Today, there are many VIN verification services available, so how do you choose the most reliable and appropriate one? The answer is simple: rely only on authorized data providers, then review the information provided by each of them and compare pricing. This is a review of the ClearVin VIN Report, a VIN verification service and authorized NMVTIS data provider with over 10 years of experience and extensive ties in the automotive industry.
With ClearVin, you can check vehicle by VIN, License Plate or auction Lot# getting a comprehensive overview in a click. ClearVin VIN Report begins with a summary that offers a brief overview of the records collected from multiple data sources. It is designed to help you navigate your report effectively. It highlights the number of records and any alerts available within each section. Let’s explore each section of the ClearVin report to ensure you don’t overlook any important details.
1. ClearVin Vehicle Rating
The ClearVin vehicle rating is a tool designed to help you quickly and easily understand a used vehicle’s history. We use a letter-based system (A to F) to assess the vehicle’s condition and background. An “A” rating signifies an excellent history with no significant issues, whereas an “F” indicates irreparable damage and all its possible consequences.
Our rating system evaluates vehicle data against predefined criteria, providing a concise and accurate picture of the vehicle’s past and appraising its current condition. Car buyers can use this to quickly evaluate vehicle condition. Meanwhile, dealers can easily prove a vehicle has a clear title and good history.
2. Ownership History
The vehicle ownership history is one of the most important pieces of information for those who want to buy a used car. With a vehicle history report from ClearVin, you can uncover the following details:
- auto registration and vehicle ownership transfer dates;
- the number of prior owners;
- states of vehicle ownership;
- last reported mileage.
In addition, the ownership usage type indicates if a vehicle was previously registered as personal, leasing, business, rental, government, or other. You may also discover if a car was obtained through leasing. This information aids in determining wear and tear, potential title concerns, and ownership changes over time. Buying a used car is important to also check title liens. You can read about them further.
3. JUNK & Salvage Information
The Junk & Salvage Records section of our vehicle report contains information about vehicles that have been or were declared as salvage or junk and registered at any junk or salvage yard. A salvage title means that the cost to repair the vehicle would exceed its worth. Salvage records are sourced from the National Motor Vehicle Titling Information System (NMVTIS) and include dates, reporting agency names, as well as address and contact details. This section also identifies whether a vehicle is intended to be exported.
4. Insurance Records
Insurance Records appear if a vehicle has been declared a total loss by the insurance company, which typically occurs if a car was totaled or stolen. In essence, it means an insurer paid the current value of a damaged car to its owner and then listed it for sale at a salvage auction, such as Copart or IAA, rather than covering the vehicle’s repair costs. This section also includes the vehicle’s disposition, which is the designation outlining the final outcome and status of a vehicle after a claim has been settled.
For a more detailed understanding of the term, we suggest reading our article, “What does total loss mean?”
5. Title History
The title history information section of a vehicle history report covers both current and historical records in the vehicle’s title, providing a title issue date as well as a date, state, and relevant mileage on each further entry. This information can help the potential buyer track the number of owners and states of operation of a car.
Among the key pieces of title history information, we can highlight the Current Title Information section. It covers the most recent registration record for a vehicle title reported by NMVTIS. Historical Title Information refers to all title registration records. Also, it covers specific brand assignments, like salvage and rebuilt, in a vehicle title. This information can help the potential buyer track the number of owners and states of operation of a car.
6. Odometer history
The odometer reading was initially invented to assist owners in safely scheduling maintenance checkups and inspections. However, for all used car buyers, it became a key indicator of a vehicle’s value – which is not surprising, as it reveals much about the condition of its major parts. We obtain odometer records from all state DMVs and combine this data with private sources to provide the most reliable odometer reading for every VIN registered within the U.S.
Within the ClearVin report, the Odometer History section uncovers the total distance covered by the car. We collect mileage records from multiple government and private sources, including dealership sales. This information provides valuable insights into the vehicle’s condition, value, and potential maintenance it may require. The odometer history details cover the current odometer reading, mileage progression, and identify if it has exceeded the average mileage for a similar vehicle. Additionally, the report alerts you to the possibility of an odometer rollback, if any.
