Links on Super Easy may earn us a commission. Our Editorial Guideline.

Free Vehicle Report | 4 Proven Ways to Get a Detailed Vehicle History Report

clock Updated: November 30, 2023

Free Vehicle Report | 4 Proven Ways to Get a Detailed Vehicle History Report

A vehicle history report is a useful tool for anyone considering purchasing a used car. It provides important information about a vehicle’s past, such as accident history, title information, and service records. While some vehicle history reports can be expensive, there are ways to get a free report. In this article, we’ll show you how to get a free vehicle report.

3 best ways to get a vehicle history report for free

1. NICB

The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is a non-profit entity aimed at combating insurance fraud and automobile theft. Its free VIN lookup service allows you to determine if a vehicle has been reported as stolen and not yet retrieved. Additionally, it allows you to verify if a vehicle has been reported as a salvage vehicle by insurance companies that are members of NICB. You could perform up to 5 searches within 24 hours on the website.

  1. Go to the NICB official website.
  2. Enter a VIN number, check the box next to I agree to the terms and conditions of use and complete the captcha. Then click SEARCH VIN.
  3. If the VIN number is in the NICB database, you’ll see the available records of the vehicle.

Keep in mind that the NICB vehicle history report is brief. It only provides information on vehicles that have been reported as stolen or declared a total loss. If you require more in-depth information such as the car’s specifications, mileage, maintenance records, changes in ownership, and title history, you should consider an alternative method, such as the one outlined below.

2. NHTSA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulates the safety of motor vehicles and related equipment. In an effort to keep people safe on U.S. roads, it offers a free VIN lookup service that provides information on recalls, investigations, and complaints regarding vehicle safety.

To run a VIN lookup at NHTSA, all you need to do is type the VIN number into its search box:

3. Use a free third-party VIN lookup tool

VINCheck.info stands out as a leading free VIN lookup tool, offering a comprehensive range of information beyond the ordinary. From vehicle photos to market value, specifications, safety ratings, and more, it provides a wealth of data.

Yet, it’s crucial to bear in mind the age-old wisdom: you get what you pay for. If your aim is to delve deep into a vehicle’s history, identifying potential issues, it might be worthwhile to explore the offerings of a paid VIN lookup tool. 

The above image is from a sample Vincheck.info report. Actual Vincheck.info reports may contain more or less information.
It’s crucial to exercise caution when encountering websites that promise free reports, as some could potentially be scams or deliver incomplete and inaccurate information. To steer clear of such pitfalls, it’s advisable to conduct thorough research and verify the legitimacy and trustworthiness of the source. If uncertainty persists, opting for a reputable paid service with a solid industry reputation might be a safer choice.

If you can’t find the info you want with free methods…

Vehicle Report by VIN

Enter any VIN number to get a detailed vehicle history report

You get what you pay for. When a service is offered for free, the amount of information provided will typically be limited. Free reports often only contain basic information, such as title check and specifications. Additionally, free VIN lookup services may not have a sufficient amount of data to cover all vehicles, meaning that even if you have the correct VIN number, there is a possibility that no match will be found. In this case, you may want to consider a paid service that offer a detailed vehicle history report, such as BeenVerified.

BeenVerified is a robust vehicle research tool that enables you to delve into a vehicle’s history. Simply input the car’s identification number, and BeenVerified will search its database and produce a comprehensive vehicle history report for you. This report may include information such as specifications, ownership history, title status, owner information, accident records, theft reports, salvage reports, safety recalls, odometer readings, and maintenance history.

Follow the instructions below to start your search:

  1. Go to BeenVerified vehicle research page. Enter the VIN number and click SEARCH. If you have a license plate number, you can try that too.
  2. Wait for BeenVerified to search its millions of vehicle records in its database. After a few seconds you’ll get a full report that contains all the available data.

What are the differences between free vehicle reports and paid ones?

Free vehicle reports and paid vehicle reports both provide information about a vehicle’s history, but there are some key differences.

FeatureFree Vehicle ReportsPaid Vehicle Reports
CostFreePaid
Information providedBasic informationMore in-depth information
Accuracy and reliabilityMay not be as accurate and reliable as paid reportsMore accurate and reliable

Free vehicle reports typically provide basic information such as the vehicle’s make, model, year, mileage, and VIN. They may also include information about the vehicle’s title history, odometer readings, and accidents. However, they may not include more in-depth information such as the vehicle’s past owners or theft records.

Paid vehicle reports typically provide more in-depth information than free reports. They may include information about the vehicle’s past owners, service records, lienholder information, and more. They may also provide accident reports, recall information, and theft records.


Hopefully this article has provided you with the information you require and has assisted you in making an informed decision. If you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment below.

exclamation-blueThere’s no guarantee you’ll find the information you’re looking for with the tools discussed in this article. They all source their information from publicly available data sources, such as county, state and federal courts, government departments, and police records, and those sources may contain incorrect or incomplete data. It’s illegal to use these tools to make decisions about employment, admission, consumer credit, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. Read the Fair Credit Reporting Act to learn more....

About this article

round success 63 Revisions

file success Reviewed by BeenVerified

Meet Jocelyn, a content creator for Super Easy with a unique blend of skills and passions.

With her extensive academic background, Jocelyn has refined her research skills to a fine art. Her ability to dive deep into internet searches and data analysis has transformed her into a seasoned detective of online information. Her present mission? To uncover practical solutions to everyday problems by crafting high-quality articles and how-to guides that make your life better, easier, and more enjoyable.

During her university days, she delved deep into the realms of economics and finance, igniting a fascination that burns brightly even today. In her spare time, she eagerly absorbs the latest developments in these fields. But Jocelyn is not a one-track mind: beneath her academic path lies a passionate science geek, forged through her past experiences competing in biology and chemistry events. Jocelyn's multifaceted background has endowed her with a sharp eye for detail, a logical mindset, and an unwavering commitment to accuracy - traits that equips her to research, analyze, and present information with the utmost clarity.

Beyond her work, Jocelyn dedicates at least 3 hours each week to informative and enlightening podcasts, which keeps her consistently ahead of the curve. She also has a profound passion for DIY projects, crafting beautiful and unique items like miniature houses from scratch. And amid life's ups and downs, Jocelyn always finds solace and delight in the world of music, where she can express herself freely.

About this article

round-success 63 Revisions

file-success Reviewed by BeenVerified

Meet Jocelyn, a content creator for Super Easy with a unique blend of skills and passions. With her extensive academic background, Jocelyn has refined her research skills to a fine art. Her ability to dive deep into internet searches and data analysis has transformed her into a seasoned detective of online information. Her present mission? To uncover practical solutions to everyday problems by crafting high-qualit [...]

See the author arrow right