There are a few things you should take into account before purchasing a car. Most of all, before you purchase a car, you need to verify it is in proper condition and that the safety tools are in place.
VIN tools will also provide you with more details about the model of the vehicle, the year, the serial number, the make, etc.
Interestingly, you don’t even have to get to the car dealer’s shop before decoding your VIN, you can decode a VIN on the internet. This article will take you through everything you need to know about VIN and the best free VIN check. Enjoy!
What is VIN?
To explain “what is a VIN number”, we first need to see what VIN stands for, which one can say it stands for Vehicle Identification Number, or frame number or chassis number.
VIN is a unique code with 17 characters assigned to every vehicle manufactured by the automotive industry (car manufacturers) to identify individual vehicles and towed vehicles. VIN is important for proving and verifying ownership.
VINs were first introduced in the United States in 1954. From 1954 to 1981, there was no standard, accepted VIN format, resulting in a variety of formats being used by different manufacturers. At that time there was only a fixed sequence of characters (digits) and a hidden chassis marking.
In 1980, the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO), after much debate, approved the new international standard of 17-digits for Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN). The VIN consists of letters and numbers to identify the identity of the vehicle based on model details, engine type, title, manufacturing unit, serial number, etc.
Best free VIN decoder
Before buying a used car, it’s essential to run a VIN search to get full details about the car such as insurance, mileage, and possibly a criminal record.
Read on to see the top ten free VIN decoders with features for doing a VIN Check:
#1. VinPit.
VinPit is a highly rated website that lets you check a VIN code, decode the VIN number, get a vehicle history report or check a license plate. It also contains detailed information about the assembly plant, VIN authenticity, repair history, ownership, unreported issues and possibly a criminal record.
All the features make this the best website to come up with an informed selling decision or purchase decision.
VinPit can also provide real data and information that dealers can use to bring in customers and buyers can obtain to honestly check for hidden problems or issues, notify if there’s fraud activity and stay in tune with their purchase history.
Finally, VinPit helps the sale easier for both parties by providing an inspection of the vehicle and the current market value.
Outstanding Features:
- Verifies all data to accurately determine the current status of the vehicle
- Can do a license plate lookup
- Two-way VIN lookup, by state and by make
- 100% free and accurate
- Very easy to use
- Customer support 24/7
#2. CARFAX.
CARFAX is a top VIN decoder site. It has comprehensive data, but only willingly reflects records on used vehicles bought in Canada and the US after 1981 and from over 100,000 data points from US and Canadian vehicle authority data.
So, even though it’s extensive in its detail, it does not provide a complete disposition or report as it has limited access to list unreported damages to a vehicle. Furthermore, all reports can be manipulated or changed by a buyer or seller as they can be edited to legitimately list facts.
Unique Features:
- User-friendly
- Claim to collect allegedly from 10,000 different sources
- A vehicle history database across the borders
- Largest global car data reports
- Neutral and transparent data recording
#3. AutoCheck.
AutoCheck is also a top free VIN decoder website with data on over 500 million vehicles from a National Vehicle Database. AutoCheck allows you to make a good decision on the best vehicle to opt for because AutoCheck ranks two possible vehicles from 1 to 100 by comparing features of the vehicles (rental history, engine type, model comparison, etc.).
The ranking results calculation is based on mile and accident history, type of vehicle, and year made. Auto Check automatically scores a vehicle when its VIN is searched. Unlike VinPit, it doesn’t include service information and maintenance of a vehicle.
Highlight Features:
- An Automated Vehicle History Checker
- Unlimited Vehicle Checks by US license Plate or VIN
- A one-time free check
- Quick and easy check-up
- Assess the data from scratch each time a search is made
- List information from Canada besides the USA
#4. CarVertical.
CarVertical reports vehicle data for VINs using the blockchain mechanism that will compile data from various databases that includes real-time data directly from the vehicle marketplace.
Understand that the databases are not just limited to fire brigade records, car auctions, private and national registries, and many others.
CarVertical also has the car data specification update for the target car as part of the blockchain mechanism that verifies the information provided and ensuring the authentic reports of the VIN are uploaded.
