As an auto mechanic with over 20 years of experience buying and selling used cars, I know firsthand the importance of performing thorough VIN checks in Indiana. Decoding a vehicle’s unique VIN can reveal crucial details about its history and help buyers avoid purchasing a lemon.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain everything Indiana drivers need to know about VIN checks. You’ll learn what a VIN is, where to find it, how to decode it, and how to use free and paid VIN reports to access key details about a vehicle’s past before buying. With this knowledge, you can conduct thorough checks and make well-informed used car purchases with confidence.
Let’s get started!
What is a VIN Number and How is it Used?
The VIN is a unique serial number given to each vehicle sold in the US. It consists of 17 letters and numbers that act as the car’s fingerprint.
This code reveals key details about the vehicle, including:
- Manufacturer, make, model, body type
- Engine type, power specs
- Model year, manufacturing plant
- Production sequence number
The VIN allows authorities, insurance companies, and consumers to identify and track a vehicle through its lifetime. It enables running vehicle history checks to verify condition, ownership, accidents, thefts and more.
Without a VIN, it would be impossible to differentiate vehicles that look identical. It is crucial for registration, insurance and tracking purposes.
Where to Find the VIN on Your Vehicle
The VIN is printed on a metal plate and attached to various locations on the vehicle. For cars, it is usually visible through the lower corner of the windshield on the driver’s side. Other common VIN locations include:
- Driver’s side door jamb
- Dashboard near the windshield
- Engine block
- Under spare tire
- Front of the engine frame
- Inside rear wheel wells
The VIN is also printed on registration documents like the title, insurance card and registration card. If you can’t locate it on the vehicle, check these documents.
How to Lookup a VIN Number in Indiana
Online VIN Check
Visit a VIN lookup website like ours and enter the full 17-digit VIN in the search bar. Our service is the best free VIN check as well as the most detailed paid VIN reports, so you can instantly access a vehicle history report compiled from various databases.
Online VIN checks are fast, convenient and inexpensive (many offer free reports). However, third-party websites may have limited data compared to government sources.
Indiana BMV VIN Check
You can lookup a VIN through the Indiana BMV (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) using the Title Search tool. This provides official government records for that VIN.
BMV title searches cost $15 and must be done in person at a BMV branch. The results can take 1-2 weeks to receive. But you get comprehensive information directly from Indiana DMV records.
What is Included in an Indiana VIN Check Report?
A VIN lookup generates a vehicle history report containing valuable details, like:
- Accident history: Previous collision damage, airbag deployment and related repairs.
- Title records: Past owners, title brands indicating salvage/rebuilt status.
- Mileage history: Odometer readings at various points to identity fraud or rollbacks.
- Maintenance history: Routine servicing and major repairs performed.
- Lien records: Any outstanding loans or leases on the vehicle.
- Insurance history: Previous loss claims and payouts.
- Registration details: Issuing states, registration periods, renewals.
- Specifications: Engine, transmission, dimensions, performance data.
- Recalls: Safety-related defects requiring free repairs.
These insights help determine if the vehicle is reliable, safe and fairly priced. They protect against buying a car with hidden problems.
Why are VIN Checks Important in Indiana?
Indiana sees over 200,000 car accidents annually. In 2021, over 30,000 resulted in injuries and 863 were fatal crashes. Vehicle thefts are also an issue, with over 12,000 reported stolen in 2021.
Given these risks, running an Indiana VIN check is crucial when buying a used car. It helps you avoid:
- Accident-damaged cars: The report reveals any previous collisions along with repair costs – letting you negotiate a fair price.
- Unsafe vehicles: Knowing recall needs and checking specifications gives peace of mind about safety.
- Stolen vehicles: The system flags stolen or written-off cars so you don’t unknowingly purchase one.
- Rolled back odometers: Mileage inconsistencies indicate potential odometer fraud.
- Financial headaches: Outstanding loans or liens must be cleared when buying the car. The report checks for these obligations.
Spending a few dollars for a VIN check seems trivial considering it could save thousands in hidden problems. Run a VIN check with us before finalizing any used car purchase in Indiana.
Resources for Indiana Drivers and Car Owners
Beyond VIN checks, Indiana has many useful resources for vehicle owners:
- All vehicles undergo annual safety inspections checking brakes, steering and other components.
- Indiana requires emissions testing every two years to maintain air quality standards.
- The Indiana BMV website has information on registrations, licenses, titles, inspections and more.
- The Indiana Automobile Dealers Association offers consumer guidance on meeting dealers and purchasing vehicles.
- For collision repairs, you can have a mobile mechanic near you in Indiana come and repair your vehicle.
Why Mechanic Answer is the Best VIN Lookup Service
With countless websites offering VIN checks, why should you rely on Mechanic Answer? At Mechanic Answer, we don’t just provide help from online mechanics, but also provide the most complete vehicle history reports powered by the largest public VIN database. Here’s why we’re the top choice for VIN lookups:
- Comprehensive Reports: Our unlimited package compiles VIN data from over 5 billion records across thousands of sources. We condense this into user-friendly reports.
- Reliability: Our team of engineers ensures maximum uptime on our VIN lookup tool.
- Ease of Use: No waiting – enter a VIN on our website and get the report within seconds.
- Customer Service: Our US-based support team is ready to assist you with any VIN search needs.
At Mechanic Answer, our mission is to empower used car buyers with the vehicle history insights they need to make smart purchases. We provide fast, comprehensive, reliable VIN checks. And we’re constantly innovating to improve our VIN decoder and reports.
Conclusion: Be Informed, Buy Smart
Purchasing a used vehicle is always a bit of a gamble. But running a VIN check before buying significantly reduces your risk in Indiana. It takes mere minutes to lookup a VIN and access the history report. Yet it equips you with invaluable details to evaluate the car’s condition and make a decision with confidence.
Take control of your used car buying experience. Follow our guide to understand VIN checks, lookup reports with ease, and buy the safe, reliable pre-owned vehicle you deserve. We hope this gives you confidence and peace of mind for your next used car purchase in the Hoosier State. Happy searching!
Indiana VIN Check Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a VIN verification in Indiana?
You can get a VIN verification done in Indiana by taking your vehicle to a licensed inspection station, auto mechanic shop, or dealership. Alternatively you can use an online VIN checker like Mechanic Answer.
Do I need a VIN check in Indiana?
While a VIN check is not required by Indiana law, it is highly recommended when buying or selling a used vehicle. A VIN check through a service like Mechanic Answer provides a comprehensive vehicle history report to help verify past ownership, title issues, accidents, mileage discrepancies, theft reports, and more. This helps avoid buying a car with hidden problems.
Can I run a VIN number for free?
Yes, there are some free VIN check services available online. The National Insurance Crime Bureau offers a free VIN check to see if a car has been reported stolen or been damaged in a flood. Mechanic Answer also provides a limited free VIN search to view total loss and salvage records, but you can get a full vehicle history reports for a small paid fee.
How much is a VIN check in Indiana?
The cost of a VIN check in Indiana varies depending on which service you use. Basic checks from the NICB or Mechanic Answer start at free. For full vehicle history reports, Carfax charges about $40 while Mechanic Answer is much cheaper.
Does Indiana require vehicle inspection?
No, Indiana does not have mandatory annual vehicle safety or emissions inspections. However, if you live in certain counties you may need to get your vehicle tested before renewing registration. Some counties do require VIN inspections for title transfers or registration on out-of-state vehicles. Check with the BMV for requirements based on your county.
