Colorado VIN Check

Vehicle History

Vehicle records are a significant due diligence factor when purchasing a car. Both buyers and sellers should use Goodcar's reports to determine the vehicle features, accident histories, titling, and sales records. This helps interested parties to get a full picture of a vehicle and its past before committing to any financial transaction. This information also creates accountability among sellers who want to portray their vehicles in the best possible light.

Title Verification

Within a Colorado VIN check from GoodCar, there are two sections that look closely at title-related information. The Title Records segment focuses on when and where new titles were issued for the vehicle. The reported mileage is listed for each title change as well. The Problem Checks segment of the report focuses on 40 different title brand issues that cover theft, vandalism, odometer tampering, natural disasters, salvage, dismantling a vehicle, and much more. Between these two sections, it's easy to identify the most significant vehicle defects and title issues.

Accident History

A search of the vehicle's accident history illustrates if it has been involved in a collision. This information allows potential buyers to determine if the vehicle will be prone to some mechanical issues in the future. Accident information is available in the Accidents section of the Colorado VIN check search provided by GoodCar. A quick look into the Accidents section informs you of any recorded accident dates and gives you notes about the accident. You can also look in the Problem Checks segment for data about junk or salvage titles and other title-related issues that indicate the vehicle suffered serious damage. Though Colorado ranks in the middle regarding auto-related accidents yearly, rates have been increasing by 15% since 2021. A quick search through the Accidents section will reveal if the vehicle has been in a collision and if you should be concerned.

Mileage Verification

Mileage verification is a significant concern for prospective buyers. Unfortunately, an estimated 37,000 vehicles with odometers on Colorado roads have been rolled back. Colorado Springs could have more than 5,600 vehicles with mileage fraud. These figures indicate the need to ensure accurate mileage readings when purchasing a vehicle. It's possible to check the last reported mileage for the vehicle in the Mileage section of the GoodCar report. Title records also offer the mileage figure of the vehicle during each title change. The Problem Checks section looks for title brands related to odometer tampering, replacement, and alteration, informing you of any recorded issues that may lead to an unreliable mileage value.

Accurate Vehicle Specifications

Many used Colorado vehicles are misrepresented when sold at dealerships or by private sellers. It's common for buyers to believe a vehicle has features that it does not, and misunderstanding features leads to inaccurate purchase prices for vehicles. Every Colorado auto buyer can benefit by checking a vehicle's features before making a purchase. A Colorado VIN report includes the specifications for the vehicle, making it clear what features are offered as standard on that specific model and trim package. Before buying a vehicle interested buyers can look at the Auto Specs section of a GoodCar report for the vehicle's safety, entertainment, and comfort features. The section also includes warranty data, measurements, and more.

Colorado Emissions Standards Compliance

In Colorado, vehicle emissions testing is required upon a vehicle's registration. Owners are required to arrange for emissions testing on registration renewal as well. According to state regulations, vehicles from 1981 or newer must undergo emissions testing every two years. If the vehicle is older, the emissions test must be done annually. At the moment, though, Colorado does not require emissions testing for vehicles from 2017 to 2022. All electric vehicles and street rods are also exempt from testing. By using a Colorado VIN check, it's possible to verify the year of a vehicle. This helps ensure that a purchased vehicle is the year that's claimed and that expected emissions requirements are accurate.

Vehicle registration renewal is not possible if it fails an emissions test. Applicants also must pay to make it viable. If one owns a gas-powered vehicle requiring more than $715 to upgrade it to compliance, there is a repair waiver, valid for one testing period. The same waivers apply for light-duty diesel vehicles, though heavy-duty models must require more than $1500 in repairs to qualify for a waiver.

The grace period for an emissions test when registration expires is 30 days. If it takes longer, there is a penalty of $25 for each month the vehicle does not successfully pass an emissions inspection.

Recalls and Safety Standards

Colorado vehicles may also be checked for any recalls and if they adhere to required safety standards. These issues can be located within the NHTSA Recalls section. This area of the report highlights any defects eligible for recall repair as well as data about what work is required to resolve the defect. The type and total number of open recalls are two pieces of data buyers should pay attention to, as there are over 66,000 vehicles that have been recalled due to an airbag defect. The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles indicated it would be sending letters to vehicle owners, but it would be up to the buyer's due diligence to verify this before purchase.

Theft Check

Theft checks are crucial before buying a vehicle in Colorado, as one may avoid the criminal liability of possessing stolen goods. According to state law, there is a prohibition on receiving stolen property. Law enforcement may pursue charges against the person if it believes they have obtained control over anything deemed valuable. It qualifies as a felony if the vehicle's value exceeds $2000, resulting in a prison sentence and a fine. That is coupled with the fact that Colorado has the country's highest motor vehicle theft rate at 661.21 per 100,000 people. It would be advisable to give the theft check a look. A quick GoodCar VIN check report uncovers whether a vehicle has a Stolen title brand. This data is available in the Problem Checks segment of the report.

Previous Police, Taxi or Rental Vehicles

Most vehicles used as taxis, rental cars or police cars are resold when the companies are done using them. These vehicles often have high miles, and they are known for being in more accidents than an average vehicle. It's important to know when a Colorado vehicle was used as a taxi or rental vehicle. With this information, it's possible to negotiate for a lower purchase price in most instances. A Colorado VIN check from GoodCar can tell when a vehicle was used for these purposes. Look at the Problem Checks section and there are checks that look for police cars, rental cars, and taxis specifically.

Natural Disaster-Related Reasons

Vehicles that suffer from natural disasters are often damaged in serious ways. Cars that go through floods or serious fires can be dangerous to drive and unreliable. Using a Colorado VIN check from GoodCar reveals whether a vehicle has been through these natural events. The Problem Checks segment of the report looks at flood, fire, salt water, and hail damage specifically.

The Title Transfer Process

In Colorado, vehicle title transfer is done in person. The applicant will get the vehicle title from the seller before visiting any local DMV office. At this time, they will provide photo identification, proof of insurance, odometer disclosure statements, and a bill of sale. If there is a lien to be recorded, a loan document will be issued. The mortgage documentation must be original and certified, indicating the vehicle features, lienholder's name, signature, and lien amount. Title transfer fees in Colorado are $7.2.

Colorado Insurance and Registration Requirements

To satisfy the law, a Colorado auto insurance policy has to include bodily injury and property damage at least. For bodily injury, there is a requirement of $25,000 per injured person and no more than $50,000 for each accident for two or more injured individuals. That would cover personal assets and legal fees if the other party sues up to the stated limit. For vehicle registration, a person must provide a copy of their insurance policy, insurance card, facsimile of the insurance proof, and computer printout from the insurer. Registration is required within 60 days after vehicle purchase. If the vehicle is subject to tax and has not been registered by the grace period, then the owner will pay a fee of $25 each month.

Colorado Titling Requirements and Sales Tax

To pay a vehicle title fee, applicants are required to give the current title of ownership, secure identification, proof of insurance, and a bill of sale for sales tax reasons. The sales tax in Colorado is 2.9%.

Colorado-Assigned VINs

Typically, VINs are assigned by manufacturers as they are unique to every vehicle. However, a state-assigned number is required when the vehicle has multiple or no VIN numbers. The requester will forward an application for a Colorado Assigned Vehicle Identification Number, Colorado Certified VIN Inspection, and Statement of Fact. All assigned VIN applications are given to the state patrol, who will provide a contact for an appointment to fix the assigned VIN plate to the vehicle physically.