Stand-out Feature
- Blockchain based car history checker
- Real time data collection directly from cars
- Reports on accidents or theft
- Max and instant record about the target car
- 24/7 costumer service that response very quickly
#5. EpicVIN.
Epic VIN is a VIN decoder site that gives you confirmed information at real time through NMVTIS and the largest used vehicle database in the US. It holds a record of more than 40 million vehicle reports.
Epic VIN aims to be, for free, the most informative and most detailed vehicle report for a car, including its history, engine type, model, and other particulars. Most car reports can be costly and labor-intensive.
Unique Features:
- Determine if the vehicle had hidden damage
- Gathered prior odometer readings
- Possibly see prior photos of previous sales or ownership record
- Indicate how the vehicle was used
- Verify if the VIN and odometer matches written documentation
#6. Bumper.
Bumper, the top free VIN decoder, Reddit, enables users to check a vehicle’s VIN and confirms that the information about vehicles’ histories of damage is 100% accurate.
Bumper also collects data from companies that deal with cars, such as scrap yards, salvage auctions insurance companies, and towing companies.
Like other websites for VINs, Bumper’s data report displays a vehicle’s safety records, market value, sale listing, and more. Bumper’s comprehensive reports aim to provide a buyer with the necessary data to purchase a used vehicle.
Stand-out Features:
- Various search options – Make, Model, Year or License Plate.
- An NMVTIS-approved data provider.
- Aggregates data from the industry’s top-rated directories – JD, Power, NHTSA
- Can save you 3 times more than the competition.
- Millions of visitors is a click of trust.
- A true all-in-one solution for buying, selling, and monitoring a car.
#7. ClearVin.
ClearVin is yet another free Audi VIN decoder. It has many business partnerships with many automotive industries to provide quality information for its users to have up-to-date reports on vehicles.
They have detailed information on; insurance requirements, ownership status, and a loan check. You can other vehicle specs by VIN.
ClearVin file contains burglary reports, repair, and recall documents. The only drawback to this VIN decoder is that it is slow and lacks updated data when compared to some sites like Bumper and CarVertical.
Notable Features:
- One clicks instant result
- Provides you with a sample report
- Excellent customer support
- Hassle free and quick report
- Best value for the money
#8. Cebia.
Cebia is the most dependable option for verifying VIN, even with used vehicles. You’ll need to check the vehicle for criminal activity to check the information you want from the site.
The site uses the Auto tracer system to return standardized model data. Their partners cover everything from importers to vehicle suppliers and dealerships.
Cebia will have more data reports on vehicles in Slovakia and the Czech Republic because the bulk of the reports comes from local car markets.
Stand-out features:
- Most comprehensive online car history check
- Range of services – inspection, security information, and tech information
- Hundreds of locations nationwide
- Ease of Use
- They give maximum information on the free check.
#9. VinFreeCheck.
VinFreeCheck provides information on vehicles (models, car brands, engine brands) using NMVTIS and NHTSA. The main purpose is to help a potential buyer make a purchasing decision by seeing repair and criminal history.
The VinFreeCheck allows for vehicle inspection. Premium users can access the odometer reading, mileage, and collision of the vehicle.
Highlights:
- Two-method check – VIN and License Plate Report
- Historical mileage and sales records
- Max checks on Credit Card free check
- Real-time market price info
#10. AutoDNA.
AutoDNA is the top free VIN decoder in Europe, with millions of databases and VIN check data from various large global providers. This website also provides information about used cars that are sold in Europe and the US.
With AutoDNA, you can perform a free VIN check in Europe. It provides a vehicle history report, which has important information, and a section in which you can compare cars in the European and US markets. The cars will have different price points, but all cars will be in competition with the price in the market.
Some cool features include:
- Verify information from reliable sources.
- Customer support 24/7 for the best uptime.
- Provide all relevant vehicle history records, such as previous owners, using history, damage pictures, and more.
- Vehicle equipment record, QR code does help you decide in detail.
Where can you find the vehicle’s VIN?
VINs can be located on both the vehicle and its documents. The position of the VIN varies, primarily determined from the vehicle model or vehicle make.
Here’s where to find the VIN number:
Dashboard
You can find your VIN on your vehicle’s dashboard, directly where the dashboard meets the windshield top edge, on the driver’s side. You will find the VIN fixed to a metal plate and the VIN code is inscribed well enough for anyone to read.
