Indiana VIN Check
How to Perform a VIN Lookup in Indiana?
Many car buyers make the mistake of purchasing vehicles they know little about. This can result in getting a damaged, stolen, or unreliable car. Investing in an Indiana VIN check is an effective way to learn more about a specific vehicle quickly. Vehicle buyers may perform a VIN check by using the GoodCar.com search bar. Entering the Vehicle Identification number displays the vehicle's record. The report includes auto specs, damage and accident history, title records, pricing, recalls, and more. Performing a VIN check makes it more likely that the car is and functions as the seller claims. Potential buyers may use the tool to identify many potential defects in the vehicle, such as theft, recalls, serious accidents, and more. The tool is also a way for buyers to ensure that the vehicle has no issues that would pose a problem in the long run. Indiana experiences cold winters with heavy snow and ice. Accidents are common when weather conditions are poor, and most serious accidents will show in the GoodCar report, providing a clearer picture of a vehicle's history.
How to Find Your Car's VIN Number?
Interested parties may find the VIN of their car on the dashboard on the driver's side of the car, near the windshield. The number may also appear on the engine's firewall or the door jamb of the driver's side. The VIN has 17 characters that represent different information about the car. Individuals may enter the VIN into GoodCar's decoder to access a comprehensive report of the car. The decoder compiles a report based on this number, providing information such as the make and model of the car, warranty, interior features, fuel economy, capacity, dimensions, and fuel tank size.
Why Should I Run a IN VIN Check?
Vehicle History
Individuals who want to purchase a car should run VIN checks to ensure everything runs smoothly. Some sellers hide information such as mileage and past commercial use to sell the vehicle at a higher price. Knowing the vehicle history can help with this and save buyers from scammers. Car history reports provide information on the vehicle's collision history, ownership lineage, odometer readings, and any issues with the title, such as undisclosed liens. With a clear idea of previous experiences, buyers can identify potential issues with the vehicle.
Title Verification
Title verification confirms the legal ownership and history of the vehicle's title document. GoodCar offers Title Records as well as a Problem Checks section that look for any title brands indicating serious issues. The Title Records section details each time a title was issued for the vehicle, displaying the state, the date the title was issued, and the reported mileage of the vehicle at the time. The Problem Checks section looks for title brands for flood, fire, and hail damage, odometer reading issues, salvaged or totaled cars, prior taxi, or rental cars, antique, or classic vehicles and much more. Title issues are simple to identify and diagnose with an Indiana VIN check from GoodCar.
Accident History
VIN checks provide information on collisions the vehicle has been a part of. The report details any accidents the vehicle was in and gives the date and additional notes explaining the collision. All this information is available in the Accidents section of a GoodCar VIN report. In 2022, Indiana ranked 10th of states with the most traffic accidents, with 9.6% of their drivers having at least one at-fault collision on their record. The state's top causes of motor vehicle accidents were impaired driving, speeding, and reckless driving. The state records ran off-road crashes, rear-end crashes, and right-angle and left-turn crashes as the most common vehicular accidents. Potential buyers should check for signs of these collisions when buying a vehicle in the state. If the report shows that the car was in a severe accident, individuals may ask for documentation on the repairs. These records can verify that the repairs were done in the right manner. Individuals should ask an experienced mechanic to examine the logs for quality assurance. It is also necessary for replacement of parts or accessories such as airbags.
Mileage Verification
Mileage is one of the most common ways to determine a vehicle's overall health. Therefore, mileage verification is necessary to ensure the seller's claims are true. The VIN check enables buyers to see the last reported mileage number in the Mileage section of the report. The report also gives buyers access to all reported mileage numbers during title changes in the Title Records section and looks for identified odometer tampering, inconsistencies, or replacements in the Problem Checks section. A vehicle history report makes it more difficult to hide odometer-related issues, enabling buyers to trust mileage numbers more.
Accurate Vehicle Specifications
The feature set on a vehicle is an important point of concern for most auto buyers in Indiana. It's common for sellers to list inaccurate features on vehicle listings, and many sellers explain features improperly when trying to make a sale. For this reason, buyers aren't paying accurate prices, and some are purchasing vehicles that lack the features they want. By using an Indiana VIN check report from GoodCar it's easy to get accurate vehicle specifications in the Auto Specs section of the report. This section lists safety features, comfort and entertainment features, vehicle dimensions, warranty data, and more.
Indiana Emissions Standards Compliance
An emissions check assesses the vehicle's compliance with the government-established emission standards. It is necessary to ensure the vehicle does not emit excessive pollutants into the atmosphere, harming air quality. The only counties in Indiana with vehicle emission testing requirements are Lake and Porter. The program was first initiated in these counties because they did not meet the standards of the Clean Air Act. The two counties have seven testing stations, and the vehicles are inspected per the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. The test starts with a visual inspection and a gas cap pressure test. The inspector also checks the emissions through various methods depending on the car's age. These inspections are free but necessary for all gasoline cars registered in the two counties.
Recalls and Safety Standards
GoodCar allows buyers to see any open recalls for the vehicle being tested. The VIN report lists each recall in the NHTSA Recalls section, detailing the recall number, explaining the recall issue in detail, and outlining what work must be performed to resolve the defect. The Auto Specs section of the GoodCar report is also useful for seeing any safety features the vehicle comes equipped with.
