VIN Inspection Checklist Before Buying, Recovering or Scrapping a Vehicle

A practical VIN inspection

Start by comparing the registration, make, model and VIN information available. Look for obvious inconsistencies without treating normal wear, repairs or a damaged label as automatic evidence of crime.

What Onagone checks before collection

Accurate registration, vehicle description, available VIN information, collection authority and the vehicle's physical condition all matter. A VIN can help identify a vehicle but does not by itself prove ownership or lawful authority to dispose of it.

If the identity does not make sense

Do not alter an identifier or guess missing information. Resolve unexplained differences with the seller, insurer, auction, DVLA, police or other relevant authority before collection where appropriate.

VIN checks for scrap cars · Recovery and transport