Driver’s side Doorjamb
Another place you can find your VIN is away from the driver side doorjamb, it’s a very easy location to find. As soon as you get inside your vehicle, while sitting in the drivers seat, open the driver door, you will see it.
Insurance Card
Your VIN can be found on your insurance card. It usually is written with other information about you on your insurance card. Therefore, it is important to keep your insurance card in a safe place, such as a glove box.
Additional Locations
You can verify your firewall or under the hood of your engine. As most times, the VIN is inscribed on the vehicle’s engine for legal purposes.
How to Decode the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?
Decoding the VIN is the only reliable method for obtaining information about a vehicle. The state Vehicle Registration Agencies and automotive manufacturers have databases with all VINs.
Keep in mind not all the sections of the VIN are the same meaning because they are based on the ISO 1970 and ISO 1989 standards.
According the Society of Automotive Engineers, Code of Federal Regulations, VIN has 3 sections
- World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI): First 3 characters are for the WMI. The WMI shows the vehicle’s country of origin, type, and manufacturers.
- Vehicle Description Section (VDS): The next 6 characters (4th position to 9th position) are a VDS section notify those important vehicle specifications (engine type, transmission type, and size) of the vehicle.
- Vehicle Identification Section (VIS): Last 10 to 17 characters are the unique serial number of every Ford vehicle. The VIS includes the vehicle unique serial code and manufacturing plant of production. Note also the flexible fuel vehicles will use the 2nd, 3rd and 8th characters. You can use a BMW-free VIN decoder to find out all the details of the BMW and specifications.
Where does the free VIN decoder get information?
Most free VIN decoders obtain their information from law enforcement, traffic safety agencies, and vehicle manufacturers. The best part is that the information is current and informative.
Usually, the databases of these VIN decoders, such as VinPit, are managed by the automobile manufacturers and vehicle registration agencies in European and USA countries.
How Do You Use the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s Free VIN Check?
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) offers a no-cost VIN check that includes basic status information (i.e. the vehicle has had damage related to theft, or has received a salvage title).
You will be limited to 5 VIN searches daily, per IP address, on the NICB website. To conduct a VIN search on the NICB website, simply:
- Go to the NICB website
- Enter your VIN into the search field
- Click the box for “I’m not a robot” and “I agree to the terms and conditions.”
- Select “search VIN” and the status review of the vehicle will appear on the screen.
How do you parse a VIN?
If you’re asking “how do I parse my free VIN?” You need to understand the various sections in a VIN that exist:
- World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) – This section is comprised of the first 3 digits. For example, the 1st digit represents the United States (in terms of country of origin) the 2nd digit represents the manufacturer (such as “C” for Chrysler) and the 3rd digit represents the vehicle type (so in your example, if it is a Chevrolet truck VIN, the vehicle type would be “C”).
- Vehicle Descriptor Section – digits 4 to 8 contain your information such as engine type, model type, body type, and transmission. Digit 9 is called a check digit (security code).
- Vehicle Identification section (VIS) – digits 10 to 17. Digit 10 represents the model year of the vehicle, digit 11 represents the manufacturer plant code, and digits 12 to 17 represent the production number (generally in sequential order).
How much does a VIN check-up cost?
If you’re thinking about buying a used car, a VIN (vehicle identification number) check is very important. A VIN check will give information about the vehicle’s history, such as how many owners it has had, if there have been any accidents reported, and if it has ever been stolen. But, how much do VIN checks cost?
VIN check prices vary depending on which service you choose and how much information you want. For a standard VIN check, the cost is usually between $10 and $50, with reports giving more details costing $100 and up. Also, some vendors have unlimited access packages on monthly or yearly basis at a discount.
Some dealers will perform a VIN check for free as a part of selling you a used car directly to you.
FAQs.
Is there a free alternative to Carfax?
When it comes to purchasing a used vehicle, many consumers turn to Carfax and similar services to procure a vehicle history report. If there is no room in your budget for a paid service, you can find many VIN checks that are similar to Carfax.
