VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a car's unique 17-character identification code (the car's "ID card"). It encodes the key factory data: country of manufacture, brand, model, year of manufacture, engine type, plant and trim level.
Why is checking the VIN before buying essential?
The photos and short description posted at auction often do not give the full picture. Using the VIN (in the CARFAX, AutoCheck or EpicVIN databases), you can learn the car's complete history:
- Past accidents and damage: airbag deployment history and the severity of any accidents.
- Actual mileage: whether the odometer has been rolled back (Odometer Fraud).
- Insurance status and risks: flood exposure (Flood/Water Damage), fire, or whether the car has been stolen.
- Re-sold lots: whether the car has already been sold at another auction, so you can avoid buying a crudely rebuilt and "dressed-up" car.
- Service history: regular inspections and how often the oil was changed.
The VIN during shipping (Tracking)
For VG Auto Export customers, the VIN is the main tool for tracking the car's movement. By entering the code in the VIN search field on our website, you can view a detailed photo report from all four stages at any time:
- Auction photos: the car's initial condition at the time of purchase.
- Transportation within the US: delivery of the car from the auction to the US port terminal.
- US port photo report: detailed photos taken before loading into the container.
- Port of Poti: photos of the car's arrival and the opening of the container (Unloading).
Where can you find the VIN?
- On the car: in the lower left corner of the windshield (driver's side), on the driver's door jamb (B-pillar) or in the engine bay.
- In the documents: in the vehicle registration certificate, the insurance policy and the export documents (Title / Bill of Sale).
- On the auction website: the VIN is always openly displayed on the lot page at Copart, IAAI or Manheim.
