Car Accident Check by VIN

Checking a vehicle’s accident history is essential for understanding its condition and potential risks. Utilizing the VIN, buyers can access accident history reports to ascertain whether the vehicle has been involved in any previous accidents.

Step 1: Get VIN Number

Get the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle you want to check. This can be found in the following locations:

1. Lower left corner of the windshield
   2. Driver’s side door frame
   3. Engine block
   4. Inside the glove compartment
   5. Under the spare tire in the trunk
   6. Registration and insurance documents
   7. Vehicle title
   8. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records

Step 2: Consider Trusted VIN Check Services

Use a reputable online database or service to run a VIN check. Besides vehicle.report, there are other reliable VIN lookup and car report providing services you can choose from:

• NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title Information System) is a database that provides information about a vehicle’s title, registration, odometer readings, and damage history.
• NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) is a government agency responsible for setting and enforcing vehicle safety standards, as well as investigating and reporting on safety defects and vehicle recalls.
• NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau) is a nonprofit organization that works to combat insurance fraud and vehicle theft, providing resources and support to law enforcement and insurance companies.
• VinAudit.com is a website that offers vehicle history reports, including information on title history, accidents, and recalls, to help consumers make informed decisions about purchasing a used car
• VinCheck.info provides free VIN checks for used cars, offering information on title history, salvage records, and potential odometer tampering.
• VinCheckPro.com is a paid service that offers comprehensive vehicle history reports, including information on past accidents, open recalls, and theft records, to help consumers avoid buying a lemon. 

Step 3: Enter the VIN Number

Enter the VIN into the search bar on the website or service and follow the prompts to obtain a vehicle history report. 

You can enter the VIN number in any of these tools to get hints of car accident involvement:

• Free VIN Check
• Free VIN Decoder
• Free VIN Recall Check
• Free License Plate Lookup

Step 4: Review the Vehicle Report 

Car buyers are advised to review the vehicle history report for any indications of previous accidents. Look for any records of collision damage, airbag deployment, or structural damage. Pay attention to the dates of the incidents and the severity of the damage. 

You can get the following data types from the free car report;

• Make, Model, Model Year
• Specifications & Performance
• Engine Type
• Transmission
• Ownership Timeline
• Vehicle Title Brands
• Vehicle Warranty Status
• Safety Ratings
• Market Value
• Ownership Cost
• Defects & Recalls
• Vehicle Insurance

Data provided to VIN lookup services are usually provided by these entities;

• Vehicle manufacturers
• Dealerships
• Vehicle inspection services
• Insurance companies
• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
• Auto repair shops
• Auction houses
• Vehicle appraisers
• Car rental companies
• Law Enforcement
• Traffic Safety Authorities
• Salvage yards
• Auto body shops
• Vehicle emission testing stations

Step 5: Consult Trusted Expert

If the vehicle history report indicates that the vehicle has been in an accident, consider hiring a professional mechanic or inspector to conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle. They can provide a detailed assessment of any existing damage or repairs. 

If you plan to personally inspect and test drive a prospective vehicle, take note of the following signs as they could indicate a history of car accidents;

• Damage to the vehicle
• Broken glass
• Sloppy bodypaint
• Deployed airbags
• Dented or crumpled fenders
• Fluid leaks
• Shattered headlights or taillights
• Bent or twisted metal
• Issues with controls and functions, such as the steering wheel and pedals as well as air condition

Step 6: Ask for Additional Proof

If you are buying a used vehicle, ask the seller for any additional documentation related to the accident, such as repair invoices or insurance claims. This can provide further insight into the extent of the damage and the quality of the repairs.

A car accident lookup can be a valuable resource for multitudes of people and organizations. 

Car buyers: Vehicle buyers can use the tool to background check a chosen car regarding accident history; this is an effective way to defend against car sale fraud. 

Friend or relative: Family members and friends can be informed of their loved one’s involvement in an accident

Car repair shops: Car repair shops can find potential customers for their services

Insurance companies: Car accident lookup can help insurance companies assess the driver’s accident history and make more informed decisions about policy pricing and coverage.

Law enforcement agencies: Car accident lookup can provide law enforcement with important information about a driver’s history of accidents, which may be relevant in the event of a traffic violation or crime.

Legal professionals: Car accident lookup can be used by lawyers and legal professionals to gather evidence and build a case for their clients in personal injury or vehicle accident lawsuits.

Vehicle manufacturers: Car accident lookup data can help vehicle manufacturers identify potential safety issues in their vehicles and make improvements to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Researchers and academics: Car accident lookup data can be used by researchers and academics to study trends, patterns, and risk factors related to car accidents, ultimately leading to the development of improved safety measures and policies.