Frequently Asked Questions
What is a VIN Number?
It is your vehicle's DNA
The Vehicle Identification Number is a 17 digit number that consists of the Vehicle Identification Number, the Vehicle Identification Code, and the Vehicle Type Code.
The Vehicle Identification Number is assigned by the manufacturer and stays with the vehicle from the time it is built until it is sold. A vehicle owner will need to keep a copy of the VIN at all times.
Do all vehicles have VINs?
Where can I find the VIN?
Now that you know what a VIN number is, you may be wondering, "Where is the VIN number on a car?" especially if you need it to apply for insurance or for something else.
You can usually find the VIN on the dashboard on the driver's side near the window or on the driver's door near the handle. Sometimes VIN is also engraved under the spare tire or on the engine block, vehicle frame, transmission or bumpers. In addition, you can also find your VIN on your insurance card, vehicle registration and registration card.
Can 2 vehicles exist with the same VIN?
How accurate is the VIN Information?
Now that we know what a VIN is, it’s time to check it out and make sure it’s accurate. Check to see that the VIN reads the same as on your vehicle and that it has the same format. If your VIN is correct, it will match up to the year, make, model, engine, and transmission codes listed on your vehicle’s paper registration.
What kind of information will I get from the Report?
For which vehicles can I buy a report for?
All motor vehicles, towed vehicles, motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds.
What are the payment methods?
All major debit and credit cards are accepted.
How can I check a vehicle history?
How long does it take to have my report ready?
Usually it takes less than 180 seconds to deliver the report to your inbox, and less than that to show you the report after successful payment. However some delays might occur due to high traffic on our servers, although extremely rare.
How to decode the VIN number?
The VIN of a 1996 Porsche 993 GT2 — WP0ZZZ99ZTS392124 — is going to be the example.
The first character tells you where in the world the vehicle was built. It tells you the country of origin.
The second character tells you the manufacturer.
The third character tells you the vehicle type or division.
The fourth through eighth characters tell you the vehicle make, body type, engine size and type, model and series.
The ninth character is a security code that identifies VIN as authorized by the manufacturer.
The tenth character is the model year of the vehicle.
The eleventh character tells you the factory where your vehicle was assembled.
The last six characters are the specific production number of the vehicle, which is the vehicle's serial number.
Can a VIN ever be changed?
No. It is illegal to change a VIN even when the vehicle is being restored or rebuilt from numerous parts. If you look up a vehicle’s VIN and find a description for a different vehicle, you should contact your local law enforcement authority.
Why VIN and not license plate number?
Both VIN and licence plates are intended to provide information about your vehicle, but the way they do so and the level of detail they provide differ significantly.
Licence plates provide very simple and easily recognisable information about your vehicle. The first two letters of the licence plate describe where your vehicle was registered. The first letter represents the general region, the second the nearest Road Authority office. The two middle digits indicate the age of the vehicle, and the last three letters are randomly generated to give your car a unique identity. A licence plate is always clearly visible to the authorities and can be easily checked.
A VIN, on the other hand, isn't printed on a plate, but stamped or engraved into the chassis of your vehicle when it's built. Unlike a removable or transferable licence plate, a VIN remains with a vehicle from start to finish. On the chassis, on the inside of the driver's door, and sometimes under the windshield, the VIN can be found in various places on your vehicle. Unlike the simpler information provided by a licence plate, VIN contains detailed information about your vehicle.
How to get a Free VIN check?
Can I use VINmotor in a motorcycle?
How does a VIN prevent theft?,
The first benefit of a VIN is that it provides protection against stolen vehicles. Law enforcement and consumers can access detailed reports of a vehicle's history through VIN. If you want to conduct a VIN search for a vehicle you're interested in purchasing, use a VIN decoder to quickly and easily generate a report. If your car is stolen, have VIN on hand to give law enforcement the best chance at recovering your vehicle.
How does a VIN prevent fraud?
The same thing that helps prevent theft also prevents dealers or private sellers from misrepresenting a car or its history before selling it. Law enforcement and consumers can check the VIN to make sure it matches the claims. The same decoder makes it easy to generate such a report.
What is a VIN Decoder?
A VIN decoder is a very popular online application that relies on an algorithm. It allows you to decode the information contained in the vehicle number VIN. Of course, depending on the complexity of the algorithm, decoders can provide a different amount of information. Most often, they provide a vehicle history report. This is available online or as a PDF.
How to check if the color of a used car has been changed?
It is difficult to decipher the paint color based on the VIN number. An authorized repair store can help, as the color designation or code on the nameplate is the factory painted color. This way, you can find out if the body color matches the vehicle manufacturer's original color.
Undoubtedly, the VIN number is not important to know, but it is a must! It allows you to find out the entire vehicle history, and gives you peace of mind that you do not have to worry about being fooled by a dishonest car dealer who is supposedly selling accident-free vehicles. Depending on the manufacturer, the VIN number may be on different parts of the vehicle, and there is no single placement standard for every car. Remember that in case of an accident or if some parts are simply worn out, you can import them through the VIN.