Alabama VIN Check
Many used cars are sold in Alabama yearly, with some of them having hidden issues that the seller might not disclose to the buyer. Run a VIN check in Alabama to check the vehicle’s history before you buy.
- 1 accident record
- 1 Record of damage
- 3 specific events reported
What is a VIN Check Alabama?
Before buying a used car in Alabama, don’t forget to run the Alabama VIN check to know the complete history and records of the vehicle. Some sellers might not tell you everything, but the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), found on the dashboard, door frame, or in the paperwork, can help.
By checking the VIN, you can get the actual information about past accidents, flood damage, mileage issues, and whether the car was ever salvaged or stolen. This information can help you make a good decision before you decide to buy the vehicle.
Why Should You Run an Alabama VIN Check?
Where to Find the VIN?
You can locate the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) in several key spots on the vehicle and its documents:
- Dashboard: View it from outside the vehicle at the base of the windshield on the driver’s side.
- Driver’s Door Frame: Check the edge or door jamb area when the door is open; it’s often printed on a label.
- Engine Area: Look near the front of the engine block for an engraved or stamped VIN.
- Vehicle Paperwork: The VIN also appears on registration forms, insurance documents, and the car’s title.
What Information Can be Found in an Alabama VIN Check?
By checking the VIN with our Alabama VIN check, you can get plenty of information like accident history, recall check, past ownership, and much more. Here’s what you will be getting in the report.
Accident History
Check if the vehicle has ever been involved in an accident and see if it has suffered major or minor damage. In this section, you can examine how many times the vehicle was in an accident, the date, and the location.
Recall Check
The VIN check shows if there are any unresolved recalls on the vehicle, especially those related to safety. This helps you make sure the car meets safety requirements and the vehicle is safe to drive.
Past Ownership
See how many people have owned the vehicle, the period of ownership, the location, and the date of purchase. However, it’s important to note that you cannot see their full name.
Theft Records
Car theft happens often in Alabama, with over 30 cases reported each day. A VIN check helps you find out if a vehicle was ever reported stolen, the location, and the data source of the stolen vehicle information.
Damages Check
Alabama’s harsh weather, like floods, hailstorms, and tornadoes, can seriously damage vehicles. Many flood- or fire-damaged vehicles look fine at first, but can lead to costly repairs.
Check Lien Status
A lien means someone else still owes money on the vehicle. Buying a car with a lien can result in repossession if the debt isn’t cleared first.
Title Brand Check
See if the title has been marked as salvage, lemon, or rebuilt. Always make sure the vehicle’s title is clean before you proceed to buy it from the dealer or a private seller.
Mileage Records
See the recorded mileage from the first time the car was driven. Check if there a suspicious mileage records, be aware if the odometer was tampered with.
Check Classic Car in Alabama
Before you buy a classic car in Alabama, use a classic VIN decoder to check the real condition of the vehicle, which reveals information like the original specifications, past ownership, and any hidden issues like title and accident.
Alabama has a strong market for American muscle cars and vintage trucks, making it a great place for collectors. If you’re a seller or dealer, showing a verified classic vehicle report helps prove the car’s authenticity and builds trust with potential buyers.
How VIN Check Alabama Helps a Used Car Buyer?
Raleigh was about to buy a used 2014 Chevrolet Sonic from a private online seller on Facebook. She wanted to buy the vehicle because it was so cheap, even cheaper than an offline dealership next to his uncle’s house. Her uncle warned her about a troubled used car being sold and asked her to run an Alabama VIN Check. Here’s what she found in the report:
Sample VIN: 1G1JA5SH4E4153457
Seller’s Claim
- Has no issues
- Properly maintained
- Cheaper than other sellers
Actual Condition
- Salvaged records
- Rebuilt or rebuildable record
- 1 accident record
- 1 Record(s) of damage
- 3 specific events reported
- 5 lien or loan record(s)
Outcome
- Raleigh decided to call it off because the car had too many problems
Key Takeaways
Seller’s Claim
- Choose to buy from certified dealerships over private sellers
- Short-term ownerships signal ongoing issues
- Title brands indicate serious past damage.
Why Should You Run an Alabama VIN Check?
Running a VIN check in Alabama is a must before purchasing any used vehicle. It helps you avoid cars with hidden problems like accident damage, odometer fraud, or even theft, issues that could cost you more down the line.
