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6 Websites Offering a Free VIN Check
NICB
The NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau) is one of the best places to obtain a free VIN check. This platform can help you to check a vehicle history and is very easy to use.
When you enter a VIN number and agree to the terms, you’ll need to enter a verification code before you’ll see the results of your VIN search.
This record will detail the theft and total loss records for the vehicle. This will show if the car has been stolen at some point in its history or if there was damage from an accident, flood or fire.
Vehicle History
If you want a more detailed free vehicle history report, Vehicle History is a good option. This site offers far more information about the vehicle according to its VIN. This includes:
Selling historyAny current recall informationDetail list of manufacturer warranties expirationPrice predictions for the best time to purchase the particular make and modelFuel economy Price analysis for costs to own.
Once you enter the VIN number into the Vehicle History site, just click “Research” and you can then view the report for your vehicle.
ISeeCars
iSeeCars is another site offering more than a free vehicle history report. This site uses 200 data points to generate a comprehensive free car report. This includes:
Price historyDepreciation projectionsPrice analysisThe best times to buy or sell.
The site is easy to use. All you need to do is enter the VIN into the top of the page and click the “Analyze” button.
CarFax
Carfax Summary
Wide audience – Carfax has a large customer base that can by your car fast.Mobile apps: You can connect 24/7 via Andriod or iOS with their apps.Free Carfax report helps you set the best priceSell any type of car – new or used
CarFax is an industry leading resource for consumer vehicle information. You can use this platform to check car service history online for free. In fact, many car dealers will use CarFax to generate reports for the vehicles on the lot to show to potential buyers.
Although the most comprehensive reports do incur a fee, CarFax does offer basic VIN reporting for the used cars on its website free of charge. These free reports show owner history, service history, accidents and usage information.
VINCheck
VINCheck another site offering VIN number lookup. There is basic information available for free, but you can also pay for a more comprehensive report.
The free report includes the make, model, year of the vehicle and whether it is on a recall database. You can also obtain an environmental score for free and links for finance and insurance quotes.
If you pay a fee, you can obtain full recall details, accident history, any prior theft details and other historical data. You can pay a one time fee at a usual price of $9.95 or pay for a bundle package for up to five reports at $34.75.
AutoCheck
Finally on this list of the best free VIN check website options, is Autocheck. You can get a basic report for free including the make, model and manufacturer country. You can upgrade to a paid report that will detail any flood, theft or incident damage. The paid report also assigns a numerical score for each vehicle so you can compare it to other similar vehicles.
The options for paid reports are $24.99 for a single report or you can enjoy a 21 day pass with access to 25 reports for $49.99. There is also a pro option that allows up to 300 reports within 21 days for $99.99.
What is a VIN?
A free VIN check is more than a license plate search. A VIN is a 17 digit unique code that is assigned to each new vehicle sold in the US. This system began in the 1950s and it allows you to decode when and where the vehicle was manufactured, along with information about the engine size, safety equipment and other details.
A VIN is a unique code assigned to each new vehicle
Like a Social Security number for a person a VIN can also indicate the history and events of the vehicle during its lifespan. It can indicate past collisions or damage, if it has been stolen or if there are any recalls that need attention. You can also discover previous registrations for the vehicle. So, you can assess whether it has spent time where there may have been regular exposure to road salt and therefore have potential corrosion damage.
This is why it is important to answer the question, where can I check a VIN for free?
Why Should I Check the VIN Number When Buying a Car?
If you’re planning on buying a car, it is crucial to at least run a free VIN check, so you can understand the vehicle’s history.
A free VIN check DMV report will help you to check the basic history of the vehicle including previous claims or accidents. The car report will also show that the car is legally available for purchase and roadworthy.
While reputable dealerships will often provide a copy of the VIN report for a vehicle, if you’re purchasing from a private seller or a dealership that doesn’t offer a report, you will need to run your own VIN check.
In many cases, a free VIN check will be sufficient, but in some instances, you may need to purchase a more comprehensive report before you proceed with the sale.
Should You Pay for a VIN Check?
Generally, it is a good idea to buy a comprehensive VIN report if you are buying a vehicle from a private seller or the dealership does not provide a copy. Since VIN reports are quite inexpensive, it is worth being wholly confident that the vehicle is legit and what you are expecting.
A vehicle can be a very costly purchase, so it is crucial that you understand the overall condition of the vehicle. A comprehensive VIN report can provide information about recalls, servicing, repairs and an evaluation of the condition of the vehicle. This will ensure that you are paying a fair price for the vehicle.
However, if you’re buying a brand new car, it is unlikely that you will need a comprehensive report. Since a new car will not have any accident or ownership records, you won’t learn much more than a basic free VIN check. However, even if you’re using a car buying platform, it may be a good idea to delve into the vehicle history.