Car Data Check
VIN Information
About the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Once you have run your check, you will have the opportunity to input the 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The vendor can normally supply this to you, it can be found on the MOT and V5C documents.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique number to identify the vehicle, regardless of number plate changes. lt must be entered to trigger the Data Insurance and if you do not have it or it is not matched to the VIN on the database, you should return to this site and confirm it before you purchase the vehicle, in order to invoke the Data Insurance cover.
The VIN is normally a mixture of 17 letters and numbers, and does not contain letters I or O, but does contain the numbers one (1) and zero (0).
If the VIN does not match you should check it carefully with the V5C document and on the vehicle. It can be found in at least two places on the vehicle, on the VIN plate under the bonnet (a metal plate roughly 3" x 4") and embossed on the body of the vehicle. On many modern vehicles there is also a 'visible VIN' on the front or rear windscreen. If the VIN does not match we advise that you postpone the purchase of the vehicle until you have contacted Customer Services.
If the VIN begins with the letters SABTVRO the VIN has been re-stamped by the Ministry of Transport. This can indicate a new body shell or a query over the true identity or age of the vehicle.
Some of the more common locations are given below:
- On the door frame/door post of the front doors (usually driver's but sometimes passenger's).
- On the dash visible through the windscreen.
- On the engine itself (machined pad on front of engine).
- On the car's bulkhead (engine side, can be left, middle or right hand side).
- In front of the driver’s seat.
- To the right of the driver’s seat stamped into the floor.
- On the chassis member under the driver’s side door.
- In the inner wheel arch, maybe front, rear, off or near side.
- On the steering wheel/steering column.
- In the boot, near the lock, or on the floor pan close to the boot edge.
- On the radiator support bracket.
