Top 5 VIN Check Services Compared
Not all VIN check services are created equal. We compared pricing, features, and data sources to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Which Service is Right for You?
Buying Used Car
Need to verify it's not stolen before meeting seller
Free stolen check
Full History Needed
Want service records, accidents, and ownership history
$39.99/report
Basic Free Check
Just need basic theft/salvage info, no budget
Free (5/day limit)
Quick Feature Comparison
| Service | Price | Stolen Check | Title History | Accidents | Service Records | Mobile App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SafeOrStolen Best for Stolen Checks | Free (2 checks) | |||||
Carfax Most Comprehensive | $39.99/report | |||||
AutoCheck (Experian) | $24.99/report | |||||
NICB VINCheck Best Free Basic | Free | |||||
VehicleHistory.com | $14.99/report |
Detailed Service Reviews
SafeOrStolenBest for Stolen Checks
Best for: Verifying if a vehicle is stolen before purchase
Pricing
Per check: Free (2 checks)
Package: Premium subscription
Pros
- 2 free VIN checks, no credit card required
- 50M+ database from law enforcement & insurers
- Checks more than cars (phones, bikes, tools)
- Mobile app for instant verification
- AI-powered risk analysis
Cons
- No detailed service history
- No accident damage estimates
- Full reports require subscription
CarfaxMost Comprehensive
Best for: Complete vehicle history with service records
Pricing
Per check: $39.99/report
Package: $99.99 (6 reports)
Pros
- Most detailed vehicle history
- Service record tracking
- Accident and damage history
- Previous owner information
- Trusted brand name
Cons
- Expensive per report
- No free option
- Vehicles only
- Dealer data focused
AutoCheck (Experian)
Best for: Score-based vehicle assessment
Pricing
Per check: $24.99/report
Package: $49.99 (25 reports)
Pros
- AutoCheck Score for easy comparison
- Cheaper than Carfax
- Good auction data
- Experian backing
Cons
- Less service record data
- Fewer data sources than Carfax
- Still no free option
NICB VINCheckBest Free Basic
Best for: Free basic theft and salvage check
Pricing
Per check: Free
Package: N/A
Pros
- Completely free
- Theft and salvage data
- Insurance company source
Cons
- Limited to 5 searches/day
- No detailed history
- No mobile app
- Vehicles only
VehicleHistory.com
Best for: Budget vehicle history reports
Pricing
Per check: $14.99/report
Package: $24.99 (3 reports)
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Basic history included
- Recall information
Cons
- Less comprehensive data
- No service records
- Limited data sources
Our Recommendation
Use a two-step approach for the best results:
1Before Meeting the Seller
Use SafeOrStolen (free) to verify the vehicle isn't stolen. This protects you from wasting time on potentially fraudulent listings.
2Before Buying
Get a full Carfax report for detailed history including accidents, service records, and previous owners.
Check Any Vehicle for Free
SafeOrStolen offers 2 free VIN checks with no credit card required. Verify if a car, motorcycle, or RV is stolen before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a free VIN check reliable?
Free VIN checks from reputable sources like SafeOrStolen and NICB VINCheck are reliable for stolen vehicle verification. For complete history, paid reports are more comprehensive.
Do I need both a stolen check and Carfax?
We recommend both. SafeOrStolen's free check verifies the car isn't stolen before you invest in a full Carfax report. It saves money and time on potentially fraudulent listings.
What can SafeOrStolen check that Carfax can't?
SafeOrStolen checks a 50M+ stolen item database from law enforcement and insurance companies. It also checks phones, bikes, tools, and other items - not just vehicles.
Where is the VIN located?
The VIN is typically on the driver's side dashboard (visible through windshield), the driver's door jamb, or the vehicle registration/title documents.