Frequently asked questions

The report

What exactly do I receive?: The complete vehicle history report for your VIN, sourced from CARFAX® data: accident and damage records, title brands, odometer readings, ownership history, reported service, and open recalls. It is the full report, not a summary.
Is the data up to date?: Yes. The report is generated at the moment you order it.
Which vehicles are covered?: Cars, trucks, SUVs and motorcycles registered in the United States and Canada with a standard 17-character VIN. Reports may be thin for very new vehicles or vehicles that have spent their life outside North America.
Can I see a sample first?: Yes. View a real sample report.

How long does delivery take?: Typically 10 to 30 seconds after payment. The report opens on-screen, and a link is emailed to the address you used at checkout.
Do I need an account?: No. You only enter the VIN. Stripe asks for an email address at checkout so we can send you the link.
How long can I access my report?: The link works for 30 days. Use “Download PDF” on the report page to keep a permanent copy.
I didn't get the email.: Check spam/promotions, then use “Email me this report” on the report page to send the link to any address. If you closed the page, contact us with your VIN.
Which payment methods do you accept?: All major cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Link via Stripe. We never see or store your card details.

What if there's no report for my VIN?: We check availability before checkout. If no report exists you are told immediately and never charged.
What if delivery fails after I paid?: We retry automatically. If we still cannot deliver, we refund the full amount automatically and email you a confirmation. See our refund policy.
Can I get a refund because I didn't like what the report said?: No. The report is a digital good generated on demand and delivered instantly. Refunds are issued when we fail to deliver, not for the content of the vehicle's history.

Where do I find the VIN?: On the driver-side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver door jamb sticker, the title, registration, or insurance card. Online listings usually show it too.
The form says my VIN is invalid.: VINs are exactly 17 characters and never contain the letters I, O or Q (they look like 1 and 0). Check for those swaps first.
Can I check what a VIN means without paying?: Yes. Our free VIN decoder shows the factory specification (year, make, model, trim, engine, drivetrain, body, assembly plant and safety equipment) and explains what each of the 17 characters stands for. It does not include accident, title, odometer or service history, which is what the paid report is for.

Still have a question? Email support@buyvinhistory.com or use the contact form.