carVertical helps you uncover a vehicle’s history by 

 from trusted sources worldwide, and compiling it into an easily-readable vehicle history report.

, including government registries, damage data databases, law enforcement agencies, and more. Here’s how it works:

 (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle. It serves as the car’s fingerprint, containing essential information about its history.

When you enter a VIN on our website, our system uses it to search for records in various databases across 40+ countries. We typically check:

2. carVertical cleans and sorts collected data

The data we receive from these sources is typically raw and requires several steps of processing. We fix errors and inconsistencies, translate the data (if necessary), and sort information into relevant categories.

3. We assign the data into relevant report sections

Once we gather all available records, we group information types into our report sections.

For example, if we have 3 odometer readings and the dates when they were taken, they will appear in the 

 section of the report. Meanwhile, the technical inspection information will be in the 

4. We use statistical models and insights to enrich the report

The data has been processed for the carVertical report, but further work is needed using statistical models and other technologies to refine and enhance it. These models help provide insights, such as comparing a car’s mileage with similar vehicles.

5. You receive a comprehensive vehicle history report

, and use it to make a well-informed decision before purchasing a used vehicle.

, or Vehicle Identification Number, is a unique 17-character code assigned to every car. It acts as a fingerprint, containing essential details about the car, such as its manufacturer, model year, production location, and unique serial number.

The VIN is also crucial for verifying the vehicle’s authenticity, recording various events during its lifetime, and ensuring it hasn’t been stolen or tampered with.

 – Check the driver’s side near the windshield.

 – Look along the side pillar of the driver’s door frame, often near the door hinge.

 – Check the frame near the front of the vehicle, often on the driver’s side, near the wheel well.

Some manufacturers place the VIN near the engine block.

 – Typically stamped or engraved on the steering head of the motorcycle, which is the part of the frame that connects to the front fork.

 – Some motorcycles may have the VIN located on the frame rail, which is a structural part of the chassis running along the sides of the bike.

 – In rare cases, the VIN may be stamped or engraved on the bottom of the engine.

vehicle registration, insurance, and ownership documents

. Always ensure the VIN on the vehicle matches the one on the paperwork.

. You can also check the vehicle's history by using the Reg number.

You can also decode a VIN manually if you know what each character represents. However, this can be time-consuming, as manufacturers use different encoding systems for vehicle details.

WMI – World Manufacturer Identifier (Characters 1-3): 

Typically identifies the vehicle’s manufacturer and country of origin.

VDS – Vehicle Descriptor Section (Characters 4-8): 

Reveals the vehicle’s brand, body style, engine size, and model type, and similar details.

 A security code calculated using a mathematical formula to validate the VIN’s authenticity.

VIS – Vehicle Identifier Section (Characters 10-17):

 Characters 10 and 11 indicate the model year and assembly plant, while characters 12 to 17 represent the vehicle's unique serial number.

consistent, clear, and match official records

. Here are key warning signs that a VIN might be fake or altered:

Physical tampering signs (cratches, uneven paint, altered VIN plate)

VIN location mismatch (unusual or non-standard location)

Check digit mismatch (doesn’t match the calculated value)

Non-matching documents (VIN on the vehicle doesn’t match the one on its documents), etc.

carVertical reports are generated almost instantly! You’ll typically receive your report 

 – or 64 seconds, to be precise. Our system works 24/7, so you can generate your report anytime, day or night.

Once the report is ready, it will be available in your 

If you don’t see your report right away, follow these steps to find it:

 at the top right corner. You can log in using your email or sign up with Facebook, Google, or Apple ID.

 section in your carVertical account, where you'll find all your previously purchased reports. There, you can check not only your generated reports but also their remaining validity period.

 them if needed. For more details on report availability, 

If your report doesn’t appear, here are a few things to check:

 – Make sure your payment was successful by verifying your bank statement. If the transaction didn’t go through, try making the payment again.

Reports are also sent via email. Look in your Spam, Promotions, or Ads folders in case it was filtered.

 If you have multiple emails or accounts, make sure you’re logged into the account you used for the purchase.

, including state registries, law enforcement agencies, service records, and other databases. Each report may contain different sections depending on the data available for a specific vehicle.

Below is an overview of the key sections that may appear in your report. You can also check a 

 to see what's typically included and how it looks.

What information is included in a carVertical report?

This section lists reported accidents, their severity, and repair costs to help you assess the vehicle’s condition. Additionally, the 

 card highlights cases where there are signs of possible accidents, such as repair cost estimations or body shop evaluations.

This section displays recorded odometer readings to detect potential rollbacks and ensure the vehicle's mileage is accurate.

This section verifies if the car has been reported stolen in various databases worldwide.

This section shows previous ownership history, including how many owners the car has had.