Check the Vehicle Conditions
Helps you see if the vehicle was cared for enough by the previous owner, and if maintenance was a regular practice.
Avoid Stolen Vehicles
A vehicle report can alert you if the car was ever stolen, helping you avoid legal risks and financial loss.
Ensure the Odometer is Not Rolled Back
Identify mileage inconsistencies and avoid overpaying for a car that’s been used more than claimed.
See if it's a Good Match
The vehicle history report can help you see the actual specifications to help you see if it’s a good match for your needs and preferences.
Check the Accident Records
Be aware that if you buy a car with an accident record becuase it’s dangerous and needs a lot of repair.
Avoid Fradulent Deals
The vehicle history report helps you spot any fraudulent listings without the need to physically inspect the vehicle.
AL Laws Related to VIN Checks
There are certain laws governing the transfer of titles, insurance requirements, and the process of applying for vehicle titles, ensuring that drivers are informed and protected. Here’s everything you need to know:
Title Transfers in AL
To transfer a vehicle title in Alabama, you’ll need to complete a few steps and pay a fee. The process is typically done at your local county revenue office. You must fill out a title application form and provide specific documents to ensure the transfer is valid.
Requirements include a fee of $15 for the title transfer and going to the local county revenue office. You’ll need to provide:
- Completed title application form.
- Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license).
- Seller’s signature on the title must be notarized.
- If applicable, documentation showing a lien has been satisfied.
The processing period is about 30 days, and the title will be transferred successfully.
Alabama Insurance and Registration
In Alabama, all drivers are mandated to carry liability insurance to operate a vehicle legally. The minimum coverage required is:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25)
This law ensures that drivers can cover damages or injuries they may cause in an accident. Failure to maintain this insurance can result in fines and registration suspension. Drivers must also carry proof of insurance while driving and present it upon request by law enforcement.
Applying for Titles in Alabama
To apply for an Alabama certificate of title, you will do so through a designated agent of the Alabama Department of Revenue. This includes County License Plate Issuing Officials, licensed Alabama motor vehicle dealers, and certain financial institutions (like banks and credit unions).
The fee is typically $15 for motor vehicles and $20 for manufactured homes, with additional processing fees possibly applied by the designated agent. Some of the documents you need to provide are:
- The manufacturer’s certificate of origin or the current title assigned to you.
- Any supporting documents that verify ownership.
The time to receive your title can vary based on the completeness of your application and any additional requirements that may arise during processing.
Why Choose Detailed Vehicle History to Run an Alabama VIN Check?
- Offers VIN reports with 150+ data points
- Includes full vehicle specifications
- Shows auction and sales history with up to 10 photos
- Provides mileage and odometer records
- Reveals theft reports and accident history
- Lists previous owners and ownership duration
- Displays market value estimates
- Checks for liens, salvage, and title status
- Supports classic VIN decoding for vintage cars
- Helps buyers and sellers make safer, more informed choices when purchasing used vehicles in Alabama
Useful Resources for Car Buyers in Alabama
Customers Testimonials
Excellent service
First time I ever used an online company to get a monroney. The website was easy to use and navigate through…Read More
Will Ruff
I have used this service several times. Thank you, Richard for your quick response and assistance. I am well pleased with your patience and assistance…Read More
Dee Hunter
I read about this on a car site and tried it. The results were very helpful such as accident and maintenance reports. I would do it again and recommend it.
Gordon Karsn
Run VIN Check in Other States
- Alaska
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
FAQs About Alabama VIN Check
Is There a Free VIN Check in Alabama?
You can use our free VIN check in Alabama by simply clicking on the form above. Fill the form with your VIN or license plate number, then click the button to begin the generation process. Once it’s done, you will get the basic information of the vehicle, like the engine capacity, transmission type, country of origin, and more. If you wish to get more information, proceed to check out the payment.
How to Lookup VIN Numbers?
To look up the VIN number, you just need to click on the form. Then, you can use either your VIN or your license plate number (don’t forget to choose the state you live in), and click on the button to begin the process.
Is it Legal to Change a Vehicle’s VIN Number?
No, altering, removing, or tampering with a VIN number is illegal under federal law and considered a serious offense.