VIN Check Guide: Decode Any Vehicle History

For complete buying safety, see our Safe Car Transactions Guide and platform-specific scam guides for Facebook and Craigslist.

Why VIN Checks Are Non-Negotiable

A VIN check is the single most important step before purchasing any used vehicle. For $25-40 (or free for basic checks), you can uncover accidents, title issues, odometer fraud, and other problems that could cost thousands.

The statistics are sobering: approximately 6% of used vehicles have undisclosed damage, 2.5% have odometer fraud, and 8% have title issues. Without a VIN check, you're gambling with thousands of dollars.

What Is a VIN?

A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle. Think of it as a fingerprint - no two vehicles share the same VIN. This code unlocks the vehicle's entire history.

VIN Breakdown

Where to Find the VIN

The VIN appears in multiple locations - and they should all match exactly. Any discrepancy is a major fraud indicator.

VIN Locations

• Dashboard: Driver's side, visible through windshield
• Door Jamb: Driver's door sticker with VIN barcode
• Title: Printed on vehicle title document
• Registration: On current registration card
• Engine Block: Stamped on engine (harder to access)
• Frame: Stamped on vehicle frame

VIN Check Services Comparison

Free VIN Check Options

NICB VINCheck (Free)

The National Insurance Crime Bureau offers a free check at nicb.org that reveals:

• Whether the vehicle was ever reported stolen
• Whether an insurance company declared it a total loss

Limitation: Doesn't show accidents that weren't total losses or service history.

NHTSA Recalls (Free)

Check nhtsa.gov for open safety recalls. Enter the VIN to see:

• Any open recalls that haven't been completed
• Safety-related defects for the model
• Recall completion status

State DMV (Free to $10)

Many state DMVs offer online title status checks showing:

• Current title status (clean, salvage, rebuilt)
• Active liens on the vehicle
• Odometer readings at title transfers

Paid VIN Check Services

Carfax ($39.99)

The industry standard for comprehensive vehicle history:

• Complete accident history from insurance claims
• Service records from participating shops
• Ownership history and registration data
• Odometer readings at each service/sale
• Title history including salvage/rebuilt

AutoCheck ($24.99)

Experian's alternative with unique auction data:

• AutoCheck Score (0-100 rating)
• Auction records with condition notes
• Similar coverage to Carfax at lower price
• Best for vehicles that went through wholesale auctions

Red Flags in VIN Reports

Understanding Title Brands

Salvage Title

The vehicle was declared a total loss by an insurance company. This typically means repair costs exceeded 70-75% of the vehicle's value. Salvage vehicles:

• Have 30-50% reduced resale value
• May have hidden structural damage
• Some insurers won't provide full coverage
• Financing options are limited

Rebuilt Title

A salvage vehicle that was repaired and passed state inspection. While it's legal to sell, rebuilt titles still carry significant value reduction and may hide quality issues with the repair work.

Title Washing

Fraudsters transfer vehicles between states to "wash" the salvage designation. Some states don't share salvage records, allowing scammers to obtain clean titles. Red flags:

• Vehicle recently registered in multiple states
• Current location far from registration state
• Price significantly below market value

Odometer Fraud

Odometer rollback affects approximately 2.5% of used vehicles. Warning signs:

• Mileage lower than previous VIN report readings
• Wear inconsistent with stated mileage (worn pedals, steering wheel)
• Service records showing higher mileage than current odometer
• New digital cluster in older vehicle

Step-by-Step VIN Check Process

1. Get the VIN: Request VIN before viewing - legitimate sellers provide it readily
2. Run free checks: NICB for theft/total loss, NHTSA for recalls
3. Verify VIN format: 17 characters, no I, O, or Q letters
4. Decode the VIN: Confirm year, make, model match the listing
5. Run paid report: Carfax or AutoCheck for vehicles over $5,000
6. At viewing: Verify dashboard VIN matches door jamb and title
7. Check for tampering: Look for signs VIN plates were removed/replaced