Checking a car’s VIN can reveal much information about the vehicle. Using this information, you can make critical decisions on the car, for example, whether to buy a used car or purchase certain parts. That said, you need a tool that guarantees all this information at a fair price.
Below is information on some of the best free VIN check alternatives. These sites value accuracy and authenticity of data, which is why they have partnered with certified NMVTIS data providers. Free VIN Check, for example, provides some of its comprehensive and in-depth vehicle reports for free. You only need a VIN, and the platform will handle the rest.
Best 5 Free VIN Check Alternatives
- Free VIN Check
- VINCheckFree
- Ford VIN Decoder
- ClearVIN
- autoDNA
1. Free VIN Check
Free VIN Check is one of the best alternatives for free VIN check report. It is available for all states within the US and can provide free history reports for nearly any kind of vehicle created by all major manufacturers. This free VIN tool lets you find information on any vehicle ( Sedans, SUVs, Trucks, etc.) or brand (Acura, Romeo, Jeep, Chevrolet, etc.).
Their vehicle reports usually provide a comprehensive view of a vehicle’s past. For example, you can determine whether a car has had an accident, including the number of times. Sometimes, you can figure out the severity of the damage.
You can also learn about vehicle theft claims associated with a vehicle and be able to verify the validity of the VIN.
This site further exposes past or open recalls issued on a vehicle. You can spot hidden risks you wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. For example, vehicle scrapping, the car previously used as a taxi, auto theft, total loss, and vehicle not qualifying as roadworthy.
Pros
Comprehensive vehicle reports- This platform can unveil details you need about a vehicle, everything from technical specifications to open recalls, theft records, and accident records.
Trustworthy data -It gathers its vehicle data from reputable sources, including NHTSA and insurance companies.
Cons
It comes with extra details that you may need to pay to view.
Just like other VINs, it does not provide information about the vehicle owner, i.e., name and contact address.
2. VINCheckFree
VINCheckFree allows you to uncover the details of your vehicle history in several ways.
For one, you can decode the VIN of a car by the manufacturer. This platform comes with different VIN tools for various brands. For example, when you want to interpret the VIN of the Acura car brand, you could use the Acura VIN decoder.
Second, you can perform a license plate lookup by state. The site will guide you to check license plates by state while giving you some tips on maximizing your search.
And last, the site gives you the option of performing a VIN check by state. Here checking a VIN on vehicles from any US state is possible. It offers one of the best ways of determining vehicle records.
Pros
Instant vehicle reports
Provides credible information about a vehicle
It allows you to determine a reasonable estimate of how much your potential vehicle should cost.
Cons
The tool is still new in the market hence faces stiff competition.
3. Ford VIN Decoder
When buying a used Ford car, it is crucial to use the Ford VIN decoder to check its VIN and read about its problems, recalls, and complaints. Here you can collect the latest facts, figures, and Ford Specifications based on the vehicle’s year, make, and model.
Vehicle history reports from this platform typically contain information on title problems, past damages, unsafe salvage rebuilds, odometer readings, theft, and past sales.
What most consumers prefer about it is that it helps users with its maintenance and safety recalls. It majorly indicates precise mileage readings to the customer. It also keeps up with accident and damage records, allowing buyers to avoid significant troubles when buying any used Ford vehicle.
Pros
Well-suited for Ford vehicles
Accurate and comprehensive database to paint the history of Ford vehicles
It is a win for someone buying a used Ford vehicle
Cons
Supports VIN lookup for Ford Vehicles only
4. ClearVIN
ClearVIN provides VIN check services across Canada and the USA. It sources its vehicle data from various government and public departments. It also has partnered with significant database companies, including National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) and National Vehicle Services.
Reports from this site disclose information on title brands, insurance records, vehicle value, ownership costs, recalls, and other information.
You can use title brand data to check whether the vehicle was issued a junk, rescue, total loss, or salvage title. This data also reveals the kind of damage a car has had, including its severity.
Pros
Offers a streamlined way to perform a VIN check
Extensive and reputable sources of data
Promises and delivers a money-back guarantee.
Cons
Reports are expensive.
The information provided may not always be accurate
5. autoDNA
autoDNA is another VIN service that sources data from a database containing information on over 500 million used vehicles across Europe and worldwide. Their vehicle data comes from over 20 European nations, including Canada and the US. This includes 50,000 + different institutions providing various vehicle services in the automobile industry.
A free VIN check service lets you determine the vehicle information available for a particular VIN. You can also check for free the sections of the vehicle history reports containing photos.
The free service gives you an update on the report availability. It shows whether information concerning a particular car’s country of origin is available.
Pros
It contains information from multiple databases, including international databases, which guarantee comprehensive reports
Boasts over a decade of experience
VIN services are available 24/7
Cons
You have to pay to view their vehicle history reports
Their premium services may be a bit pricey compared to other platforms
FAQs
Q1: What Are the Things to Check When Buying Used Cars/Vehicles?
A VIN check is more than necessary when buying used cars. This process allows you to evade over 75% of the problems, usually from purchasing used vehicles. A VIN check reveals:
- Precise Odometer readings
- Past damages
- Manufacturing recalls and faults that every car owner should be aware of
- Various uses of the vehicle in the past
- Vehicles technical data and specifications
- How many owners a vehicle/car has from its past
It will also allow you to determine whether the used car is registered in stolen car records.
Q2: Is Giving Out the VIN Number to a Buyer Safe
Yes, it is safe. In fact, it is advisable to share your VIN with your buyers as it boosts transparency. This transparency will ensure you get the best value for any vehicle you sell. It also avoids any legal troubles in the future.
Conclusion
These five free VIN alternatives are the best because of their partnership with reputable data sources in the industry -NMVTIS, JD Power, NHTSA, and others. With Free VIN Check, you only need a VIN, and the site will generate comprehensive results within seconds. Visit this site today for a zero-cost VIN Lookup.