7. NMVTIS Title Brand Information
A vehicle title brand is a permanent designation on a vehicle’s title that indicates that a vehicle has been declared a total loss due to collision, fire, or flood damage or has been sold for scrap. These records are vital, as they help to check whether a vehicle used to have serious damage. Besides, some title brands, like junk, imply that the car can’t be driven on the road anymore. To find out more details, read about the most dangerous vehicle title brands.
In ClearVin Report, you can find the total number of brands along with its description, issue date and states.
8. Theft records
The Theft Records section provides information on whether the vehicle has ever been reported as stolen. Here you can find if a vehicle is currently or used be reported as stolen including date and state.
“Recovered” is a status that means that the vehicle has been recovered by law enforcement after being reported as stolen. However, it does not mean that the vehicle has been repaired or restored to its original condition. Usually, such a car comes with a salvage title and other damages like vandalism and minor damages or scratches. If the vehicle has no past theft records, the history is returned as “No Theft Records Found for your VIN Number” note.
9. Lien and Impound Records
One of the most important things to do when buying a used car is to check its documents. Any legal ownership transfer as well as further insuring, reselling, or exporting is impossible if a vehicle has an active lien. Within the ClearVin report, the Lien & Impound Records section provides information about any outstanding or past financial claims as well as legal holds on the car. Lien and impound records are collected from multiple sources to reflect both historical and current title data.
The Impound Records section includes the date and state when a vehicle has been towed.
Current lien title records are reported by NVS and appear when the vehicle has an active lien. Meanwhile, the Historical Title Lien Records section reveals past lien and leasing records in vehicle titles. It may also list the title number and additional details.
10. Sales History
The ClearVin Sale History section provides a chronological record of every instance a vehicle was offered for sale, complete with sale dates and prices.
Below this summary, you can review detailed information for each sale, including real photos.
11. accident & damage history
The Accident & Damage History report section provides information about accidents or damage the vehicle has been involved in, including the date, repair costs, and airbag deployment. This section is built based on auction data and covers various auction damages like front or rear damage, mechanical damage, undercarriage issues, and more. A non-functional airbag is a critical safety hazard.
However, please note that not all damage-related events are currently reported to ClearVin, meaning the report may not contain minor damages, scratches, or undocumented vehicle issues.
12. vehicle safety: Recalls & Emission Records
ClearVin report contains information about vehicle safety recalls from NHTSA. The safety recalls section highlights any recalls issued by the manufacturer or initiated by NHTSA. You can review details such as recall date, affected components, summary, remedy, and dealer contact information. Also, you can review past emission test inspections records and it outcome.
13. Vehicle Specifications
Our VIN decoding system breaks the VIN number down into dozens of data points concerning the manufacture of the vehicle. The complete overview of the vehicle’s features and specifications by ClearVin includes a year, make, model, trim, style, steering type, vehicle dimensions, and many others. If you need even more information about car specifications, ClearVin has you covered. Make use of a special tool we offer that looks up a Window Sticker by VIN. In addition to basic car specs, the window sticker lookup dives deeper, providing exterior and interior colors, standard and additionally installed features, pricing, safety ratings, and much more. Also ClearVin offers fast and easy access to the original Dodge Window Sticker by VIN.
The ClearVin VIN check tool is perfect for both used car buyers and dealers. For dealers and other automotive businesses, we have a special solution: ClearVin Dealer Program, which provides bulk access to vehicle reports from US and Canada. Of course, you might be interested in different motor vehicle records when buying a car at the auction or dealership. When performing a VIN lookup, we’re trying to combine items that need to be verified, no matter who the seller is, for the best pricing on the market.
2 comments
ClearVin gets reports to me fast and they have tons of information. There’re the best!
Thank you for helping people..this side give us more details about my vehicle report
I need to spend some time learning more or understanding more.