Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Vinpanda vehicle history reports.
About the Report
What is included in a Vinpanda vehicle history report?
A full report includes title and salvage history, outstanding lien and finance checks, stolen vehicle status, odometer rollback detection, accident and structural damage records, flood/fire/hail brands, full ownership history, NHTSA safety recalls, and complete auction records with damage photos where available.
Where does the data come from?
Vinpanda uses a data provider that sources from NMVTIS with direct access to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System - the federal database maintained under the Anti-Car Theft Act. Federal law requires all US insurers, salvage yards, and junk yards to report to NMVTIS. Most state DMVs also report title and registration data.
Is the data the same as Carfax?
Both Carfax and Vinpanda draw from NMVTIS - the same federal database. Carfax also includes some proprietary data sources. For the vast majority of vehicles, the title, lien, accident, and odometer data will be identical.
How current is the data?
NMVTIS data is updated continuously as states and insurers report. Most title events are reflected within days of being filed. Some states report faster than others - this is a limitation of the underlying government database, not specific to Vinpanda.
What is a title brand?
A title brand is a designation added to a vehicle title to flag significant events - salvage, rebuilt, flood, lemon law buyback, and others. A branded title can significantly affect a vehicle's value and insurability. Vinpanda's full report shows all brands across all states the vehicle has ever been registered in.
Free VIN Check
What do I see when I enter a VIN?
You see the year, make, and model of the vehicle to confirm you have the right car. No payment is required for this step.
Do I need an account to check a VIN?
No. Enter a VIN and you immediately see the vehicle details - no account, no email, no payment required.
What if no photo is shown in the preview?
Not all vehicles have auction or listing photos on record. If no photo is shown, it simply means none is available for that VIN - it does not indicate anything about the vehicle's history.
Pricing and Payment
How much does a full report cost?
$14.99 per report, one time. No subscription, no recurring charges, no hidden fees.
Is there a subscription option?
No. Vinpanda does not offer subscriptions. You pay per report only when you need one.
What payment methods are accepted?
All major credit and debit cards are accepted. Payment is processed securely via Stripe.
Can I get a refund?
Because vehicle history reports pull live data from government databases at the time of purchase, all sales are final. You get 30 days of online access to your full report and can download it as a PDF to keep. We recommend using the free vehicle preview to confirm a vehicle has records before purchasing.
Getting Your Report
How do I receive my report?
Your full report opens in your browser as soon as payment is processed. We also email you a secure link so you can return to the report at any time during your 30-day access window.
Can I download the report as a PDF?
Yes. A "Download PDF" button is available on the report page. Once downloaded, the PDF is yours to keep permanently.
How long can I view my report online?
The secure online report link is available for 30 days after purchase. Download the PDF during that window if you want a permanent copy. If you need access after 30 days, contact us at support@vinpanda.com.
What if I entered the wrong email address?
Contact us at support@vinpanda.com with your VIN and the correct email address and we will resend your report link.
What if my report shows no data?
Some vehicles - particularly newer models, privately imported vehicles, or vehicles with very limited US registration history - may have minimal NMVTIS data. This is rare. If your report appears unexpectedly empty, contact us and we will investigate.
VIN and Vehicle Questions
Where do I find my VIN?
The 17-character VIN is on the driver-side dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the driver-side door jamb sticker, on your vehicle title, registration, or insurance card.
Does Vinpanda work for all US vehicles?
Vinpanda covers any vehicle with a US-issued 17-character VIN. This includes cars, trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles registered in any US state. Vehicles with non-US VINs or older pre-1981 vehicles (which may have non-standard VINs) may not return full results.
Does a clean report mean the vehicle is fine?
A clean report means no negative history was reported to NMVTIS or the connected databases. Not all accidents or issues are reported - particularly minor incidents that were never filed with an insurer. A vehicle history report is an important tool, but it should be used alongside a physical inspection by a qualified mechanic.