Check Any Vehicle History with VIN Lookup Tool
Use our VIN lookup tool to decode the VIN and get the vehicle history report. Check the car’s specification and record, such as accident, auction, odometer, damage, maintenance history, and more! Useful for sellers and buyers to check a vehicle’s real condition.
Was the vehicle involved in an accident in the past? Look up the VIN now and find out!
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), an alphanumeric digit has been found to be packed with information about the vehicle, which can be obtained by running a VIN lookup. Premium VIN provides you with premium vehicle history reports for every VIN you look up.
How Our VIN Decoder Works?
Our VIN decoder tool is easy to use and only requires a VIN. Follow these simple steps to successfully check the VIN and get the vehicle history report:
Step 1: Find the VIN
First of all, you will need to find the Vehicle Identification Number of the vehicle you are checking. You can check on the paperwork or on the driver’s side doorjamb.
Step 2: Fill in the Form
Once you have the VIN, click on the form above and write down the VIN. Then, click on the button to get the VIN decoded.
Step 3: Get the Report
Wait for a second to get the report. Check the preview page, then proceed to payment to get the full vehicle history report.
What is a Vehicle Identification Number?
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-digit code assigned to every vehicle as an identifier. No vehicle has the same VIN even though they have the same year, make, model, and trim. The VIN helps to identify the vehicle’s origin, engine specifications, and its serial number. It is used worldwide for registration, insurance, and to get a vehicle history report.
How was the VIN Standardized?
The VIN’s length and formatting were not always the same. In the early automotive industry, every manufacturer had its own format, which made those vehicles hard to track.
To solve this problem, a new VIN standard was developed in 1981, resulting in the 17-digit alphanumeric that is used nowadays. This change made it easier to identify vehicles, prevent fraud, and keep accurate records across different countries.
Decoding Each VIN Segment
A VIN is classified into three categories: WMI, VDS, and VIS. Each of these categories conveys different information about the vehicle. Here’s the explanation:
WMI
The World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is found in the first three digits of the VIN. The WMI section shows the country of origin and the type of vehicle. For example, if the VIN starts with the number “1”, the vehicle was manufactured in the United States.
VDS
The Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) comes after the WMI. This section is placed at the 4th to 9th digits of the VIN. The VDS describes the vehicle’s details like body type, engine, and model. Manufacturers use this part to distinguish each version of the vehicle’s model.
VIS
VIS stands for Vehicle Identification Section and is positioned on the 10th to 17th digits of a VIN. It describes the vehicle’s model year, factory location, and its serial number. This is the part that separates one vehicle from another, even if their model and trim are the same.
Why Checking the VIN is Important?
As a buyer and seller, running a VIN check before any transaction happens is crucial. It helps both parties understand the vehicle’s real condition and avoid future disputes.
Buyers
Buyers should check the vehicle thoroughly to ensure it fits their budget, needs, safety, and legality. Here’s why you need to look up a VIN number as a buyer:
> Check Hidden Problems
A car VIN lookup service helps you see if the car has hidden problems. You can see if the car was damaged by fire, flood, or an accident with a vehicle report.
> Confirm Vehicle Specifications
Before you decide to purchase the vehicle, ensure you’ve checked the specifications to see if it matches your needs and budget. Our free online VIN decoder tool can help you get the detailed specification.
Seller
If you are a seller, having a legitimate vehicle history report is crucial. This step should be done to earn the buyer’s trust and to accelerate your selling process.
> Earn Buyers’ Trust
As a seller, having a legit report on the vehicle is important. It shows that you are trustworthy and transparent about the vehicle’s real condition.
> Speed Up the Sales
Decoding the VIN can help you get a trusted vehicle history report. Clear history reduces questions, so buyers are more ready to move forward.
Understanding Your Vehicle History Report
By using a VIN lookup service, you will receive a vehicle history report. In the report, you can find complete information about the vehicle, like specifications, accident history, lien/loan information, and even the recall records.
Vehicle Specifications
With a vehicle history report, you can review the vehicle’s original specifications like engine type, drive type, standard seating, fuel type, and MSRP. These details help you confirm the seller’s claims and decide whether the vehicle fits your needs and your budget.
Accident Records
This section shows whether the vehicle was involved in any accidents. Covering the dates, locations, and number of reported incidents. If accidents appear in the record, check at possible mechanical, structural, and electrical damage.
