How to Get a Free VIN Check to Avoid Used Car Scams

Used cars are a great way to save money on a new ride. However, there are downsides to buying a second-hand vehicle. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it’s likely an online car marketplace scammer or shady dealership selling a vehicle with hidden problems or rolled-back mileage. These issues can cost buyers unexpected repairs and even legal issues in the long run.

A free VIN check is an excellent way to avoid a potential scam. This user-friendly tool details a vehicle’s history, such as possible title issues and accident reports, and can help buyers feel more confident about their purchase.

What Is a VIN?

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-character set of numbers and letters assigned to each vehicle. This internationally standardized serial format is used to identify individual cars, trucks, and SUVs. 

Once a vehicle is assembled and leaves the manufacturer’s factory, it receives its VIN, and no two cars can have the same VIN.

Most countries keep records of VINs and vehicle histories in their databases. In the United States, these databases include the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), state DMVs, and some private organizations. Every vehicle made since 1980 is required to have a VIN.

What Information Does a VIN Contain? 

All VINs are made up of 17 characters, but the details they reveal can vary, depending on where the vehicle was manufactured. For instance, North American VINs are broken down into six segments:

• World manufacturer identifier: The first character in the VIN is where the vehicle was made, and the next two identify the manufacturer and subdivision.
  
  For example, a VIN starting in 1 means the car was made in the U.S., while a J shows that it was produced in Japan. Chevrolet car VINs typically start in 1G1, and Ford truck VINs start in 1FT. 

• Vehicle attributes: Digits in positions 4 to 8 provide details about the vehicle, such as its type, platform, body style, transmission, or engine type. Each manufacturer has its own system for assigning these codes.

• Check digit: The ninth digit is usually a letter “X” or a number from 0 to 9. This character confirms that the rest of the VIN is valid. Its primary purpose is to help prevent fraud and VIN tampering.

• Model year code: The character in the tenth position shows the vehicle’s model year. For example, cars produced in 2021 have the letter M as the tenth digit. Because the code is made of a single character, multiple model years can share the same character; M can, for instance, correspond to 1991 or 2021.

• Plant code: The eleventh character tells which manufacturing plant the vehicle came from. Every manufacturer uses unique plant codes. For example, a D on a Toyota means it was produced at the Nagakusa factory in Obu, Japan.

• Production number code: The last five characters (positions 12 to 17) are a unique sequence for each vehicle, similar to a serial number.

Where to Find a Car’s VIN

The VIN can be found in several locations on a vehicle, including:

• A sticker or plate inside the driver-side door jamb
• A plate in the engine bay
• Stamped to the engine’s firewall
• Stamped on the dashboard near the windshield on the driver’s side

The VIN can also be listed on the vehicle’s title and registration or printed on the owner’s insurance card. 

Why Run a VIN Check Before Buying a Used Car?

When a VIN is entered into a lookup tool, it unlocks detailed information about the vehicle’s history, helping buyers decide whether to make the purchase. While the information varies depending on the service used, most free VIN lookup tools offer: 

• An overview: This includes information on the manufacturer, model, year, trim level, and other details like the paint color, transmission type, and gas mileage.

• Title information: This includes the title (pink slip) the vehicle currently has, such as clean, rebuilt, or salvage, the title history, and whether the car has been reported stolen.

• History records: A VIN lookup tool provides basic details for free, such as the vehicle’s current mileage and the number of past owners. If the specific model was subject to a recall, there are also recall checks in the history records. Most VIN lookup services also offer paid services providing access to accident and service records.

Where Can I Get a Free VIN Check?

There are a few services available online that offer free VIN checks. However, each one provides information with varying levels of detail, so buyers may need to use more than one to get a full view of the car they’re considering. 

1. JD Power VIN Lookup & Decoder

The JD Power VIN Lookup & Decoder is a free VIN lookup tool that gives buyers in-depth information about any vehicle. When buyers enter a car on the VIN Lookup & Decoder, the following details will be displayed:

• Overview: A breakdown of the car’s exterior and interior color, average gas mileage, fuel type, engine power, drivetrain, and transmission type. Buyers can also request access to more detailed specifications to learn more about the specific model or trim level.

• Key features: This section lists the vehicle’s standard features for the make and model, such as cruise control, full-time all-wheel drive, automatic climate control, or a leather steering wheel.

• Installed options and packages: These lists display optional manufacturer upgrades or dealer packages that were installed at the time of the vehicle’s sale. Cross-checking the information on these lists with the equipment currently on the car is a good way for buyers to verify its condition.

• Paid options: Potential buyers can request a complete vehicle history report on AutoCheck, a JD Power partner.

2. National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) VINCheck® Lookup

The NICB is a nonprofit organization that is committed to fighting vehicle-related crimes like theft, arson, and insurance fraud. Buyers can access VINCheck®, a complimentary VIN lookup service on the website.

Because the organization is mainly focused on preventing fraud, VINCheck® only provides basic vehicle information, such as whether the VIN has been tagged as stolen or written off as a total loss (salvage record).

Although the NICB VIN lookups don’t go in-depth on vehicle details, they can still help buyers identify potential scam sellers.

3. CarFax

CarFax is an established private provider of vehicle history reports in North America. The company provides access to some of the most detailed history reports, with a complete breakdown of the following:

• Accident data, including accident history, damage severity, location, and points of impact.

• Service history, including tire rotations, oil changes, safety inspections, and replacements of major parts like brake rotors and transmissions.

• Whether the vehicle was a rental, a leased car, a commercial vehicle, or has been used as a taxi or a police vehicle.

• Ownership history, including the number of owners, each past owner’s state/province of origin, lengths of ownership, and odometer readings

CarFax reports are widely recognized for their comprehensiveness. However, the biggest drawback for an individual buyer is its cost. CarFax is primarily intended for professionals and does not provide a free version of its service. 

Get Free VIN Checks With JD Power

Purchasing a used car can be risky without access to the right information. VIN lookup services are an essential step for many car buyers. The details a check provides help avoid potential scams and determine whether the vehicle is worth purchasing. 

The JD Power VIN Lookup & Decoder is designed to be the first step in a used car buying experience. Find detailed information to make an informed purchase and stay safe from scams and fraudulent sellers.

Author: Corentin Bernard

Corentin’s passion for the automotive world started when he was just seven years old, during a life-changing visit to an auto museum. Now a seasoned writer, Corentin channels that early fascination into every piece he writes, whether he’s exploring the latest car trends or automotive history. But his expertise doesn't end there—he also brings his insights to topics like home improvement, the boating and yachting industry, personal finance tips, and cutting-edge tech.

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