Can the VIN reveal if a car has been in an accident?

[VonEllie]

Can the VIN reveal if a car has been in an accident? Extended information: The materials required for changing the VIN are as follows: 1. Take the purchase invoice to the technical department of the municipal vehicle management office for appraisal, review, and issuance of a new number; 2. Fill out the "Motor Vehicle Change, Transfer, Modification, Suspension, Resumption, Scrapping Application Form" as required and affix the company seal. The new number rubbing film must be attached to the change form; 3. Bring the invoice and a copy; 4. A valid inspection report is required; 5. Bring the original vehicle license and one standard photo. Notes: 1. Make a copy of the "Change Form" for the owner to keep as a backup; 2. Submit the replaced old parts to the designated material recycling department.

[Ezra]

I often help friends check used cars. Based on my experience, the vehicle identification number (also called VIN) can indeed be used to check if a car has been in an accident, but it doesn't directly show the accident—you need to use an online history report service to do that. Like the last time I helped my neighbor buy a car, we used the VIN on his windshield, entered it into a professional website, and paid a small fee for a report that listed all major accident records, including repairs and insurance claims. However, it's important to note that not all accidents are recorded—some privately repaired or minor scratches might be missed. That's why I always recommend getting a professional inspection before buying, such as checking the body's welding points or paint traces, for double confirmation of safety. In short, using the VIN to check for accident history is a reliable method, but combining it with an on-site inspection gives a more comprehensive picture.

[DelMichael]

I'm quite familiar with car buying. The VIN can help check for accident history, but it relies on those historical databases. I've personally used Carfax-like services a few times - you input the VIN to view reports detailing collision repairs or flood damage records. However, it has limitations. For example, delayed report updates or unreported local accidents may lead to missing information. So don't rely solely on this. It's best to take the car to a dealership for computer diagnostics to read fault codes, or have an expert inspect the chassis and frame to avoid being scammed. Overall, VIN lookup is a useful tool, but combining it with manual inspection gives peace of mind.

[VonTessa]

From a safety perspective, checking the vehicle frame number is a feasible first step in identifying accident vehicles. The VIN serves as a unique identifier for each car, allowing you to access historical records through various apps or websites that display accident and repair information. However, keep in mind that query results may be incomplete, so it's best to combine this with a comprehensive inspection.