What is a VIN Check?
A VIN Check is a process used to obtain detailed information about a vehicle's history by using its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This unique 17-character code helps to uncover important details such as past ownership, accident history, title status and more. It's a valuable tool for anyone looking to buy a used car, as it provides insights into the vehicle's background and can help you make an informed decision.
What Does Each Digit in a VIN Mean?
The VIN is divided into 3 main sections: the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), and the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS)
The first three digits represent the WMI. (World Manufacturer Identifier)
The next 5 characters represent vehicle brand, body style, model, trim, engine size and type
The 9th digit is part of a security check used to validate the vin
The 10th digit represents the model year
The 11the character represents assembly plant name
The final 6 characters represent the vehicle serial number
Why a VIN check is so Important?
US VIN Check can provide some piece of mind to potential buyers used car buyers by reducing and eliminating some of the risks that come with buying a preowned car. Running a VIN Check before you buy may help you by:
Help Prevent Fraud: Vin checks can help in identifying stolen vehicles or those with tampered odometers or hidden issues.
Verify Authenticity: Vin checks confirm the legitimacy of a vehicle's details such as make, model, year and history.
Help Reduce Financial Risk: By checking a vehicle's history, potential buyers can make informed decisions and avoid purchasing a vehicle with salvage history or one that has a lien placed on it by a third party.
Compliance: In some states, the act of verifying the vehicles information falls on the new owner essentially making vin checks a legal requirement for registering a vehicle.
