How to Use Your VIN to Get a Free Vehicle History Report
Whether you already own your car or are looking at a used sedan, it is good to know what a Vehicle Identification Number is. Each vehicle has a unique VIN, so looking at the information for a particular 17-digit series will give you all the information you should know concerning a vehicle.
Confirm Facts with the Vehicle History Report
When buying a car that is used, you always need to get a vehicle history report. This should be free and lets you confirm that everything the seller tells you about a vehicle is true. The report will tell you information like salvage and junk titles, as well as normal titles and vehicle registration. It should also include odometer readings, repairs and services, and if this particular vehicle has been in accidents or received structural damage. This tool lets you make sure that a vendor isn’t taking advantage of you. It is especially helpful when you are dealing with a third party or a less than reputable seller. Because of its usefulness, many used car dealerships will actually offer you a vehicle history report with their certified used vehicles without any charge.
Getting a Free History Report on a Vehicle
Because so much information is stored with the VIN, it is all displayed on a vehicle history report, which shows the vehicle’s full history. Various websites give you this information without charge, including our website. You just locate your VIN and enter the series of digits on the relevant website. The vehicle accident history report will then include all the relevant information, such as damage to the structure; indicators of accidents, such as airbag deployment; vehicle usage; lemon history; the readings on the odometer; the title; vehicle registration; recall information; and any accident history with a total loss.
When to Ask for a Vehicle Report by VIN
Smart car owners will always be aware of their vehicle history report, but it is only truly important in a few situations. If you will sell your car, get the history report so you can confirm it contains accurate information. This way, you have time to fix incorrect information, such as saying your vehicle’s title is salvage when it shouldn’t, before it impacts your selling price.
Buyers for used cars should also look into the accident report by VIN. Don’t buy a used model without knowing whether it was in accidents as well as if the maintenance schedule was followed. The vehicle history report gives you all these facts. If the seller doesn’t offer you a report, write down the VIN so you can get a free report yourself.
