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Vehicle Identification Number or VIN search has revolutionized the way we gather information about vehicles. In the past, buying a used car meant relying on limited information provided by sellers or conducting time-consuming manual research. However, with the advent of VIN search tools, the process of understanding a vehicle’s history, specifications, and potential risks has become much easier and more accessible for consumers. These tools have also drastically changed auto businesses, providing them with valuable insights into industry trends and enhancing their operations.

Companies like VinAudit are crucial in providing valuable information to consumers and businesses interested in vehicle data. Several players in the market offer vehicle history reports, and the competition has increased in recent years. The Kirkland, WA-based company differentiates itself by providing accurate and reliable data authorized by the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) through all-inclusive vehicle history reports and data feeds for highly competitive pricing.

The history of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) dates back several decades and has evolved over time. Here are some highlights of the VIN’s history:

Early years (Before 1981)

The VIN system was first introduced in the 1950s as a means to standardize vehicle identification. However, during this early period, different manufacturers used their own unique numbering systems, resulting in inconsistencies and a lack of uniformity.

Standardization in the 1980s

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States implemented regulations to standardize the code. This move aimed to provide a consistent and universal method of identifying vehicles for safety and regulatory purposes. The current 17-character format, widely used today, was introduced in 1981.

International Adoption

Various countries started implementing their own regulations and standards based on the NHTSA’s model. This facilitated consistent vehicle identification and data sharing across borders. Each character within the VIN has a specific meaning and provides information about the vehicle. For example, the first three characters often represent the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) that identifies the manufacturer and country of origin, while the 10th character indicates the vehicle’s model year.

Expansion of VIN Usage

Over time, the usage expanded beyond basic identification to include vehicle history tracking and reporting. With advancements in technology, decoding and retrieval have become more accessible. Online platforms and databases now offer VIN lookup services, allowing individuals to quickly access vehicle information and history reports. For instance, VINs have played a crucial role in preventing fraud and facilitating the recovery of stolen cars. They are used by vehicle databases to track and identify stolen vehicles.

Through the years, the VIN evolved from inconsistent vehicle identification to a standardized and globally recognized method. It has become a fundamental tool for vehicle identification, regulation, safety, and history tracking in the automotive industry.

Here are some of the most common types of search tools that cater to different needs and requirements within the automotive industry:

Mobile Applications

With the increasing popularity of smartphones, there are mobile applications available that offer VIN search functionality. These apps allow users to scan or manually enter the unique code and access vehicle information on the go. They often provide features like VIN decoders, vehicle history reports, and even tools for managing a personal vehicle inventory. For VIN search, Carfax has an app that can be used by consumers to access its services or products.

Manufacturer-Specific VIN Tools

Some vehicle manufacturers offer their own tools, specifically designed for their brand’s vehicles. These tools may provide access to manufacturer-specific information, such as recall notifications, service bulletins, warranty details, and maintenance schedules. One example is a BMW VIN search feature at this automaker’s website which accepts online queries about open recalls that apply to a vehicle. Other manufacturers have similar recall lookup pages such as Toyota VIN search and Ford Search by VIN number.

Government Databases

Government agencies, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States, maintain databases that allow this type of search to check for safety recalls and defects. These databases provide critical information for consumers, ensuring that vehicles meet safety standards and addressing any necessary repairs or recalls.

Automotive Industry Solutions

There are specialized search tools tailored to the needs of businesses in the industry. These tools may provide additional features such as Vehicle History APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) for integration into internal systems, bulk VIN processing capabilities, fleet management solutions, and inventory management functionalities. They cater to the specific requirements of dealerships, rental companies, insurance providers, and other businesses operating in the automotive sector.

Stolen Vehicle Databases

These tools allow users to run a vehicle VIN search and cross-reference it with databases of stolen vehicles, helping to prevent fraud and ensure the legality of a transaction. The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) VINCheck lets consumers search cars by VIN to verify if a vehicle has been listed in an insurance theft claim, stolen but has not been recovered, or has ever been reported as a salvage vehicle by participating NICB member insurers.

State-specific VIN search tools

These are online platforms or databases in some states that allow users to search for specific vehicle information within that state. These tools are typically offered by departments or agencies responsible for motor vehicle registrations, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Secretary of State offices. The Florida VIN search web page of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is a tool for checking information on vehicles registered in the state.

Online automotive marketplaces

These websites provide a convenient way for people to search for, buy, and sell cars, motorcycles, trucks, and other vehicles. They typically feature extensive listings of vehicles from various sellers, including both private individuals and dealerships. Used car sellers are usually required to provide the unique vehicle code along with other information about the vehicle. Buyers can search vehicle VIN if they want to get more in-depth information about a car such as history.

Online VIN Lookup Services

Web-based platforms offer paid and free VIN search, enabling users to input a vehicle’s VIN number and access detailed history, specs, and potential problems. Tools like Kelley Blue Book’s VIN search serve varied purposes, including used car valuation, trade-in assessment, and historical checks. These platforms host VIN decoders, history report generators, recall searches, and more, ensuring comprehensive insights for buyers, sellers, and businesses.

Vinaudit.com offers a range of tools and data products based on the VIN, catering to both consumers and businesses. Here are some of the services available in this platform using car search by VIN:

Vehicle History Reports

Vinaudit.com provides detailed vehicle history reports that include essential information such as vehicle specifications, title history (including title brands), accident records, repair history, mileage readings, title transfers, and incidents like flood damage, salvage title, or theft.

Market Value and Cost of Ownership Tools

Vinaudit.com also offers tools to help consumers estimate a vehicle’s market value and assess its cost of ownership. The market value tool calculates the selling price of vehicles such as cars, SUVs, pickup trucks and more in the retail market. This estimate is based on the recent sales price of comparable vehicles sold in various parts of the US. The cost of car ownership for 5 years includes the depreciation of the car’s market value over the years as well as any other expenses associated with owning the car. Aside from depreciation, it takes into account the cost of insurance, fuel efficiency, maintenance and repairs (planned and unexpected), and taxes and fees.

Vehicle Data Services for Businesses

These VinAudit products for businesses allow clients to access and utilize comprehensive vehicle information for various purposes, such as market research, analytics, inventory management, and more. With our vehicle APIs (application programming interface) clients can seamlessly integrate vehicle specifications, values, history, and other relevant information for companies in the automotive industry.