These free checks will most often provide a Vehicle History Report (VHR) by the aid of an online service like AutoCheck or VinAudit. These reports provide exhaustive information about a vehicle’s history, past ownership/title information, recalls, accidents, and more.
Is it worth it to pay for a VIN check?
With increasing instances of fraud and automobile theft, it is imperative that buyers feel confident with their purchase and that they are buying a vehicle with a valid Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
A VIN check is an important part of the car-buying process that provides buyers with peace of mind against the possibility of purchasing a stolen or problematic vehicle (unwanted accidents, leakage, etc.).
In summary, purchasing a VIN check can help ensure that your new vehicle has not been in any severe accidents, has no open recalls or liens to the vehicle, and is generally ‘safe’ to buy.
The average cost for a VIN check is around $20-50, depending on the company that provides the service. Most reputable dealerships include this in their vehicle price as part of customer service.
However, if you’re dealing with an individual seller or a dealer that doesn’t offer this service, it may be worth your time to pay for the VIN on your own.
Is there a site better than Carfax?
Carfax has been the go-to site for decades when it comes time to research used cars. They provide customers with in-depth vehicle history and insight into possible issues prior to making a purchase. Carfax continues to be a popular option, but other sites offer the same service that may arguably be more valuable or informative.
AutoCheck has many factors that lead buyers to their site.
- First, it offers users a way to compare two vehicles side-by-side, which would prove difficult elsewhere.
- Second, AutoCheck provides buyers with accurate vehicle pricing on used cars.
- Lastly, it offers users a score based on the vehicle’s condition and ownership history to help inform their decision.
AutoCheck reports can be purchased individually or as an unlimited vehicle report package subscription, so users don’t have to worry about exhausting their report availability.
What is the most accurate vehicle history report?
The accuracy of your vehicle history report is crucial as you think about your purchase. Every company has a slightly different amount of information they include, so it can be difficult to figure out which information is the most accurate for your review of the vehicle’s safety.
A legitimate car history report should contain all the vehicle’s history has ever been through, including previous accidents or repairs. The vehicle report should also include ownership history, estimated value, and any open recalls for safety.
The best vehicle report will indicate whether the vehicle has mileage discrepancies or odometer fraud. Also, ensure that you are selecting a vehicle history report that will accurately show if the vehicle has ever been registered in more than one state or country, as this will impact the total two vehicle reliability and safety rating.
Reviewing what other customers’ experiences have been with specific companies will ensure you are getting unbiased service prior to selecting your own vehicle history report.
Which is better, AutoCheck or Carfax?
It’s important to do your research before buying a used car. The two most commonly used are AutoCheck and Carfax, both of which provide detailed vehicle histories. However, which report is best?
AutoCheck provides a comprehensive report that contains information on history like reported accidents, title transfers, service records, odometer readings, etc. AutoCheck also gives buyers access to an expert-reviewed panel of automotive professionals to assess a car.
Carfax also provides this information but offers more features such as searching by VIN and checking for recalls by vehicle identification number (VIN) or license plate. Carfax can also provide accident reports across states and different countries if applicable.
How much does it cost to check a VIN number?
Checking a Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) is essential to buying or selling a car. Being aware of the car’s past can keep you from having to pay an expensive repair bill or facing additional problems down the road. But how much does checking a VIN cost?
The cost for checking a VIN number will depend on the level of detail of the information. You can find free websites online but they won’t give you much of an idea beyond the make and model year. You will have to purchase a subscription-based service if you want details on accident history, odometer readings, etc.
Basic subscriptions typically cost between $20-50, some of the larger and more comprehensive packages can run you several hundreds of dollars per year. It is common for most services to offer a discount when purchasing in bulk or if you sign up for an extended term.
What is the best way to check a car’s history?
If you’re considering a new or used vehicle, it’s critical to learn about its past. Knowing the vehicle’s maintenance history or whether it had a problem could assist in your decision-making. So how can you get the best background check on your car?
There are several sources, and depending on your source the information might be different. Start by getting a vehicle history report, such as a Carfax or Autocheck report, to verify accident and repair history as well as mileage.
If purchasing from a dealer, be sure to request service history and a report about the amount of previous ownership. It’s a good way to gauge how the vehicle was cared for in its past life.
