VINsmart
Author: Kaitlyn Short
Buying a used car is popular for many reasons; however, many would argue that the number one reason people prefer to buy used is the cost. However, simply purchasing a car for a lower price can be a slippery slope. Drivers who are unaware of their used car’s history may find themselves constantly visiting the mechanic, repairing or replacing parts more frequently, or in some cases injuring themselves or others.
VINsmart is an online service that helps drivers make well-informed decisions before purchasing a used vehicle. VINsmart’s website was first introduced to consumers in 2012, but since then, the company has become an industry leader. VINsmart is trusted by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AMMVA) and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Minimize Physical and Financial Risk
- Competitive Pricing
- Dealers Program
Minimize Physical and Financial Risk
As a part of the company’s mission to minimize drivers’ physical and financial risk, VINsmart providers drivers with a detailed history of their vehicle. With each VINsmart vehicle history report, the company checks the following:
- Title history — current and historical titles and dates with DMV registrations
- Vehicle value — Up-to-date retail, trade-in, and loan value
- Safety recalls — Historical recalls and alerts when new recalls are issued
- Prior damage and salvage check — Learn about flood damage, junk, or salvaged
- Title concerns — 67-point check on brand including altered odometer, vandalism reports, and fire damage
- Lien and lease check — Scans national lien and lease databases to check for a clear vehicle title.
Before purchasing a used car, consumers should investigate its history. Not only will this save consumers possibly thousands of dollars at the mechanic, but it also reduces the chance of driving a car that is not safe.
Competitive Pricing
When compared to other companies within the industry, VINsmart offers some of the most competitive prices for a vehicle history report.
A Vehicle History Report with VINsmart costs $9.95 per report. A Full Vehicle History report from VINCheckUp costs $14.95 per report, and a Standard CARFAX report is $39.99 per report.
Additionally, VINsmart offers the following discount to those wanting the history of multiple vehicles:
- 2+ vehicle reports — $6.95 per report
- 10+ vehicle reports — $5.95 per report
Dealers Program
VINsmart allows car dealers to sign up and become a VINsmart certified dealer. The company has a comprehensive vehicle history data reporting tool that dealers can access whenever they’d like.
Verified dealers have access to the same volume-based pricing discounts, their credits never expire, plus there is no hidden fees or contracts (certified dealers don’t have to sign a contract, meet a minimum, or pay a subscription fee).
The Bad
- Refund Processing Fee
Refund Processing Fee
VINsmart guarantees consumers that if their vehicle history report does not have any information from the NMVTIS database, that the company will issue a credit toward the next vehicle history report of refund the money. However, customers will have to pay a $2 processing fee.
Additionally, VINsmart warns that Canadian VINs and chassis/incomplete vans or trucks will not be valued.
The Bottom Line
Consumers who are considering buying a used car could certainly benefit from VINsmart’s services. The company is dedicated to helping drivers become more informed and aware of the potential financial and physical risks that come with purchasing a used car.
VINsmart is partnered with the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and the National Motor Vehicle Titling Information System (NMVTIS) and is an extremely affordable option.
