a particular vehicle based on its VIN. Its detail service, for example, is available through numerous online services, such as QuickVinPro, AutoCheck or the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), and provides information on:
Accident history: Whether the car has been involved in any accidents, and if yes, the severity and details of those accidents.
Title status: A clean title or if the car has been branded as salvage, rebuilt or flood-damaged.
Odometer readings:To look for possible odometer rollback or fraud.
Ownership history: You’ll need to know how many owners the car has had and whether it was driven as a personal vehicle, rental or lease.
Your service and maintenance records: A record of any reported maintenance or repairs performed on the vehicle.
This information can make all the difference in a used car purchase, so you don’t wind up with a car that has a past of accidents, title problems or the less than desirable status.This information can be key when buying a used car, because you do not want to end up with a car that has, unbeknown to you, a history of an accident or title problems, or any other red flags.
Reasons That You Need a VIN Lookup Report
Avoid Fraud
When buying a pre-owned car, you take some risks. A VIN lookup can protect you from rabid buyers or cars with secret issues. You’ll also be able to check whether the car has been reported stolen or has been in any major accidents.
1. Know the Vehicle’s History
Knowing if a car was taken care of or had issues that kept coming up helps you understand how it will perform overall. It can help you determine whether the car is worth the investment or whether you should continue searching.
2. Save Money in the Long Run
A VIN lookup report will reveal costly problems such as previous flood damage or frame damage from a collision that may not necessarily be apparent to the untrained eye. Nabbing these issues in advance can save you thousands in repairs and prevent future headaches.
3. Check Ownership and Title Status
Knowing a title status will prevent you from buying a vehicle with a “branded” title, which can impact its resale value and your ability to insure it. It also informs you if the vehicle has been reported stolen previously or has any outstanding legal claims.
What to Know About the VIN Lookup Report
Steps for Getting VIN Lookup Reports All you need is the vehicle’s VIN, which is usually located in:
- (Driver’s side: Behind the windshield on the very bottom of the dashboard).
- On the driver’s side door frame (next to the door latch).
- On the vehicle’s title or registration documents or insurance card.
Once you have the VIN, you can input it into a lookup tool provided by many services, including:
- Carfax
- AutoCheck
- National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)
- VehicleHistory.com
While some basic reports may be free, they usually come without the details the buyer is looking for the good stuff comes with a price.
What should be done with your VIN report?
After you’ve acquired your VIN lookup report, look it over carefully. Pay attention to the following.
Title issues or branding: If there are any title issues mentioned in the report such as salvage or rebuilt you might want to skip the purchase.
Accident or damage history: Pay attention to the severity of the reports minor dings or dents don’t necessarily jeopardize a car’s safety or reliability, for example. Some cars have had minor repairs and are still in excellent shape.
Number of owners:If a car has had multiple owners it could signal the potential for problems or it could mean the car has had multiple owners in its lifetime. Balance that against other elements in the report.
Conclusion
When purchasing a used vehicle, a VIN lookup reports is an essential tool. Providing key information about a vehicle’s history, it can help you avoid potential issues and choose a smarter, more well-informed purchase. Whether buying, selling, or simply checking on your current vehicle’s status, a VIN lookup makes sure you know.
Always do a VIN lookup report before signing on the dotted line. This is a small step that can relieve you of a lot of money, time and stress in the long run. Happy car shopping!