Editorial staff
Buying a used car? Before you commit, it’s essential to check the vehicle history by VIN number. This helps you avoid hidden issues such as odometer fraud, past accidents, or legal complications. Below, we’ve gathered the top global vehicle history check services, along with tips on how to pick the best site to verify VIN numbers and what to look for in a vehicle report.
What Should a Good VIN Report Include?
A quality VIN report offers a detailed view of a vehicle’s background. Sourced from trusted databases, it should include:
- Mileage history (to detect odometer rollbacks),
- Accident and damage reports,
- Service history and recalls,
- Ownership changes and title status,
- Photos from auctions or insurance claims,
- Theft or salvage records,
- Vehicle type, model, and technical details,
- Market value estimate based on historical and regional data.
Many platforms also offer free VIN previews, ownership data, and tools to check a vehicle by license plate.
What to Look for in a Vehicle History Website
When choosing the best site to check a vehicle’s VIN, consider the following:
- Data sources – Are they pulling from international registries, insurance records, or law enforcement?
- Coverage – Does it include the US, Canada, and Europe?
- Ease of use – Are reports clear and well-formatted?
- Extras – Photos, service logs, title verification, recall info, and value estimation.
- Free check – Some platforms offer a basic preview or free VIN decoder.
- Pricing – Are there bulk report discounts or packages?
Top Global Vehicle History Check Services (Europe & USA)
CARFAX
Scope: Europe, United States, CanadaStrengths: The global standard for vehicle history—especially for US vehicles, but also active in over 20 European countries. Includes accident history, theft, ownership changes, mileage, recalls, and export/import info. Ideal for imported used cars.
autoDNA
Scope: 26+ European countries, United States, CanadaStrengths: Pulls from 50,000+ sources like government databases, insurance, and inspection records. Also partnered with US Autocheck for full American vehicle histories. Offers accident history, odometer checks, ownership, and archived photos.
carVertical
Scope: Pan-European, United StatesStrengths: Integrates over 900 international databases and uses blockchain to ensure authenticity. Highlights include theft reports, accident data, mileage verification, archive photos, and service info.
VIN-Info.eu
Scope: Most of the EU and growing US dataStrengths: Transparent pricing, preview options, service data from automakers, accurate title status. Offers registration and VIN-based searches.
Vincrash.info
Scope: USA (auction-focused), with European users in mindStrengths: Specializes in checking vehicles purchased through American auto auctions. Massive historical database of photos and accident records. Great for verifying damage or condition before the car arrived in Europe.
Link to the website - vincrash.info
Major US-Focused Vehicle History Services
Autocheck (USA)
Scope: USA, with some international importsStrengths: Best for US vehicles. Includes accidents, auction data, title brands, and lien status. Integrated with autoDNA in Europe.
NHTSA VIN Decoder (US Government)
Scope: USA (all manufacturers)Strengths: Free government tool for checking recalls and basic specs. Doesn’t show accident or ownership history—combine with CARFAX or Autocheck for full coverage.
Why Should You Check a VIN Before Buying a Used Car?
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code that reveals essential info about the vehicle’s past. By checking the VIN, you can:
- Validate the car’s mileage and accident history,
- Uncover hidden damages or theft reports,
- Confirm ownership and title details,
- Estimate the car’s current market value,
- Ensure it hasn’t been exported, salvaged, or written off.
Prevent Surprises When Buying a Used Car
Used car ads don’t always show the full picture. A VIN report helps you:
- Confirm the vehicle’s background from reliable data sources,
- Avoid buying a stolen or flood-damaged car,
- Detect rolled-back mileage or insurance write-offs,
- Compare pricing against the vehicle’s actual condition and history.
Got the VIN? Don’t delay—check your vehicle’s history today with one of these trusted services. Make a smart, informed purchase by using data—not just trust.
Editorial staff