Stolen Vehicle Records
You can check if a vehicle has ever been reported as stolen. Buying a stolen car can lead to it being seized, with no refund. The report includes the theft date, location, and whether it was recorded in another country.
Auction History
A VIN check can show if the vehicle was sold at auction due to damage or insurance claims. It lists the sale price, auction date and location, current status, and may include up to ten auction photos.
Service and Maintenance Records
Check how the vehicle was taken care of by its previous owners. You can see what work was done, when it was completed, where and when the service took place. Also, you will see if there’s a missing or upcoming maintenance schedule.
Title Check
A title check confirms the vehicle’s legal status and helps prevent title washing. It shows whether the title is clean or marked as salvage, rebuilt, or lemon. Make sure to check the title section to ensure the vehicle is 100% safe and legal.
Mileage History
Mileage records track the vehicle’s odometer. This section includes dated readings and the latest recorded mileage. The mileage report helps you examine whether the vehicle’s odometer was rolled back and to match the seller’s claim.
Lien or Loan Check
If a vehicle still has an active loan or lien, it may carry unpaid debt. By decoding the VIN, you’ll be informed if the vehicle has financial claims, so you can ask the seller to provide proof that everything has been cleared.
Ownership Records
This part shows the vehicle’s ownership history from its original country. It includes years of ownership, locations, and purchase periods, while keeping private details such as names and addresses hidden.
Recall Information
A recall is issued when a manufacturer identifies a serious defect. A VIN check shows recall dates, the reason for the recall, what action was taken, and the final status of the recalls (open/closed).
What Our Clients Are Saying
Where Do We Get Our Data?
The Premium VIN data are culled from trusted data sources and they include:
- Vehicle Dealership
- Car rental companies
- Renowned auto mechanic shops
- Vehicle Manufacturers
- Insurance companies
- State & Federal databases
- Over 1000 auction sites
- Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Canada
- National Motor Vehicle Title
- Information System (USA)
- Renowned Motor Vehicle
- Agencies in Canada
VIN Lookup FAQs
- Acura
- Alfa Romeo
- AMC
- AM General
- Aston Martin
- Avanti Motors
- Audi
- Bentley
- BMW
- Bugatti
- Buick
- Cadillac
- Chevrolet
- Chrysler
- Daihatsu
- Daewoo
- Dodge
- Eagle
- Ferrari
- Fisker
- Ford
- Fiat
- Freightliner
- Genesis
- GMC
- Geo
- Harley-Davidson
- Hino
- Honda
- Hummer
- Hyundai
- International
- Isuzu
- Infiniti
- Jaguar
- Jeep
- Kawasaki
- Kenworth
- KIA
- Koenigsegg
- Land Rover
- Lexus
- Lincoln
- Lamborghini
- Lotus
- Mazda
- Maserati
- Maybach
- McLaren
- Mercury
- Mercedes-Benz
- MINI
- Mitsubishi
- Morgan
- Nissan
- Oldsmobile
- Panoz
- Peterbilt
- Plymouth
- Polestar
- Pontiac
- Porsche
- RAM
- Rolls Royce
- Saleen
- Saturn
- Saab
- Scion
- Shelby
- Smart
- Subaru
- Suzuki
- Tesla
- Toyota
- Triumph
- Volkswagen
- Volvo
- Yamaha
How do I look up a VIN number for free?
You can check a VIN for free through government sources like the National Insurance Crime Bureau for theft or salvage records and the NHTSA for basic decoding. PremiumVIN offers simple free checks that will get you information like specs, last mileage, and market value.
Can I look up my car specs by VIN number?
Yes, you can view detailed vehicle specifications using the 17-digit VIN with free online decoders. Enter the VIN from your dashboard, door frame, or paperwork into the form above to see model, year, engine, trim, drivetrain, and factory details.
Is Carfax VIN lookup free?
No, CARFAX reports are not free. You must pay to access their full vehicle history. With PremiumVIN, you can get a free report that includes the vehicle’s specifications and market value to help you review the car before buying.
What is a good mileage for a used car?
A typical used car averages about 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year, so a five-year-old vehicle with 60,000 to 75,000 miles is considered normal, depending on how it was driven and maintained.
What are signs of a well-maintained car?
A well-maintained car usually has clear service records, clean fluids, smooth engine performance, even tire wear, strong brakes, and a tidy interior, which shows the owner took care of the vehicle and fixed issues on time.
