What is the VIN number?
The VIN (Vehicle Identification number) is a unique identifier assigned to each vehicle. It consists of 17 characters that contain information about the brand, model, year of production and the characteristic features of the vehicle. The VIN number is used to track the vehicle history, such as repairs, technical inspections and accidents. This is a key element when checking the technical condition and vehicle history before buying.
Share
Vehicle History
The vehicle history is a crucial element that everyone should review when buying a used car. Neglecting this practice can lead to serious financial consequences. Hidden vehicle defects can require significant financial investments to repair.
Vehicle VIN Number
Also known as the chassis number, it is a unique 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN).
By decoding the VIN, we can accurately determine:
- the car’s year of production,
- body type,
- even the type of equipment the vehicle left the factory with, as an approved nmvtis data provider.
Therefore, it is always worth asking the seller for the VIN and checking it on the registration records.
Page 2 of 13
Stolen Vehicle Databases
Check stolen vehicle databases – increased vigilance is necessary not only when assessing the technical condition of the vehicle but also its legality.
The authenticity of the documents and the vehicle’s legality guarantee that the car is not stolen and does not appear in search results or on a website, vehicle registers, or reports. Preventing the resale of stolen vehicles using VIN numbers and more is crucial to ensuring consumer protection from fraud.
In the case of purchasing or owning such a car, you risk a lot – losing property obtained from an illegal source and the money spent on such a vehicle.
Page 3 of 13
Accident and Damaged Cars
The cheapest and easiest cars to buy are damaged or totaled cars, whether they are reported or resold inside the right guidelines. They often come from imports from Europe and North America - including Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United States.
There is a lot of money to be made on damaged cars, so they are very popular among used car dealers. Therefore, it is essential to check the autoDNA service for information on any accidents.
Page 4 of 13
Odometer Rollback
Odometer rollback is a prevalent issue in the used car market, driven by the simple economics of supply and demand.
Vehicles with lower mileage often fetch higher prices and sell more quickly, creating a tempting opportunity for unscrupulous sellers to manipulate the odometer readings.
Page 5 of 13
Tax Liens
Tax liens are used by authorities to enforce due taxes, social security contributions, fines, or penalties.
It burdens the car even when ownership transfers to a person without tax arrears and can affect your experian report.
Therefore, whether a used vehicle has a lien or not is very important to the buyer.
Page 6 of 13
Vehicle Purpose
Cars previously used as taxis usually have an annual mileage of 75,000 kilometers, which is at least 4 times more than privately owned cars.
Leased and fleet vehicles are much easier to verify. The entity selling such a car is usually a leasing company, which does not hide the vehicle's history from the buyer. Unfortunately, there is no rule regarding the technical condition of such a vehicle. Sometimes cars or machines are deliberately damaged or disassembled, and sometimes they are in excellent condition.
The same goes for buying cars previously owned or used by rental companies or offered to users via a website. There is no rule about their technical condition, and considering the number of drivers with varied experience and skills who rented the car over time, this may not be the best.
Page 7 of 13
Vehicle Equipment
Comparing the actual vehicle equipment with its factory configuration can help determine if the vehicle was ever in an accident.
Often after an accident, cheaper parts that do not match the factory specifications are used. Therefore, when buying a used car, it is worth checking:
- the color of the upholstery,
- paint,
- windows,
- the exterior finish (colors of trims, bumpers, mirrors, handles, etc.),
- mirrors - whether they fold and are heated,
- heating of the front and rear windows,
- the number of airbags,
- even the electric window control.
Also, pay attention to seemingly unimportant additions, like the type of navigation and audio system. In accident cars, all these elements are often replaced, usually with non-original parts from another model, in a different color or with different specifications than the factory ones.
It is also necessary to verify the type of steering system installed in the vehicle, e.g., a right-hand drive system is not preferred by most drivers, may affect insurance costs, or involve additional costs to change to a left-hand drive system. The difference between the actual state and the information reported may indicate a hidden vehicle history.
The fact that a vehicle does not arrive for sale in the same condition it left the factory can also be indicated by the presence of additional elements not listed in the manufacturer’s information, e.g., the aforementioned electric window control or a new license plate.
The fact that a vehicle does not arrive for sale in the same condition it left the factory can also be indicated by the presence of additional elements not listed in the manufacturer’s information, e.g., the aforementioned electric window control.
Page 8 of 13
Service History
The service history of a vehicle plays a crucial role when purchasing a used car. Service documentation allows you to assess how the car was maintained by previous owners and may indicate potential issues that could affect the vehicle's future operation.
