How to Order Vermont Vehicle History Reports
A VIN number report is an invaluable tool that can tell you more about a vehicle’s history, including car accidents, previous owners, odometer readings and titling history. Luckily, a VIN lookup is easy to perform, and you can obtain a vehicle’s report online, instantly.
Ordering a VIN Number Report Online in Vermont
Performing an online VIN number lookup in Vermont is a simple and convenient way to obtain a vehicle’s history report. A report can be acquired instantly by utilizing your computer or smartphone, allowing you the ability to request a report, no matter where you are.
This procedure can provide you an edge in negotiations for the purchase or sale of a vehicle, as well as help you make an informed decision about a purchase.
What info is in a Vermont VIN history report?
A VIN code lookup will yield a number of important pieces of information about a vehicle and its history. Checking VIN numbers can provide you with peace of mind, as well as ensure you can make an informed purchase. Generally, a vehicle’s history report will include information such as the following:
- Vehicle specifications and safety reports
- Towing and impound history
- Recalls and defects
- History of ownership
- Theft status
- Accident and titling history
- Odometer reading history
Key information provided by a VIN number check involves the titling and accident history of a vehicle. Major accidents and repairs are reported by insurance companies, as well as any event that would have resulted in a “total loss.” An insurance agency will declare a vehicle as a “total loss” if the vehicle sustains damage that is so severe that the vehicle would be uneconomical to fix. Additionally, a total loss is declared after a vehicle receives flood damage, or is part of an unrecoverable theft. If a vehicle is ever declared as a total loss, a salvage title is issued.
Looking up a VIN number can also protect you from criminal activity. While it is illegal to “roll back” an odometer reading in order to increase the value of a vehicle, there are some individuals who still commit this crime. Fortunately, a vehicle report lists the odometer recordings that were listed each time that a vehicle changed hands.
This same report will also inform you as to whether or not a vehicle still has a lender listed on the title. If there is a lender, the lienholder will have the right to repossess the vehicle if the loan remains unpaid. You can even view the previous uses of a vehicle with a report, including whether it was used to transport riders or was used as a rental car.
Why would I need to perform a VIN check in Vermont?
Now that you understand how to check a VIN number in Vermont, it is important to be aware of the situations that may warrant a vehicle report. A VIN report is useful in a number of situations, but it is most commonly requested when you are buying or selling a vehicle.
If you are buying a vehicle from a dealership or a private seller, it is important to always request a report before the sale is finalized. This can help you make an informed decision about the vehicle, as well as save yourself hassle and money in the long run.
A vehicle that has a history of problems or on that has been in several accidents, for example, may have further problems down the road. It is especially important to look up a VIN if you are purchasing a vehicle from a private seller, in order to protect yourself from situations such as odometer rollbacks, purchasing a stolen vehicle or buying a vehicle that still has a lender.
If selling a vehicle, the ability to provide a history report can increase your credibility, aid you in price negotiations and provide a more attractive vehicle for potential buyers. You will essentially be doing the “legwork” for a potential buyer, and this level of service can generally ensure that buyers are likelier to give a vehicle consideration.
How do I locate my vehicle’s VIN number?
In order to request a VIN number report instantly in Vermont, you will need to be able to locate the vehicle identification number on the vehicle, or within the vehicle’s associated documents. On vehicles that have a model year of 1981 or newer, the VIN number is made up of 17 characters, and contains both numbers and letters. Model years that are older than 1981 will have a VIN length that will vary, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
This identifying number can be found on the vehicle registration and title, and within the owner’s manual of the vehicle. However, if you do not have access to those documents, you can also find the number on:
- The front of the engine block.
- The front of the car frame.
- The rear wheel well.
- Beneath the spare tire in the trunk.
- Inside the driver’s side doorjamb, accessible when the driver’s side door is open.
Additionally, the VIN number can be located on the current auto insurance ID card, or within the policy paperwork.
Vehicle History Report Fees in Vermont
The Vermont DMV charges separate fees for each type of record that you request. In general, these costs range from $8 to $18, depending on what type of information you need.
Related Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- DMV Records Requests from DMV.Vermont.gov
- Public Records from DMV.Vermont.gov