 (e.g., salvage, rebuilt, junk) that may signal past severe damage (for the vehicles used or registered in the US).

This section lists the vehicle’s original factory specifications, such as engine type, fuel consumption, and dimensions.

This section provides an estimated market price based on current trends to help you determine if a vehicle is fairly priced.

This section lists official safety ratings and recalls related to the vehicle.

This section displays historical images of the vehicle when available, helping you spot previous damage or modifications.

This section shows details about any financial or legal issues associated with the vehicle. This can include financial restrictions, e.g., leases, and legal information, such as the last technical inspection (and its result) and scrap overview.

This section indicates if the car was used as a taxi, rental, or fleet vehicle, which can impact wear and tear.

This section details the vehicle’s emissions rating, which can be important for environmental regulations and fuel efficiency.

This section provides a chronological overview of the vehicle’s history, including ownership changes, inspections, and major events.

Why some data may be missing from the report?

Not all sections may appear in every carVertical report. Here’s why:

Some events are never officially reported

 – If an accident, repair, or mileage update wasn’t logged in a database, it won’t be included in the report.

 – Some countries restrict access to certain vehicle data.

 – A recently manufactured vehicle or one without a recorded history may have limited data available.

Administrative errors or reporting inconsistencies

 from data providers can affect the depth of the report.

 – If no damage, theft, or odometer fraud has been reported, the report will confirm that no issues were found.

When checking a vehicle’s history, choosing the right source makes all the difference. carVertical delivers reports that help buyers see the full picture and make informed choices with confidence.

Here are the key advantages that make carVertical different:

 including state registries, law enforcement, auto repair shops, and various third-party providers.

 making it ideal for checking local and imported vehicles.

2. Exclusive insights you won’t find elsewhere

 forms the foundation of our reports, additional processing helps uncover deeper insights. We apply statistical models and other technologies to enhance the information before presenting it in a clear and user-friendly way.

This means that instead of just listing numbers and records, 

 to help you better understand a vehicle’s history.

3. User-friendly and visually appealing reports

Unlike some other reports filled with raw data, carVertical reports use 

simple visuals, color-coded alerts, and organized sections

. Information is grouped logically, helping you find what you need without unnecessary complexity.

Whether you're on a computer, tablet, or smartphone, your 

 to any screen size, so you can check vehicle details anytime, anywhere.

carVertical reports are fully digital, allowing you to access vehicle history information quickly wherever you are:

 for your records or share it when needed.

 – View your report on a phone, tablet, or computer at any time.

While our reports provide valuable insights into a vehicle’s history, they are 

 designed to help buyers and owners make smarter decisions. They do not serve as legal documents.

Even though carVertical reports are not legal evidence, they can still be a useful tool in several ways:

 – A report can highlight red flags like 

, past accidents, or theft records, helping you avoid risky purchases.

 – If the report uncovers issues such as previous accidents or odometer tampering, you can use this information to 

 – Sellers may sometimes provide incomplete or misleading information about a car’s history. A carVertical report can help you cross-check their statements and ensure transparency.

Supporting your case with additional proof

 – If you're considering legal action, consult a lawyer about whether the report could serve as a 

To avoid unexpected issues, we strongly recommend checking a vehicle’s history 

. A carVertical report can help you make an informed decision and reduce the risk of buying a car with hidden problems.

Still have questions? If you need more help understanding how carVertical reports can help, feel free to 

 to provide accurate and up-to-date reports.

 vehicle history data ourselves. Instead, we 

 all available records into a structured report to help you make informed decisions.

Our report generation process follows these key steps:

: A unique 17-character code that unlocks the vehicle’s history.

: We search multiple databases, fix errors, translate if needed, and sort the data.

: Information is grouped into clear, relevant categories.

: We use statistical models to interpret and enrich data with insights, like mileage trends.

: You get a verified, easy-to-read vehicle history report, available online or 

To learn more about how the reports are created, 

If you have a question about carVertical’s services, we’re here to help! Whether you need assistance with a report, payment, or general inquiries, there are multiple ways to find answers or get in touch with our support team.

Ways to contact our customer support team

1. Check our Help Center (fastest option)

. It contains detailed answers to common questions about reports, payments, refunds, and more.

2. Use our live chat for quick assistance

Our live chat is available 24/7 and can help find answers to the most popular questions.

Simply open the chat window by clicking the 

 icon on the bottom right corner (accessible from any page on the website) and check whether it has the answer you need.

3. Send us a message via the contact form

If you need personalized assistance, you can reach us through our 

 (also available via the live chat (see above)).

Describe your issue in detail and our support team will get back to you as soon as possible.

If your question is related to a report you purchased, you can simply 

 you received from us. Our team will see your message and assist you accordingly.

