• In 2022 alone there were 6,631 reported car thefts in the state of Utah. By comparing the VIN number permanently imprinted on the vehicles with the paperwork provided by the seller and doing a simple VIN check, it is possible to identify possible red flags indicating the car may have been stolen.
• According to the Utah Code Ann. §41-1a-1004, the used car dealer has a legal duty to declare any and all title brands to the seller in writing. However, there have been instances when the dealer may illegally modify the vehicle title to hide the title brand in order to artificially inflate its value. A simple vehicle title check can identify branded titles such as salvage, rebuilt, junk, lemon, or flood-damaged, even if the brand has been unlawfully removed from the title.
• According to the Utah DMV, the majority of the vehicles 7 years or newer registered in the state have liens. The most common type of liens are a result of a car loan or an unpaid mechanic or storage bill. A VIN search may identify if the vehicle has an outstanding lien as well as lienholder information.  It is best to stay clear of vehicles with liens, as buying one of these cars can mean that you will be inheriting the previous owner’s debts.  
• There were 64,817 reported car crashes in Utah in the year 2023 alone. The majority of these vehicles will eventually make their way into the used car market. After a fresh coat of paint, it is generally difficult to spot prior collision damage, especially to the untrained eye. This is where a title records check comes in handy. A simple VIN check can reveal past collisions, total-loss events, structural repairs, airbag deployment, collision severity, damage type and additional information as reported to the insurance company and the local DMV.
• One of the most popular types of vehicle sale-related fraud has to do with odometer rollback. The issue is further compounded by the fact it is generally underreported, making it hard to spot from a simple visual inspection. By comparing reported mileage over time, you can identify odometer rollback, which affects both value and reliability.
• Knowing the vehicle’s complete history helps you determine fair market value and negotiate confidently.
• A title search may expose hidden issues, fake documents, and misrepresented vehicles often used in fraudulent sales.