Many websites provide free vehicle history reports using a car’s VIN and we have reviewed the best free vin check services in this article. A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code given to every vehicle when it’s manufactured. A free VIN check allows potential car buyers to find vehicle data and get an accurate vehicle history report to ensure they are getting a good deal.
Some states have lemon laws to prevent the previous owner or car dealers from selling cars in poor shape while hiding the accident history, but not all do. That’s why it’s important to get a car history report from a free VIN check site.
If you are in the market to buy a used car, our review below will help you find the best free VIN check sites. They provide comprehensive reports on the accident history, vehicle specifications, and market value before you make your purchase.
What is the Best Free Vin Check Site?
The best free VIN check sites that we will cover in this review are:
- Bumper: Best Free Vin Check for Damaged Vehicles
- ClearVin: Best Free Vin Check for Hard-to-Find Information
- carVertical: Best Free Vin Check for VIN Lookup Tools
- EpicVin: Best Free Vin Check for Money-Back Guarantee
- autoDNA: Best Database of Market Value Records
- CARFAX: Best Services from the Dealership
- VinPit: Best Standard VIN Decoder
- AutoCheck: Best Free Vin Check for Buying Used Vehicles
- VinFreeCheck: Best Free Vin Check for Detailed Access Reports
- Cebia: Best Free Vin Check for Europe
The 10 Best Free VIN Decoder Sites
While all 50 states have lemon laws in place for new cars, many do not protect used car buying. If you live in one of those states, you need to be especially careful.
Bumper’s data report is useful in these cases because they focus mostly on damaged used cars. The platform allows you to perform a vehicle’s history report using the vehicle’s VIN. It also allows you to list your damaged car for sale, or buy others to fix up or scrap.
Tool Features
Because Bumper’s data report focuses on damaged cars, this is the best free VIN check for prior damage or accident history.
If you want to sell your damaged car, Bumper has 99% accuracy in being able to determine the value. If you want to research a used vehicle before purchase, Bumper’s research tool is comprehensive.
To determine the value or provide an accurate, comprehensive vehicle history report, Bumper looks at the following:
- Title and selling history
- Sale listings
- Safety recall details
- Salvage auctions
- Accident history
- Market value
Pricing
Bumper will allow you to list your damaged car on their platform for free. Every listed vehicle comes with a free vehicle history report.
To run unlimited reports or for more detailed information, you will have to pay for the premium service.
Bumper has a 7-day trial that will only cost you $1. If you choose to continue to use their premium service, the subscription cost is $19.99 per month (plus tax).
The premium membership gives you:
- VIN checker tool
- Accident history and salvage lookups
- Theft record lookups
- Car sales and background searches
- Title checks
- Specifications and equipment details
- Market value and ownership costs
- Multiple ways to search (VIN check, license plate lookup, and model lookup)
- Ability to monitor different cars and download PDF reports
Pros
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Free vehicle history report with vehicle listing
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The vehicle valuation tool boasts a 99% accuracy record
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No listing fees to sell your car
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Access to thousands of online car buyers if you list your car with Bumper
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Guaranteed offer within 2 minutes when listing your car with Bumper's partner, Peddle
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There is a mobile app available to check vehicle history
Cons
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The free VIN check without listing your car is basic
Star Rating
/ 5.0
ClearVin is another website that offers free VIN check services. Partnered with the National Motor Vehicle Titling Information System (NMVTIS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), ClearVin has access to information that other free vehicle history report websites do not. This includes hard-to-find government information
Tool features
ClearVin’s partnership with the government brings the best information to used car buyers so Americans aren’t bamboozled into buying lemons. Its vehicle history report accesses a lot of unlisted information sources that others don’t. Using ClearVin will give you access to a comprehensive report that can contain information from:
- Financial institutions (title and car sales information)
- National Insurance Crime Bureau
- National Motor Vehicle Titling Information System (NMVTIS)
- US Department of Justice VIN lookup (robbery records)
- National Vehicle Database VIN lookup (repair records)
- Recall details
- Service history information
Pricing
ClearVin offers a basic free vehicle history report. To access the most intricate details you will need the premium version.
