Need Vehicle History Report? Find the Best Sites for VIN Check

As any seasoned driver knows, it's not always easy to determine what a pre-owned vehicle has been through. Unlike brand-new vehicles, they often hide unpleasant surprises, leaving potential buyers wondering about their actual condition and reliability.

Luckily, a comprehensive vehicle history report can provide valuable insights into the car's past, helping buyers make informed decisions.

There are a lot of options in the market to get a VIN check for different occasions. You could get a basic check for free using some of the popular services or go all the way with a government certified paid services instead.

There are some perks and drawbacks to both choices, so we decided to make our own rating of the most popular VIN lookup websites based on their best and weakest parts.

Best Vehicle History Reports by VIN Number

The best option is a very individual thing, every situation s unique, so to choose the best vehicle history report site, you need to know what works for you. To help you find the best option, we have created this short list highlighting the most important features of each site.

All the services featured in this article are approved NMVTIS data providers. That means you can trust these services to give you the most accurate and reliable information about a vehicle's history.

So, which VIN check website is the most reliable? Well, there are a few top contenders in this space. Let's take a look.

Top Services to Check Vehicle History by VIN Number

Whether you're just looking to buy a used car or a savvy business owner expanding your fleet, these providers have got you covered.

carVertical

So, carVertical is your go-to destination for reliable VIN decoding services. With these reports, you gain access to comprehensive reports that cover crucial details such as safety recalls, damages, theft records, mileage, and accidents. carVertical regularly updates its database, ensuring you have access to the latest and most accurate information available.

The only two drawbacks here are that this service is quite new and the number of reports you can buy at once is limited to three. So keep that in mind.

ClearVin

ClearVin is an authorized distributor of the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) and specializes in providing interstate real-time VIN Check reports by VIN or License Plate. ClearVin draws data from multiple sources, including financial institutions, federal agencies, and local departments that give its customers unique information and extensive data coverage.

The reports include information about vehicle title registration records, ownership history, mileage progression, insurance total loss, outstanding lien, stolen summary indenting stolen and recovered vehicles, junk and salvage records, vehicle market prices, auction sales information along with photos. ClearVin rating system provides instant insights into a vehicle's past and true condition.

ClearVin offers affordable pricing plans for individuals, starting with a single report for $14.99 and 3-5 reports package options available with up to 60% discount ($5.78/report). Also, they offer a great solution for business - $2.50/report. Though the service is available worldwide, the vehicle's historical information is limited to the U.S. records.

EpicVIN

EpicVIN has been providing services since 2012 and is approved by NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System). EpicVIN offers free tools along with detailed VIN reports. The pricing starts at $14.99 per report.

Pros include cost-effective bulk VIN decoding, basic free information, easy report generation, and relevant vehicle details. However, some perceive things like lack of maintenance information in reports, limited tech service information, and potential loading issues in the mobile app as serious drawbacks.

And, of course, EpicVIN gathers data from trusted sources like government agencies and verifies it through NMVTIS and blockchain technology.

The report includes information on odometer values, recalls, salvage history, ownership changes, and more. EpicVIN provides a user-friendly interface, reliable data, secure payment options, and offers affordable pricing.

VinAudit

VinAudit collects all the juicy deets about a vehicle from reliable sources like the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). Do you want to know about ownership history? They got it. Technical problem checks? You bet. Odometer readings? Absolutely.

They give you the full package. And they get their data from verified sources like government agencies, industry partners, NMVTIS, and NHTSA.

So, to sum it up, the VinAudit delivers a satisfactory experience. They've got great customer support, a user-friendly interface, and even throw in some free tools and resources. If you're after a reliable and affordable choice for your vehicle history reports, VinAudit is the name you need to remember.

AutoCheck

AutoCheck, a web-based VIN check website, is your go-to source for digging into the secrets of used cars. These reports cover everything you need to know: vehicle specifications, title brands, accidents, damages, odometer checks, safety recalls, and much more.

It's like having your own personal detective investigating the car's past. But quality comes at a price. A single report will cost you $24.99, but discounts are available if you're in the market for multiple reports.

Each of these websites has its own strengths and may cater to different needs. It's a good idea to explore their features, pricing, and customer reviews to determine which one aligns best with your requirements.

Is Vehicle History Reliable?

A reliable VIN check website can be a valuable tool for car buyers. It's important to keep in mind that while these reports provide a generally accurate overview of a car's past, errors can still occur.

There are scams out there that specifically target consumers involved in buying or selling used cars, so it's crucial to exercise caution.

Now, let's talk about the importance of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This unique 17-digit number acts as a blueprint of a car's track record. Vehicle history reports heavily rely on VINs to provide consumers with accurate information about a vehicle's maintenance history, accident records, and more.

One particularly useful feature of these reports is the ability to identify if a car has a 'title brand' attached to it, which could indicate previous damage or other issues.

Vehicle History Reports Explained

It's essential to understand the significance of Vehicle History Reports (VHRs) and the key indicators they provide. One type of VHR is the NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System) report, which focuses on crucial aspects to combat auto fraud and theft.

So typically, a report consists of these five key elements: current state of title and last title date, brand history, odometer reading, total loss history and salvage history.

The current state of title and last title date reveals the current title status of a vehicle and the date of its last title transfer. It helps consumers determine if the vehicle's title is clear or if there are any liens or issues associated with it.

Brand history highlights any significant events related to a vehicle's past. These events could include flood damage, fire damage, collision, theft recovery, or other incidents that affect its overall condition and value.

The odometer reading is a crucial piece of information that indicates the mileage accumulated by the vehicle over its lifetime. This data helps consumers assess the vehicle's usage and estimate its overall wear and tear.

A vehicle with a total loss history has experienced severe damage, often due to accidents or natural disasters. This information is crucial for consumers as it allows them to avoid purchasing a vehicle that may have undergone significant repairs or might have hidden safety issues.

And similar to a vehicle with a total loss history, a salvage history indicates that the vehicle has had severe damage. It helps consumers steer clear of potentially unsafe vehicles that may have been rebuilt or repaired after being declared a total loss.

Best Free VIN Check Services

It is possible to check VIN history for free. While free services may provide limited reports, they can still offer some general information that could be useful to you. Here are a few free VIN check services that you can consider:

• VinPit is regarded as one of the best overall VIN check and VIN search services. It provides a comprehensive report and offers valuable information about a vehicle's history.
• VINCheckFree is known for its quick and instant VIN lookup service. It allows you to obtain a VIN history report promptly and without any cost.
• This service offers a free VIN search tool that provides a report on a vehicle's history. It can be helpful if you're looking for basic information without paying.
• Bumper is a fast VIN lookup tool that provides vehicle history information. It offers quick results to help you access relevant information about a vehicle's past.

While these free services may not provide the same level of detail as paid options, they can still give you a basic understanding of a vehicle's history. However, it's important to note that if you require a more comprehensive and detailed report, it may be worth considering paid VIN check services.