Where can you find the VIN?
The VIN appears in the German registration documents — Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and Teil II — and at one or more locations on the vehicle. The exact position varies by manufacturer and model.
Before paying, compare every visible number with the original documents. Different characters, damaged stampings, welding or grinding marks and implausible labels require clarification before the purchase continues.
What information may appear in a vehicle history report?
No category is guaranteed to contain data for every vehicle. Depending on the car, country and accessible sources, a report may include:
Mileage records
Recorded readings may reveal decreases, unusual jumps or long periods without data. One inconsistent value is not automatic proof of fraud.
Damage events
Available records may include dates, affected areas, estimated repair costs or photographs from earlier listings or auctions.
Theft records
Accessible registers may show whether a vehicle is or was recorded as stolen. Seller identity and original documents still need checking.
Previous use and origin
Possible import, taxi, rental, leasing or fleet records may help explain wear and support price discussions.
Technical data and recalls
Model, engine and equipment information can be compared with the advert, vehicle and manufacturer recall information.
Historical photographs
Archived listing or auction images may reveal previous condition or damage when image data is available.
A clean report is not an accident-free certificate
A report only reflects records available to the provider at the time of the search. Privately repaired damage, events that were never reported, older paper records and inaccessible databases may be missing. Administrative mistakes are also possible.
The report cannot assess today’s mechanical condition. Oil leaks, corrosion, poor repair quality, worn brakes, recently cleared fault codes or abnormal behaviour on a test drive require an in-person inspection.
How to use a VIN check before buying
- Request the complete VIN before arranging a long journey or paying a deposit.
- Save the advert, including price, mileage, photographs and stated condition.
- Choose a report provider based on likely country coverage, preview and checkout price.
- Mark inconsistencies in mileage, damage, use, country changes and missing periods.
- Compare records in person with the VIN, registration papers, inspection reports and invoices.
- Inspect the vehicle, including bodywork, electronics, diagnostics and a test drive where permitted.
How to interpret common report findings
| Finding | What to check next | Possible explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Mileage decreases | Inspection reports, invoices and diagnostic values | Input error, instrument replacement or suspected manipulation |
| Previous damage | Paint depth, panel gaps, structural areas and repair evidence | Anything from a cosmetic repair to significant accident damage |
| Country changes | Import documents, registration sequence, COC and service evidence | A normal import or an incomplete cross-border history |
| Commercial use | Interior, suspension, maintenance intervals and operating data | Potentially heavier wear than mileage alone suggests |
| No history records | Documents and vehicle condition especially carefully | No accessible data — not necessarily a problem-free history |
carVertical report through the Sicher-Check partner link
carVertical states that its system gathers information from more than 1,000 sources and searches databases across more than 45 countries. The sections populated for a particular vehicle still depend on the VIN, countries involved and accessible records.
Pre-purchase car inspection in Berlin, Potsdam and Brandenburg
A history report answers “Which records are available?”. An in-person inspection asks “What condition is the vehicle in today?”. Based in Stahnsdorf, Sicher-Check assists buyers across Berlin, Potsdam and Brandenburg.
- VIN and document comparison
- Visual inspection of bodywork, interior, engine bay and accessible underside
- Paint-depth measurements and review of visible repair evidence
- OBD diagnostics and interpretation of relevant stored faults
- Test drive where the seller, insurance and conditions permit
- A clear inspection report describing the findings and limitations
Price: an inspection with a report starts at €200. Travel and optional services are agreed separately according to location and scope. Communication is available in English, German, Russian or Ukrainian.
The inspection is non-destructive and normally involves no dismantling. It records the condition observable at the appointment and does not guarantee freedom from hidden defects or future reliability.
Frequently asked questions
What is a VIN check?
A VIN check searches available data sources for records linked to a vehicle identification number and compiles any findings into a vehicle history report.
What information may appear in a VIN report?
Depending on the vehicle, country and source, a report may include recorded mileage, damage events, theft records, previous use, technical data, recalls and historical photographs.
Does a clean VIN report prove that the car has never been damaged?
No. Unreported, privately repaired or inaccessible events may be missing. A report with no findings does not prove that a vehicle is accident-free.
Can I use a VIN report for an imported car in Germany?
Potentially. Providers search international sources where available, but useful results depend on the countries involved and whether records for that specific vehicle can be accessed.
Is the advertised 20 percent discount always available?
No. The discount, eligible packages and validity period may change. The price and terms displayed by the provider at checkout are decisive.
Does a VIN check replace a mechanical inspection?
No. A history report cannot assess current wear, fluid leaks, repair quality, stored faults or driving behaviour. These require an in-person vehicle inspection.
Sources and transparency
Statements about data coverage and possible report content are based on carVertical’s official explanations of how its service works and why accident records may be missing. Sicher-Check is an affiliate partner, not the operator of the history-report service.
What a VIN report can — and cannot — tell you
How much does a used-car inspection cost?