If you’re considering buying a used car, it’s crucial to get a detailed car report to ensure that you’re not investing in a lemon. In this article, we’ll discuss in detail how to get a car report by VIN and learn more about a vehicle.

How to locate the VIN

The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code that identifies a specific vehicle. This code serves as a vehicle’s fingerprint and provides important information about its history.

The VIN is typically located on the driver’s side dashboard. It can also be found on a sticker or metal plate on the driver’s side door jamb, or on the engine block. Besides, you may find it on the car’s registration, insurance documents, or owner’s manual.

How to get a detailed car report by VIN

There’re many online vehicle look up tools that offer VIN reports, but not all of them are reliable. Make sure to choose a reputable provider such as BeenVerified or Bumper. These companies compile data from various sources, including insurance companies, DMVs, and police reports, to provide detailed, accurate and up-to-date vehicle history reports.

BeenVerified

BeenVerified is a top-rated car report provider that helps you find information about a vehicle by entering its VIN or license plate. It collects the most recent data from sources approved by NMVTIS and its database contains over 150 million vehicles which is updated regularly.

BeenVerified can provide you with more than just basic information like a car’s features and where it was made. It can also find hidden problems that a dishonest seller might try to hide. BeenVerified’s detailed car report may include:

1. Go to the BeenVerified vehicle research page. Enter the VIN number and click SEARCH. If you have a license plate number, you can try that too. However, a VIN search may provide more information than a license plate search.
   
2. Wait a few seconds while BeenVerified searches through its database. Then it will show you a full report with all the available information about that particular car.
   
3. Review the report carefully. If you notice any red flags, such as multiple accidents or a salvage title, it may be best to look for another vehicle.

Bumper

Bumper, an Approved NMVTIS data provider, is another popular vehicle lookup tool. A car report by VIN with Bumper contains a comprehensive list of important vehicle events such as accidents, salvages, recalls, and thefts. Additionally, it includes the car’s sales history and market value, which can help you determine its worth and negotiate a better deal.

1. Go to Bumper’s vehicle search page.
2. Select a search type (by VIN or license plate) based on the information you have, enter the information required and click SEARCH.
   
3. Wait for the site to scan its vast database. When your report shows up, click to unlock it to view more details.
   

Can you get a free VIN check?

It’s possible to get a car report by VIN for free. There’re several websites that offer this service, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

However, it’s worth noting that free vehicle reports may not provide all the information you require. Some free reports only offer limited information such as the car’s title and specs. Additionally, free VIN lookups may not contain enough data to cover every vehicle, so it’s possible that you can’t find a match even if you have the correct VIN number.

NICB offers a free VIN lookup that allows you to check for basic information like theft and loss records. You can perform up to 5 searches within 24 hours on their website.

NHTSA is responsible for ensuring motor vehicle safety and equipment regulations. To promote safety on U.S. roads, they offer a free VIN lookup service which helps you find out if a particular vehicle or its equipment has any safety issues or recalls.

What else to do in addition to getting a car report?

While a vehicle history report can provide valuable information about a car’s past, including any accidents or major repairs, it’s not always foolproof. Before you make an offer, take the car for a test drive and inspect it thoroughly. Look for any signs of damage, wear and tear, or other issues that could affect its performance or safety.

Also, it’s recommended to get a mechanic to inspect the car before making a purchase. A mechanic can check the car’s engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and other critical components to ensure that they’re in good working order. They can also identify any signs of potential issues and any repairs or maintenance that may be required in the near future.

That’s pretty much all we have to share on how to obtain a car report by VIN easily and quickly. Hope you find the post helpful. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below.