2 min read
Can I get a "V"? Can I get an "I"? Can I get an "N"? What's that spell? VIN! What in tarnation is a VIN? Your Vehicle Identification Number. Why is it a big deal? In many cases, you’ll need a VIN to complete the sale of your car.
VIN-splaining
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a set of unique characters given to every car when it's manufactured. Think of it as a fingerprint, a unique combination of numbers and letters that sets your car apart from the millions of others on the road. A VIN structure spills the beans about a car's make, model, year of production, and heaps more.
VIN specifics
To go through with the sale of a car, the VIN allows us to review information, like:
Ownership Verification:It'll confirm you are the car's legal owner.
Vehicle History: It'll tell us about accidents, recalls, title issues, and odometer readings.
Title Transfers: We need it to complete the paperwork when you hand over your title.
VIN finder
It all depends on your car's manufacturer, but in most cases, you can find the VIN in a few places:
Dashboard: The VIN is usually on a metal plate attached to the dashboard near the base of the windshield on the driver's side.
Inside Driver’s Door: Open the driver's side door and check where the door latches. You should see a sticker or a metal plate with the VIN.
Documents: The VIN is also on your car's title, insurance card, or registration.
Other: Sometimes, the VIN is on the spare tire or under the hood by the engine or radiator.
VIN sharing
While giving out your VIN is usually safe, you should only share it with places like insurance companies, repair shops, car-buying companies like us, or during a private sale once you know the buyer is legit. Posting your VIN in a car forum or ad is a big no-no. Some scammers will try to pull the wool over your eyes with title cloning or identity theft.
If you're in the neighborhood of selling your old car, you better have your VIN handy and get an instant offer from Peddle.