To search VIN numbers with the premium version, you will pay the following costs:
- 1 report for $14.99
- 3 reports for $21.98
- 5 reports for $28.99
If you use this platform for a car report, you get access to information sources that other free VIN check sites don’t have. By paying for premium reports, you can access the following information in your car report:
- Vehicle specifications
- Owner history
- Title brand history
- Insurance total loss
- Junk and salvage information (salvage auctions info)
- Lien and impound information
- Real car photos and auction prices
- Stolen summary
- Auction’s final bid amount
- Odometer rollback alert
Pros
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Bulk access option (up to 50 Vehicle Identification Numbers at a time for car dealers)
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Access to unlisted government databases
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No activation or cancellation fees
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No monthly purchase required
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Comprehensive reports
Cons
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The website can be rather slow at times
Star Rating
/ 5.0
carVertical takes an interesting twist to ensure the vehicle history data that you need is accurate. This platform implements blockchain technology to ensure VIN number-based data cannot be altered.
This VIN site pulls information from the National Motor Vehicle Titling Information System (NMVTIS), fire departments, both private and public registries, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, salvage reports, and more.
If you want the most secure data for your free VIN check, you want carVertical.
Tool Features
carVertical pulls real-time data from the auto market. Once Vehicle Identification Number data is uploaded to the platform, it is logged on the blockchain. If that data is ever altered, it will trigger an alert. Data alteration can be a sure sign that someone is up to funny business with the vehicle history report.
This VIN check tool not only guarantees accurate data but can also pull a vast amount of information by using a car’s VIN. This can include up-to-date vehicle history reports, titles, mileage, accidents, theft records, vehicle specifications, and even market value data.
Because this platform only uses real-time data and saves it to the blockchain, you can rest assured that carVertical is always giving you the newest, best free VIN check.
Pricing
carVertical provides a basic free report for a VIN check.
To get the most detailed, secure, and accurate information you will have to pay for their premium reports. The cost for their paid VIN number lookup reports are:
- 1 report for $24.99/report
- 2 reports for $15.99/report
- 3 reports for $13.99/report
Pros
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The platform only uses real-time, up-to-date data
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The blockchain guarantees accurate data
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Over 1 million customers across 50 countries (global presence)
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More affordable than some other options
Cons
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It's one of the newer VIN decoder platforms (launched in 2018)
Star Rating
/ 5.0
EpicVin is another platform that provides both the best free VIN check and the ability to sell your vehicle if you wish. This VIN decoder has been around since 2012.
After entering your Vehicle Identification Number, EpicVin will make an offer for your car. If you want to try for a higher market value, you can also list it for sale on the platform.
Tool Features
EpicVin hosts over 350 million data records to perform your VIN check and is an NMVTIS-approved data provider.
EpicVin has glowing reviews on its own website, as well as on other platforms where it has been reviewed (Google Play Store, Trustpilot). People have been very happy with the free VIN check and premium reports they’ve purchased.
Pricing
EpicVin stands behind its vehicle history reports and offers a money-back guarantee. You can request your money back up to 14 days after you pay for a report, which is comforting.
The platform does offer a basic free vehicle history report, but the premium reports provide far more detail. The prices for EpicVin premium reports are:
- 1 report for $14.99
- 4 reports for $28.17
- 16 reports for $86.34 (great price for used car dealers)
If you choose the premium option from EpicVin, you can expect the following information from this VIN decoder:
- Past odometer readings
- Theft record
- Damages and service history
- Technical data and vehicle specifications
- Pictures of sales by the previous owner
- Owner history
- Major accident reports, including if the airbag has ever deployed
- Total loss reports
- Recall details
- Costs to own a specific vehicle
- Salvage information
- Title brands (if it has been labeled a lemon)
- Insurance information
- Warranty information
Pros
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Accepts PayPal as well as credit and debit cards for payment
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Very easy to use
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Their VIN check provides all of the relevant information that you need for used car buying
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Free VIN check option
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The premium report includes a lot of information
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Premium pricing is more affordable than some other options
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Bulk report option for used car dealers
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NMVTIS-approved data provider
Cons
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Premium reports have a ton of information, which can be a little overwhelming
Star Rating
/ 5.0
autoDNA works with AutoCheck on their Experian-based VIN decoder. This platform has over 4 trillion statistics for over a half billion vehicles in its database.
