Free Michigan VIN Check & Vehicle History Report

Buying a Used Car in the State of Michigan? Read this before you buy!

Purchasing a car is a big decision and should not be made without some consideration. In order to make a wise decision and buy a car that will serve your individual needs for years to come it is vital to be well informed and understand both the legal and environmental factors that may affect the car buying process in your area. Each state and region present its own set of unique challenges when buying and registering the vehicle. The state of Michigan is no exception, as it has some unique environmental and legal considerations that must be accounted for when shopping for a pre-owned vehicle.

Michigan is known for its harsh winters, with heavy snowfall and icy roads. This can put a significant strain on a car's battery, fluids, and heating systems. Michigan is also known for frequently using salt to de-ice roads in the winter months. Salt is a highly corrosive substance and can wreak absolute havoc on various vehicle metal components, leading to rapid corrosion and rust on a car's body, frame and undercarriage.

While Michigan is considered a moderate risk for weather related damage and losses, it does have its share of storms and tornadoes causing significant damage to private property. The more popular types of weather-related vehicle insurance claims are related to wind and hail damage. However, there are areas within the states prone to flooding that experience a higher rate of flood related vehicle insurance claims in those specific areas.

Needless to say, a lot of vehicles with a history of prior weather-related damage will eventually make their way into the used car market. Further compounding the problem is Michigan's increasing accident rate. According to "Michigan Auto Law." Michigan's total number of car accidents has been increasing in the last few years. In 2022 alone there were 293.341 accidents reported in the state. Studies indicate that roughly 40% of all cars in the state of Michigan have a history of previous damage. To put this into perspective, 2 out of every 5 cars available for sale in Michigan today have some history of minor to extensive damage due to an accident or a weather event.

One other important fact to consider when buying a car in Michigan is that Michigan requires all registered vehicles to pass an emissions test. The inspection has to be done within 10 days of purchase. Visit the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) website for detailed instructions.

Two things you must do before buying a car in Michigan

• Check into the vehicle's history.

One of the most time and cost-effective ways to investigate the vehicle's history is by ordering a VHR (Vehicle History Report). A VHR is comprised of data aggregated from both government and proprietary sources and has the advantage of giving you a more comprehensive look into the car's past. This simple to understand report can identify potential problems without you ever seeing the car in person. The report is comprised of vehicle title records containing vital information about past accidents, total loss claims, salvage history, flood damage, odometer rollback, lemon law claim history, sale and lien records and much more... A VHR may be able to provide you with information not disclosed by the seller and that may not be obvious from an in-person inspection.

The only thing required to generate a full Vehicle History Report in Michigan is a valid vehicle VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). This 17-character number is imprinted in multiple places on the vehicle. The most common locations where the VIN can be found are on the driver's side interior dash panel and inside the driver's side door jamb. It can also be found on the car's title document, registration and insurance. It is a good idea to always ensure that the VIN displayed on the vehicle documents matches the VIN imprinted on the car body itself.

Once you have the vehicle VIN you can use it in any one of the VinCheckUp.com VIN search boxes to generate your report. The process should not take longer than a few minutes.

• Get a Professional Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection

One of the best ways to protect yourself from making a very costly mistake like buying a vehicle with hidden conditions or even legal issues is by always requesting a professional and independent PPI (Pre-Purchase Inspection). Having the vehicle professionally inspected by a trusted auto technician may help uncover hidden issues not clearly visible to the untrained eye. This inspection can identify any possible VIN tampering, prior collision damage, excessive corrosion, structural damage, as well as mechanical and electrical issues. There is no substitute for a professional PPI service, it is the absolute best way to gauge the vehicle's condition, value, safety and reliability. A PPI goes beyond what was reported to insurance companies and the local DMV. It can identify damage that was never reported or recorded by any agency and will never be available in any VHR. A PPI is your best line of defense against unscrupulous used car sellers, con artists and criminals. Ordering a professional PPI service may end up saving you from making a very costly mistake and is well worth the money.

By checking the vehicle's history report in Michigan and getting a professional and independent Pre Purchase Inspection you can help ensure that you are making an informed decision when buying a pre-owned car.