Regularly conducted technical inspections are a sign of proper care for the vehicle. A service history showing frequent visits to an authorized service station suggests that the car was treated with due diligence.
Service documentation may include information about replaced parts, which can be essential for evaluating the vehicle’s current condition. Knowing that key components like the timing belt or brake system were recently replaced can reduce the risk of costly repairs shortly after purchase.
Page 9 of 13
Insurance History
The insurance history of a vehicle can provide important information about the car’s current insurance status. The types of policies purchased (Liability, Comprehensive, Assistance) may indicate the care previous owners took in maintaining the vehicle.
Cars with full insurance packages may be better maintained.
However, gaps in insurance coverage may indicate that the vehicle was not used for a certain period or was used illegally, which carries additional risk.
Page 10 of 13
Date of First Registration
Knowing the date of first registration helps to precisely determine how long the vehicle has been in use. This date is significant because older cars may require more frequent and costly repairs due to natural wear and tear.
Furthermore, cars depreciate over time. Knowing the date of first registration, you can estimate the depreciation and how it may affect the market price. On the other hand, some vehicles manufactured in a particular year may be special or limited editions, which can increase their value.
Page 11 of 13
Vehicle Photos
Before buying used cars, it’s good to carefully examine its previous photos if available. Often these photos reveal that a car sold as accident-free actually had a collision or serious accident.
Photos can also show if the vehicle underwent repairs and modifications and if its appearance from a few years ago differs from the present.
Photos of the vehicle - if there are many and they come from different periods - can also indicate that the vehicle has been put up for sale multiple times by the same or different owners.
Page 12 of 13
QR Code
The autoDNA Vehicle History Report is also saved as a QR code. A QR code is a modular (black-and-white) and two-dimensional (data matrix in two dimensions) code that links to the Vehicle History Report for a given VIN number.
The QR code is part of the report and is also sent along with the report (in PDF and JPG formats).
It can be used on the internet, in sales ads, or on social media. It can also be affixed to the car's side window. With this solution, potential buyers can quickly access the report online.
The QR code facilitates quick access to the online report and its quick review and allows extending the vehicle sales offer online and offline with the vehicle’s history.
Page 13 of 13
How to Check a Vehicle's History?
Checking a vehicle’s history is a crucial step before purchasing a used car. You can perform a free VIN check to find any vehicle by the nameplate. This can help avoid dishonest sellers and potential vehicle issues in the future. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to check a vehicle’s history:
- Obtain the VIN number
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique code of 17 characters that identifies most vehicles. The VIN can be found in several places on the car, such as:
- The nameplate on the dashboard, visible through the windscreen.
- A sticker on the driver's door or on the door pillar.
- In the vehicle registration documents.
- Check the Vehicle's History in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
A free check with the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) provides VIN verification and basic information about a vehicle’s history: theft and salvage records, helping to protect consumers by using the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) to prevent fraud and ensure accurate and complete vehicle information. We are an approved nmvtis data provider.
- Use the autoDNA Vehicle History Reports Service
Checking the vehicle in the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is crucial for a preliminary understanding of the vehicle's history. However, for a complete picture, it's worth opting for a comprehensive Vehicle History Report from autoDNA.
Why Obtain Vehicle History Reports from autoDNA?
- Avoiding surprises
Vehicle history reports can reveal important information, such as significant damage that could affect the car’s structural integrity. This is crucial for safety and protects from fraud and unsafe vehicles.
- Assess Vehicle Value
Understanding the full history helps determine if the price offered by the seller is appropriate. Vehicles with a clean history are generally worth more than those with numerous damages, repairs, or recalls. This is why some dishonest sellers hide the true history of the vehicle.
- Verify Legality
The vehicle history allows checking if the car is stolen and if all its documents are in order. This can protect the buyer from future legal consequences, including confiscation of the purchased vehicle.
- Previous Owners and Usage Information
Having a complete and accurate usage history helps understand the extent and nature of the vehicle’s use. Depending on the number of previous owners and their legal categories (private, state, or company), you can determine how the vehicle was used, affecting its degree of wear and its market value.
- Mileage Verification
Recorded mileages and their increase can help indicate whether the odometer readings in the ad are credible or if there may have been odometer rollback.
- Varied data sources
autoDNA’s Vehicle History Reports are built based on data collected from over 50,000 automotive related services - car dealerships, financial institutions, insurance companies and other entities that provide vehicle history reports.
Vehicle History by VIN Number
-
One of the largest databases from 26+ countries in Europe and North America
-
1,000+ customers per day get our help in their vehicle buying decision
-
4,000,000+ vehicle history reports generated
-
Vehicle History Reports Available Online in PDF Format - 24/7, All Year Round
