VIN Decoder
A VIN decoder deciphers the identification number of a car and makes it possible to discover its make, its model, and sometimes even its equipment. You can use our free VIN check before your used car purchase. Our decoder is linked to the vehicle history and communicates important information to you so that you do not unknowingly take the wheel of a vehicle presenting a risk to your safety.
Why is checking the VIN important?
- It helps in buying and selling used cars safely
- A VIN check is linked to the vehicle history
- It verifies vehicle identity to exclude fake or cloned VINs
- It can save you hidden and expensive costs
Where can I find the VIN?
The VIN is always in the vehicle documents. In addition, it is fixed on different parts of the car including the dashboard, the windshield, or the door pillar on the driver’s side.
How is the VIN structured?
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) has 17 characters and is assigned individually to each vehicle. It is made up of numbers and letters, excluding the letters I, O, and Q to avoid confusion with numeric characters. The VIN is divided into several blocks:
- Manufacturer identification
- Check digits
- Model references
- Equipment
- Year of manufacture
- Place of production
VIN Decoder for Business Customers
Every time a user has to manually enter vehicle information, the number of abandons increases exponentially. With Vehicle Data Service (VDS), vehicle details are pre-populated into the forms, for example, by simply entering the license plate number or VIN. This results in better quality and more sales.
Do you find any differences? Here’s who to contact.
If the VIN on the vehicle title does not match the VIN plate on the dashboard:
Contact the vehicle registration office in your province or territory immediately.
If the VIN on the liability insurance certificate does not match the VIN plate on the dashboard:
Contact your agent, broker or insurance company, or the local police department immediately.
Are you worried that the automobile may have suffered damage due to flooding?
Use this free VIN Check service, offered by IBC, to verify if a vehicle has been declared by IBC member insurance companies as flood-damaged beyond repair.