Frequently Asked Questions vehicle identification number (VIN)

Take a moment to imagine this: After saving up for months to buy that new or foreign used car, just barely one week after you rejoiced with your friends and family over that car, you got a call that the car is a stolen vehicle. Now your joy has turned to sorrow because you are now involved in a police investigation.

The scenario described above is one of a number of cases that happens when you buy a car- whether new or used without running a vehicle history check on that car. A vehicle history report is just as important as finally making the decision on which car you want to buy. A vehicle history report (VHR) is a statement that will let you know information about the ownership, repair history, theft or accident records, and other vital information about a specific vehicle. Ideally, if you are purchasing your vehicle from a reputable dealership, you should be given a vehicle history on that car for free. But if otherwise, it’s in your best interest to take up the responsibility to get a VHR.

Checking a vehicle’s history is more important especially if you are buying a used car. This will help to protect you from any challenges associated with the car.

Various online sources offer a free Vehicle History Report, while others are paid. It’s important to bear in mind that the details you get on a free report won’t be as detailed as what you would get if you paid for a report tailored to your car. Notwithstanding, a free Vehicle History Report offers you essential details as well.

How to Check VIN in 3 Easy Steps

Many Online platforms like VinCheck.info has made vehicle research more accessible by offering it to all consumers. All it takes is a minute or less of your time to execute these easy steps:

Step 1: Find the VIN

Look for the VIN. It is typically found on the inside of the driver’s door jamb and windshield.

Step 2: VIN Lookup

Enter the VIN into the search box. Hit “Continue” and wait for the system to find the VIN in the database.

Step 3: Get VIN Report

Browse the 10-page report or enter your email address to receive a copy via email.

Never buy a used car without knowing its history!

• Watch out for these issues revealed by over 500,000 free vehicle history reports.
• 1 in every 5 cars is a SALVAGED car
• 1 in every 15 cars is REBUILT
• 1 in every 25 cars has been involved in an ACCIDENT
• 1 in every 50 cars has a TAMPERED ODOMETER
• 1 in every 100 cars has been DAMAGED BY FLOOD

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a vehicle identification number (VIN)?

The VIN is the car’s fingerprint, a unique vehicle identifier composed of 17 characters (digits and capital letters). Each section of the VIN stands for the car’s unique features, specifications and make and model, and other information.

Where can I find the VIN number?

You can find the VIN outside the vehicle by looking at the dashboard on the driver’s side or on a sticker on the door jamb of the driver’s door. The VIN is also written on the title, vehicle registration, and insurance documents.

What if my VIN doesn’t decode?

Make sure that you copied all 17 number-and-letter combinations of the VIN correctly. Check if it includes the letters O (o), I (i), and Q (q). The standard format does not include these letters to avoid confusion with numerals 0, 1, and 9).

Who is a vehicle report for?

A vehicle history report is basically for buyers as well as sellers of used cars. As a car owner, you may want to have a vehicle history report you can present to a buyer if you want to sell your car. If you want to buy a used car, you’d want to run a VIN check to make sure it did not have any major issues in the past.

What is included in a free vehicle history report?

The VinCheck.info free vehicle history report is a comprehensive 10-page report that offers critical details on a used car collated from industry and government sources. Basically, it presents a used car’s past and current condition: vehicle specifications, equipment details, and the NMVTIS Report. It also includes value-added features such as market value, fuel efficiency, safety rating, inspection checklist, recalls and defects, and auto insurance information.