Can I run a VIN number for free?

It's a good idea to do some research to learn more about the history of a used car if you're thinking about buying one. You can quickly find out the history of the car, including previous owners, maintenance records, collisions, and safety recalls, by looking up the vehicle identifying number (VIN). While premium VIN checks give you a more thorough report, a free VIN check can still provide you with helpful details about the car that can aid in your selection.

The VIN is a unique 17-digit identifier used to track and identify your car. Your vehicle's make, model, unique features, and other information are identified by the numbers and letters that make up your VIN. For example, the first digit indicates the country of origin of your car.

What is the purpose of a vehicle history report?

A vehicle's history report can be useful to anyone involved with a vehicle. That primarily refers to buyers and sellers. If you're purchasing a used automobile, it is your responsibility to check the VIN to make sure that there aren't any significant problems that the seller failed to disclose. Having the report on hand will allow you to convince the buyer that the used car is worth the asking price if you're selling it.

What is included in a free vehicle history report?

The essential information on a used car will be covered in a typical vehicle history report, which will be several pages long. In order to provide the reader a thorough overview of the car's present state, previous issues, vehicle specs, equipment specifics, and even things like market value, fuel efficiency, and safety rating, this data will be gathered from a variety of industry and governmental sources. The information you receive on auto insurance, the inspection checklist, and all the information you require on recalls and problems is crucial in terms of safety. All of this, plus the report from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), will verify whether the information on the title is correct.

Steps to check a car's VIN number

Find the VIN

Although a VIN is present on every car built since 1981, it isn't always visible on the same part. The three typical sites for VINs are the driver's side door jamb, the driver's side windshield, and under the hood at the front of the engine. Check these spots when looking for your VIN.

Use a website for VIN checking

Free VIN checks are available, but there are also websites that charge for VIN checks. The basic information in the free report can also be useful when purchasing a used car online, through a dealership, or from a private seller. You have access to specific information about the vehicle when choosing a free VIN check.

VIN check report

You will see the VIN check report after entering the VIN. You should read the report and all the information it contains, but there are several particular items you should look out for.

Do the vehicle and VIN check reports match?

The vehicle's manufacturer, make, and model year are all listed in the VIN check report. The title and description of the used car you want to buy should match this information. If the details in the VIN check report and title don't match, there may have been a typing error or the vehicle may have been stolen.

Is the title clear?

It is important to pay attention to the types of damages and repairs listed, but also watch out for liens or holds that might prevent the sale of the vehicle.

Any unrepaired recalls?

The report can include applicable safety recalls, depending on the VIN check tool employed. Verify whether the repairs, if any, listed have been made. Unrepaired recalls indicate that a repair is required. Fortunately, local dealerships can perform safety recall fixes for no cost.

How to handle the VIN check?

You can decide whether buying the car is a smart move after you've finished the VIN check and carefully read the report. You should have verified ownership, recent service, and repairs, and safety recalls. You may feel a bit more at ease knowing the vehicle's history if you decide to proceed with the purchase.

Trying to purchase the used vehicle you've been saving for? Is Ford the brand you'd most like to drive? Do a Ford VIN lookup first, then decide whether to accept that good deal. The history of the vehicle and any Ford recalls will be revealed by using a Ford VIN checker using the vehicle's VIN number. You'll also be aware of the Ford model name, the assembly plant where it was made, any DMV issues, and a lot more information. Use a free Ford VIN decoder service to save yourself the trouble of a bad deal.