Furthermore, and lastly, be sure to drive it and have it looked at by a mechanic of your choosing, where they can check for deferred maintenance that does not always make it to another report.
Is there a free way to look up VIN numbers?
You can check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and receive a full car history report with various free VIN decoders. Websites such as VinPit, AutoCheck, Bumper, CarVertical, and AutoDNA are all good options to check your VIN. Additionally, Cebia is among the best VIN decoder apps.
After you log-in to any of the websites, simply fill out your information on the VIN lookup form and press “check VIN,” and the complete report will load. Alternatively, you can do a license plate lookup by entering the license plate of your vehicle to retrieve the full report of the car history report.
How do I check a VIN before 1980?
Before 1980, vehicle manufacturers used various VIN formats. Thus, before 1980, to determine a VIN, follow the steps below:
- Gather vehicle information including engine type, transmission type, vehicle year, and manufacturer.
- Call, email, or write a letter to the vehicle manufacturers and ask for the VIN of your vehicle from them.
- Contact an auto parts manufacturer if the vehicle had previously been repaired and ask about the parts that were repaired.
- Finally, if you have a used vehicle, contact the previous owner-because he/she will probably have records (or documentation) that contain the VIN.
What year did the 17-digit VIN become mandatory?
The unique identifier and code known as the 17-digit VIN was mandated as a standard for every vehicle manufacturer, starting from January 1981.
However, prior to that time, VINs had different formats and all vehicle manufacturers created 17-digit VINs as they saw fit. In addition, there was no regulation for codes either.
But going forward, starting in 1981, the reverse occurred in that all vehicles manufactured in North America in 1981 will have VINs comprised of the 17 digits and letters combination.
Do older vehicles have fewer VINs?
Since the introduction of VINs in the Code of Regulation in 1981, vehicles need to be labeled with a 17-digit VIN to be legally established and roadworthy.
However, prior to 1981, some vehicles had a VIN of only 14 digits. Those vehicles are considered older vehicles and will not decode properly on search systems in current times because they do not fit the 17-digit VIN standard.
Can 2 vehicles have the same VIN?
Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) are unique codes assigned to a specific vehicle that is manufactured. Each VIN is a 17-digit code that is completely distinctive from all others. The VIN is the code that makes the particular vehicle identifiable.
Regardless, if you have 2 vehicles manufactured by the same manufacturer and produced at the same time, the VIN will always be different for each; no 2 vehicles can ever have the same VIN. If you doubt this, try decoding the VINs of 2 different vehicles and you will see the difference.
Does VIN expire?
No, VINs never expire. A driver’s license might expire every year, or an insurance policy, although a VIN never expires. It doesn’t matter if you bought the car in 2000 or in 1990, the VIN will always be the same.
In fact, you would even have the same VIN if the vehicle was stolen or salvaged and you recovered it. Don’t worry about having to renew your VIN, just remember that they never expire.
How can you tell if a VIN has been tampered with?
The best way to resolve this question is to contact the agency that oversees and regulates vehicle manufacturers. Usually, every VIN for a car will match the car regarding the model, engine type, year of manufacture, etc.
A VIN is marked as tampered if the plate is removed and/or scratched off. If you have done a VIN number lookup and have noticed any modifications, call your nearest vehicle licensing agency immediately and inform them of your findings.
How do I get a new VIN plate?
If your VIN plate is destroyed, you may request another one. The request can sometimes be disqualified if you do not provide documentation indicating that you need your VIN plate replaced. To get a new VIN plate:
- Find out where your VIN is located so that you can record the model, year, color, make, and license plate number of your vehicle
- Obtain a copy of the title to your vehicle that has the VIN of the car.
- Contact the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for basic instruction about what you will need to acquire a new VIN plate. A DMV official or police officer will need to inspect your vehicle to verify that the VIN plate was destroyed before a replacement is issued.
Final Words
A VIN check gives potential vehicle buyers an in-depth report detailing the vehicle they intend to buy. Furthermore, even if a VIN check is free, your risk of buying a defective vehicle or one that may be costly to fix is reduced.
This article covers a total of 10 free VIN checks, with more in-depth coverage of these sites used. After reading this article, you can visit any of the sites, conduct your VIN check, purchase the vehicle, and enjoy your new vehicle.