It also uses databases for its vehicle reports from both the USA and Europe. That allows autoDNA to assess market value across many different markets to provide the best estimate.
Tool Features
A VIN decoder is only as good as the data it has. autoDNA has access to an enormous amount of information for any particular vehicle from multiple markets.
Vehicle manufacturers make different models for different countries, and autoDNA is one of the best VIN decoders for a VIN report with the widest reach of data.
Pricing
autoDNA does not offer completely free VIN checks. To get a detailed vehicle history report, you will have to buy the premium version.
autoDNA is European so their prices are stated in Euros. The platform also sells reports based on the country from which the information is taken:
- Basic EU report: 5.40 Euros
- US vehicle history report: 9 Euros
- Estonian vehicle history report: 9.90 Euros
- The Netherlands vehicle report: 4.90 Euros
- Belgian vehicle report: 9 Euros
- French vehicle report: 9 Euros
- US + Canadian vehicle history report: 12.90 Euros
Pros
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Payment can be made with PayPal, credit card, or debit card
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The platform has been in business since 2010
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It's the world's largest provider of vehicle history reports
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The best platform for comparing vehicles across multiple global markets
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It will allow you to search VIN numbers for used cars anywhere in the world
Cons
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Imported used car buying can require multiple reports to be purchased for the same vehicle history report (the platform charges for reports by country)
Star Rating
/ 5.0
A CARFAX report has become synonymous in the US with a standard VIN check. The company put a lot of money into advertising and may be the only one that many Americans know off the top of their head.
This VIN decoder has over 22 million records to pull from. It provides such comprehensive reports and is so user-friendly that many car dealers use a CARFAX report to help them sell cars.
Tool Features
CARFAX pulls data from over 100,000 sources for its VIN lookup. The company also has 22 billion records to look through for its VIN search. This leads to the company’s claim that it is one of the largest cross-border databases in the world.
With so many data sources to look up a vehicle’s history, including the vehicle inspection history, CARFAX has a lot of information for any vehicle type. Other VIN websites have a lot of information, but there’s a reason most car dealers trust CARFAX.
Pricing
A CARFAX report can be pretty pricey, but there’s a secret to getting a free VIN report from CARFAX. Most car dealers pull a CARFAX report for vehicles they sell. They often either have them on hand already or will print you one if asked. The downside to this is that it doesn’t allow you to do your due diligence before visiting the dealership.
If you want a comprehensive report from CARFAX to help decide which cars to look at, the pricing is as follows:
- 1 report for $39.99
- 3 reports for $59.99
- 6 reports for $99.99
Pros
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CARFAX has been in the vehicle history report business since 1984
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The platform pulls data from over 100,000 different sources
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If you use a CARFAX report to buy a vehicle and there are problems that didn't show up in the report, CARFAX may buy the car back from you
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The mobile app allows for easy new/used car selling and buying
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Over 22 billion records on new and used vehicles
Cons
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CARFAX offers a comprehensive report, but it'll cost you
Star Rating
/ 5.0
VinPit doesn’t offer a lot of bells and whistles or use any fancy technology for a VIN search and car history report. But, it doesn’t really matter because this VIN search website only uses up-to-date information.
If you want to know if there is a rental history behind a potential used car purchase, or if you need to know if the car’s specifications are accurately listed, the VIN lookup form on VinPit can tell you it all.
Tool Features
The search bar on VinPit is simple to use. You can perform a VIN check, or search by vehicle specs.
This platform can even give you the fuel efficiency for a used car that you are considering buying. VinPit also allows you to search by license plate number, although the free VIN report is pretty basic.
Pricing
VinPit does provide a free VIN report, but the free version only gives you basic information.