Your carVertical report will remain accessible in your account for 

 from the moment it is generated. After this period, it will no longer be available.

To ensure you have access to your report in the future, we recommend 

Why are reports only available for 30 days?

, including state registries, law enforcement agencies, auto repair shops, and more. Each report is compiled automatically using the latest available data at the time of generation.

Because vehicle history information can change over time – such as new accident records, ownership updates, or mileage changes – 

we only keep reports available for 30 days

 to ensure users always have access to the most accurate and up-to-date data.

Keeping old reports accessible would risk misleading vehicle buyers and sellers. That’s why we always recommend saving a copy if you think you’ll need it later.

If you want to keep your report beyond the 30-day period, follow these steps to download it as a PDF:

 at the top right corner. You can log in using your email, Facebook, Google, or Apple ID.

 section. There, you’ll find all your previously purchased reports.

Open the report you want to save by clicking 

 button located below the VIN code at the top of the report. You can also find this button at the bottom of the report.

The PDF will be saved to your device and ready for offline access or printing.

If you purchase multiple carVertical reports, they are stored as unused reports in your account. Each unused report equals one history check – you can use it anytime within its validity period.

 are perfect for individuals or businesses that need to check multiple vehicles without a recurring commitment. They are available at a discounted rate, and the unused reports remain valid for 6 months from the purchase date.

For businesses that need ongoing vehicle history checks, we offer 

. Subscription reports are valid for 30 days and renew automatically each billing cycle.

 ensures that if your report balance reaches zero before the renewal date, it will be automatically refilled based on your subscription plan.

 at the top of the page. The number of unused reports will be visible at the top of the menu.

How to spend unused reports to get a history check

To check a vehicle’s history, you need its Reg number or a 

 (Vehicle Identification Number) – a unique 

 assigned to every car. You can find it on the vehicle itself (e.g., windshield, door frame, engine area) or in documents like the registration certificate.

 at the top right corner. You can log in to your account using your email, Facebook, Google, or Apple ID.

3. Enter the Reg or the VIN and get the report

After logging in, go to the carVertical homepage (or any other page containing the Reg field) and enter the Reg number into the 

Additionally, you can select the VIN option and enter the VIN in the 

If you have unused reports, the system will offer to use one of them to get a history check.

Once the report is ready, you can view it online or 

Your unused reports are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase. If you have unused reports, simply log in to your carVertical account and 

How to check your unused report expiration date

2. Make sure you are in the correct locale, as reports are tied to specific locales.

: There is no option to extend the validity of unused reports beyond the 6-month period so make sure to use your remaining reports before they expire.

What about automatically-returned reports?

 – we’ll automatically add an unused report to your account. Automatically returned reports will remain active in your account for 6 months from the date they were purchased.

carVertical reports are available in two formats:

 – You can view your report online anytime within 30 days of purchase.

 with one click for easy sharing and offline access.

Both formats provide the same vehicle history details, so you can choose whichever format is more convenient for you.

Here’s how you can view your report on the carVertical website:

 After that, they will no longer be accessible. For more details on report availability, 

 the report anytime – even after the online version expires.

carVertical reports provide detailed vehicle history insights, including past accidents and other important events – if this data is available in our partner databases. However, not all events are recorded, which means some information may not appear in the report.

carVertical gathers vehicle history data from over 900 trusted sources, including:

After fixing errors and inconsistencies, translating the data (if necessary), sorting information into relevant categories, and enriching it using statistical models, the system generates a detailed report.

For more details on how reports are created, check out 

If an accident or damage record exists in sources mentioned above, it will be included in your carVertical report.

However, not all accidents and repairs make it to official databases, which means some details might not be available. Here are the most common reasons why:

The accident was never officially recorded

 – Some minor crashes and private repairs may not be reported to relevant institutions.

 – If the vehicle was repaired outside of authorized service centers, there may be no official record of the damage.

The damage was recorded in a database we do not have access to

 – carVertical collects data from multiple sources, but not all records are publicly available or shared with third parties.

The vehicle has never been in an accident

 – If no damage records appear in your report, it may simply mean the car has a clean accident history.

What other information can I find in a carVertical report?

In addition to accident and damage history, a carVertical report may include:

 – Helps verify the car’s mileage and detect odometer fraud.

 – Checks if the vehicle was ever reported stolen or is currently wanted as stolen.

 – Provides past images of the vehicle, helping you assess its condition over time.

 – Shows how many owners the vehicle has had.

 – Helps you understand if the car is priced fairly.

 to provide a comprehensive vehicle history report.

 into a structured report, providing you with the most up-to-date vehicle history available.

For more details on how our service works and data-related questions, 

Can you remove data from my carVertical report?

 using data from hundreds of trusted third-party sources. This ensures that every report is based on real, verified vehicle records.

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