Theft Check
Individuals may also conduct theft checks on the car. A proper Indiana VIN check lists stolen vehicles and stolen and returned vehicles, making them easy to identify. This information is in the Problem Checks section of the report. Potential buyers need to conduct this check as it can prevent legal prosecution if they purchase the car. Luckily, Indiana is not among the top ten states with the most vehicle thefts. In 2021, the state had a theft rate of 228.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, with 12,585 vehicle thefts. Per state laws, auto theft is a level 6 penalty that attracts up to two and a half years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
Vehicles Previously Used as Taxis, Police Cars, or Rental Cars
Most commercial vehicles in Indiana used as police cars, taxis, or rental cars are eventually sold as used vehicles. Often, the sellers don't disclose how the vehicle was originally used. This is a problem because rental cars, taxis, and police vehicles often suffer more significant wear, are more likely to have been in accidents, and have a lower resale value if future buyers learn how the vehicles were originally used. This is why it's essential to check a GoodCard Indiana VIN report for title brands. The Problem Checks section of a GoodCar report lists whether a vehicle was once used for any of these commercial uses, giving buyers the ability to negotiate the vehicle purchase price with accurate information.
Natural Disaster-Related Reasons
Individuals should check the VIN to identify any previous natural disaster-related damage that affects the car. The check can give specific natural-disaster-related information in the Problem Checks section. See data about hail, saltwater, fire, and flood damage in the report. The Accidents section also highlights any reported accidents, which are likely in snowy Indiana.
Indiana Lemon Laws
and How They Relate to VIN Checks
Like many states, Indiana has Lemon Laws that protect individuals who buy vehicles with recurring defects and issues. The state lemon law covers vehicles with a total vehicle weight of fewer than 10,000 pounds, are sold to a person in Indiana, are registered in Indiana, are intended for use and operation on public highways, and are required to be registered or licensed before use or operation. Per Indiana law, nonconformities are generic or specific defects or conditions or any concurrent combination of defects that renders the vehicle nonconforming to the warranty or impairs the use, safety, or market value of a car. If a motor vehicle has a nonconformity and the owner reports it to the manufacturer, agent, or authorized dealer within the protection term of 18 months, it must be corrected. By using the VIN check it's possible to identify serious recalls and to see any serious accidents the vehicle has been in that may qualify it for protection under the Indiana Lemon Laws.
The Title Transfer Process
The seller should complete a vehicle inspection to confirm the VIN if the vehicle is from another state. Inspections should be conducted at any Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) or BMV-certified full or partial-service provider. The inspection can be free or cost $5 if performed by a law enforcement officer. Successful transfer of a vehicle title also requires documentation such as an odometer disclosure statement, the manufacturer's certificate of origin, proof of social security number or a federal identification number, and a complete application for a Certificate of Title for the vehicle.
Indiana Insurance and Registration Requirements
The minimum Indiana car insurance coverage requirements include a Bodily Injury Liability, Property Damage Liability, Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury, Uninsured Motorist Property Damage, plus Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury. In addition, the car must be under continuous coverage even if the car is not in operation.
Indiana Titling Requirements and Sales Tax
Indiana laws require individuals to apply for a vehicle title or submit a Request for Title State Form 1014 for all vehicles with an out-of-state title within 60 days of becoming a state resident. In addition, individuals must bring documents for the title and registration. They include a Certificate of Title, proof of address, vehicle inspection of the VIN, and proof of full Social Security Number or Federal Identification Number. The statewide sales tax is 7%, which applies to any car purchase, whether new or used. Those in various counties and municipalities may also pay local vehicle excise or wheel taxes.
Indiana-Assigned VINs
Individuals in Indiana whose cars do not have a VIN or have an altered or defaced VIN should apply for a special identification number known as MVIN before applying for a certificate of title or registration. All applications should go through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles or BMV Central Office. Individuals must submit various paperwork to get this number.
Why Choose GoodCar for Indiana VIN Lookup?
GoodCar offers comprehensive reports that clearly show the vehicle's history through VIN checks. The report shows existing issues, open recalls, accident history, and other relevant information. GoodCar also provides extensive title-related data, looking at 40 potential defects, plus verified information to help buyers purchase cars safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
about Indiana VIN Checks
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Who Issues a Vehicle's VIN Number in Indiana?
VINs come from the automaker, but the BMV processes applications of MVINs if the car does not have a VIN.
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How do I verify a VIN number in Indiana?
The Sheriff's Office conducts VIN verification in Indiana for free in the corresponding county.
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Is it safe to check a Indiana VIN online?
Individuals can safely check Indiana VINs through reputable platforms such as GoodCar.
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Do I need a VIN inspection in Indiana?
State laws advise or require VIN inspections for out-of-state cars, vehicles with title issues, and reconstructed vehicles.
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Are Indiana VIN checks necessary for out-of-state vehicles brought into Indiana?
State laws require individuals with out-of-state vehicles to obtain a license 60 days after becoming residents and transfer the titles and registrations to Indiana.
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What does a Indiana VIN check reveal?
An Indiana VIN check often reveals various information about the car, such as the overall pricing, title records, accident history, and odometer readings.
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Is it safe to give out a VIN in Indiana?
The VIN is often in plain sight, so it is safe for sellers to provide the VIN to a potential buyer.
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Can you ask for the VIN from a Indiana seller?
It is advisable to request a VIN verification. It ensures that the VIN on the car matches the one on the recorded title.