The premium reports are where you get the juicy details. If you are willing to pay for a VIN number lookup on a used vehicle, the pricing for VinPit is:
- $14.99 for 1 report
- $7.04/report for 4 reports
- $5.40/report for 16 reports
A premium VIN checker report through VinPit will give you the following details about the car’s history:
- VIN engine codes
- Vehicle specs including aftermarket or standard parts
- The market value for the vehicle
- The fuel efficiency
- Any security ratings
- Warranty information
- Any accident history or previous damages
- Mechanical maintenance that has been performed on the used car
- Historical photos
- Any history of theft from the National Insurance Crime Bureau
Pros
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Very easy platform to use
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24/7 customer service is available
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VinPit offers a free trial to see if you like it
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All information is up-to-date
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Provides real-time market value estimates based on similar cars
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A lot of details are offered at a low cost
Cons
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It is one of the newer VIN decoders on the market
Star Rating
/ 5.0
AutoCheck may be the best VIN check service for choosing between used vehicles when intent on car buying. This VIN lookup service has partnered with Experian and has records on over 500 million used vehicles for its car history report.
This platform also has a unique twist that is especially useful when shopping. It assigns every used car a score between 1-100 on a variety of factors. This helps used car buyers decide between two options they may be considering.
Tool Features
AutoCheck is especially useful for car shoppers who use a VIN lookup to do their due diligence.
AutoCheck pulls new information for a fresh score every time a VIN number is run in the platform. Using a wide range of information, the tool provides a score based on current information like market value, grey market value, accident history, vehicle prices, fuel efficiency, and many other factors. This allows you to place two potential purchases side-by-side and see which scores higher.
Pricing
AutoCheck does provide a free VIN report, but it is limited.
If you want to buy the premium report, each package provides you access for 21 days. Within that time frame, you can search VIN numbers for as many reports as you have purchased.
The AutoCheck pricing is:
- 1 report for $24.99
- 5 reports for $49.99
- Custom business packages for bulk VIN number reports
Pros
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Access to Experian for selling history
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Access to 500 million records from the National Vehicle Database
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Information of theft or fraud from the National Insurance Crime Bureau
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Scoring helps with deciding between options for used car buying
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Side-by-side vehicle history reports and scores let you know the market value at any given time
Cons
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More expensive than other VIN checker reports, but worth it if you want the vehicle's full history
Star Rating
/ 5.0
VinFreeCheck has partnered with multiple industry organizations to provide data to potential car buyers. For example, The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) provides safety data, recall details, and accident history. The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) provides selling history, title information, and more background information about the vehicle. VinFreeCheck has access to all this information.
Tool Features
VinFreeCheck was designed as a VIN number lookup service to help used vehicle buyers avoid lemons and hidden information. The platform provides free access to its VIN number-based database.
The free VIN report provides information on vehicle manufacturers, makes, and models. You can use the license plate or VIN check to find that information. VinFreeCheck can also help with vehicle inspection information. It also will disclose flood information, insurance claims, and repairs.
Pricing
VinFreeCheck provides the most information for its free vehicle history report of all the VIN decoders. Using either the VIN check or license plate number, you can access a decent amount of information for free.
For the most detailed and comprehensive report, you can buy a premium report for $8.99 each.
Pros
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A lot of information in the free access report
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Very well-priced premium reports
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Partners with industry organizations for a lot of accurate data
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Designed to help used vehicle buyers
Cons
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It costs $8.99 per premium report
Star Rating
/ 5.0
If you either live in or buy cars from Europe, Cebia is the VIN checker platform for you. This platform has been in the VIN check business since 1991 and has over 1 billion EU-based records in its database.
With updated information directly from the local markets, vehicle manufacturers, vehicle dealers and importers, as well as government and insurance databases, Cebia is the best VIN check platform for the region. Keep in mind that the reports are not available in English.
Tool Features
Cebia uses the Autotracer system and has access to many different databases to help keep its customers’ data safe.
