The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every car manufactured since 1981. Checking the VIN is one of the most important steps you can take before purchasing a used or salvage vehicle.

Why VIN verification matters

A VIN check reveals the vehicle's history - accidents, title status, odometer readings, previous owners, and more. Without this information, you risk buying a car with hidden damage, a fraudulent title, or a rolled-back odometer.

For salvage vehicles sold at auctions like Copart and IAAI, VIN verification is especially critical because these cars often have significant damage histories.

How to read a VIN

The 17-character VIN is divided into sections:

  • Characters 1-3: World Manufacturer Identifier (country and manufacturer)
  • Characters 4-8: vehicle attributes (model, body type, engine)
  • Character 9: check digit
  • Character 10: model year
  • Character 11: assembly plant
  • Characters 12-17: sequential production number

Where to verify a VIN report

You can verify a VIN report through the following services:

  • Bidfax.info - provides auction history from IAAI and Copart, including photos, mileage, VIN, final prices, and other details.
  • AutoAstat.com - full auction reports, price analysis, and vehicle history. Paid, but very accurate.
  • Stat.vin - lets you check auction history and compare final prices.
  • Carfax - the official history reports with full documentation.
  • Bidcheck.info - a relatively new tool with a simple interface. Provides the full set of auction data completely free of charge.
  • EpicVin.com - an alternative to Carfax, analysing auction and vehicle history data.

How do these services work?

  • They pull data via scraping or official Copart and IAAI APIs (though Copart heavily restricts access).
  • They analyse previous auction listings, comparing prices and damage levels.
  • They help you avoid cars sold multiple times or with hidden damage.

What to look for in a VIN report

When you run a VIN check, pay attention to:

  • Number of previous owners
  • Accident history and severity of damage
  • Title brands (salvage, rebuilt, flood, lemon)
  • Odometer readings over time
  • Service records
  • Recall information

Red flags to watch out for

Be cautious if the report shows inconsistent odometer readings, multiple title transfers in a short period, undisclosed accidents, or a mismatch between the reported vehicle and the car you're inspecting. These are classic signs of fraud.

Summary

A simple VIN check can save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches. Always verify the VIN before committing to any purchase, especially when buying from auctions or private sellers. Use BidCheck.info for free access to auction history from Copart and IAAI.