With information directly from the car manufacturer about the vehicle specs, Cebia can help you identify fraudulent listings. Repair data, selling history, insurance claims, and many other sources of information help Cebia customers as well.
Pricing
Cebia does not offer free reports.
This platform does provide both a “minimum” and “premium” level for its reports, based on how comprehensive the report needs to be. The minimum report costs 199 CZK (about $7.80) and will provide:
- Vehicle identification
- Historical records
- Theft, lease, and rental history records
- Vehicle history report to confirm its condition
- The market value of the vehicle
The premium report costs 499 CZK (about $19.70) for 1 report, 749 CZK (about $29) for 2 reports, or 990 CZK (about $39) for 3 reports. By upgrading to the premium report, you will access the:
- Detailed vehicle history report
- Detailed historical records such as mileage data and repairs
Pros
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The platform has been around since 1991
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Over 1 billion vehicle records to access
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Coordinates with both private and government organizations for its records
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Access to the Autotracer system, which can indicate attempted fraud
Cons
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The platform is focused on the European market
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Reports are not available in English
Star Rating
/ 5.0
What Is a VIN Number?
A VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number) is a 17-digit long unique identifier for vehicles.
By running a VIN check, you can access a very detailed history of any vehicle, including past sales, damages, title ownership, theft, and much more.
Why Should I Check the VIN Number When Buying a Car?
You should check the VIN number when buying a car and run a free vehicle history report because you can access a lot of information about your potential purchase.
Not all states have lemon laws to protect used car sales. Even if your state does have lemon laws, there may be a history of your potential car purchase that makes it a poor decision to buy.
Where Can You Find the Vehicle’s VIN?
Different car manufacturers will place the vehicle’s VIN in different positions. Generally, the VIN can be found:
- Stamped on the dashboard near the windshield (on the driver’s side)
- On a plate or sticker inside of the driver’s side door jam
- Stamped on the engine’s firewall
- On your insurance card and insurance policy
- On the car’s title and registration documents
Where Does a VIN Decoder Get Information?
VIN decoders get information from different sources. Some utilize government databases. Others use private information from places like Experian and insurance companies. carVertical even uses blockchain technology to ensure the data cannot be manipulated.
What Can a VIN Check Tell You?
The best free VIN check services can offer a wealth of information about a vehicle. A VIN check may provide the following information:
- Selling history including prices
- Market value
- Past damages and repairs
- Previous insurance claims
- Recalls that affect the vehicle
- Reported theft of the vehicle
- Manufacturer information
- Vehicle specifications
- Fuel efficiency
FAQs
How Do I Find My Vehicle Identification Number?
The Vehicle Identification Number can be found on the dashboard near your windshield, on a plate or sticker inside of the driver’s side door jam, on the engine’s firewall, on your insurance card and policy, or on the car’s title and registration documents.
What Information Does a Free Vin Report Give You?
A free VIN report gives you a lot of information, such as:
- Basic vehicle info (make, model, year)
- Manufacturer location
- Any recalls that affect the vehicle
What is the Difference Between Carfax and CarVertical?
Carfax and CarVertical are both VIN check services, but they differ in their offerings.
Carfax is renowned for its extensive database, providing detailed reports on accidents, title history, and service records. However, access to comprehensive reports typically requires payment, with only basic information available for free.
In contrast, CarVertical stands out for its transparent and detailed reports, aggregating data from various sources. While it’s relatively new, it offers a more detailed free report compared to Carfax. This makes CarVertical a compelling choice for users seeking a free VIN check service with decent coverage, although paid options are available for more comprehensive information.
Conclusion on Best Free VIN Check Sites
A VIN number check can help you make a more informed decision when buying a car. The best free VIN check websites listed above can provide the information necessary to protect you from a bad deal when buying a used vehicle.
The next time you are in the market to buy new or used cars, do your due diligence first to ensure you are getting a good deal. Most importantly, the VIN decoder sites listed above can help you to be sure that you aren’t buying a vehicle with a hidden history of damage. They are the best free VIN check websites because of their reputation, user experience, and accuracy.
Published : March 14,2024
Published : March 14,2024