Using the VIN, he can check:
✅ Does the year of manufacture match?;
✅ were there any serious road traffic accidents;
✅ Does the specification match?;
✅ whether there are any discrepancies in the documents;
✅ whether the car has any restrictions or other issues.
If a seller conceals the VIN without good reason, this often arouses suspicion.
Is it safe to provide my VIN?
In most cases — yes.
The VIN code on its own prevents you from re-registering a car, taking out a loan or taking possession of a vehicle.
This is an identification number used to check a vehicle’s history.
That is precisely why most professional sellers and dealers openly publish the VIN in their adverts.
Why do some sellers conceal the VIN?
There may be various reasons.
Sometimes owners are afraid that:
- fraudulent schemes;
- copying adverts;
- unwanted inspections.
However, it is not uncommon for the VIN to be concealed for less honourable reasons:
- concealing the fact that a road traffic accident had occurred;
- falsified mileage;
- discrepancy in the contents of the package;
- problems with documents;
- History of use in a taxi.
That is precisely why buyers are wary of such adverts.
Can fraudsters use a VIN?
There are many myths surrounding this issue.
In fact The VIN itself is not confidential information — it can even be fitted to the boot of a car.
However, fraudsters may:
- to use VINs to create fake adverts;
- take photos of the car;
- mislead other customers.
That is precisely why you should ensure that your photos and descriptions are not used by unauthorised third parties.
What is the correct way to include the VIN in a advert?
Best practice is to provide the full VIN.
These are:
- builds trust;
- increases the number of enquiries;
- reduces the number of unnecessary questions;
- helps you find a genuine buyer more quickly.
If a buyer sees that the VIN is visible, they realise that the seller has nothing to hide.
What should you check using the VIN before buying?
A potential buyer looks out for:
- registration history;
- number of owners;
- involvement in a road traffic accident;
- service history (if available);
- mileage (if any records are available);
- equipment;
- manufacturer’s specifications.
The more transparent a car’s history is, the easier it is to sell.
How does the VIN affect the speed of a sale?
| Situation | Impact on customer trust |
|---|---|
| The VIN is shown in the advert | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| The VIN is provided on request | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| The VIN has been hidden without explanation | ⭐⭐ |
| The seller refuses to provide the VIN | ⭐ |
Do car-buying companies need a VIN?
Yes.
A VIN is useful for a professional vehicle valuation:
- check the contents;
- identify the variant;
- to clarify the technical specifications;
- to prepare a preliminary assessment more quickly.
This enables you to make the most accurate offer possible even before viewing the property in person.
Common mistakes made by salespeople
Hiding the VIN for no reason
This is one of the most common reasons for mistrust.
Many potential buyers simply move on to another advert.
Providing an incorrect VIN
Even a single character error makes verification impossible.
Do not check information about your own car
Before selling, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the car’s history. That way, you’ll be prepared for any questions buyers might have and will be able to explain all the details honestly.
Why does transparency help you sell a car for a higher price?
Trust is one of the key factors in a successful sale.
If the seller:
- does not conceal the VIN;
- gives an honest account of the car’s history;
- submits documents;
- answers the question,
The buyer makes a decision much more quickly.
It is precisely this transparency that often enables you to sell a car more quickly and with minimal haggling.
Not sure how to prepare your car properly for sale? У LDD Auto Market We will help you check your documents, carry out a professional valuation, explain what information you should prepare, and provide you with a fair market price on the very day you contact us.
FAQ
Is it permissible to disclose the VIN code to the buyer?
Yes. A VIN on its own does not enable you to take possession of a car or re-register it. It is standard information used to check a vehicle’s history.
Why do buyers ask for the VIN before even viewing the car?
To check the car’s history, specifications, year of manufacture and other details before meeting in person.
Should the last few characters of the VIN be concealed?
This is not usually necessary. On the contrary, disclosing the full VIN builds trust in the seller and helps to find a genuine buyer more quickly.
Is the VIN used during a car buyback?
Yes. Car-buying companies use the VIN to identify the vehicle more accurately and prepare an objective valuation.
Conclusion
A VIN code is not confidential information, but one of the most important tools for checking a car. Disclosing the VIN demonstrates the seller’s honesty, boosts buyer confidence and helps to close the deal more quickly.
It is far more important to protect yourself against fraud in other ways: by ensuring your documents are in order, not handing over the car until full payment has been made, and dealing only with trustworthy buyers or professional car-buying companies.
🚗 Do you want to sell your car quickly, safely and for a fair price?
DD Auto Market We specialise in the professional purchase of cars of any make and in any condition. We will carry out a valuation free of charge, check all the necessary details, formalise the transaction officially and pay you on the day of sale.
📞 Submit an enquiry on our website or give us a call today — get a free consultation and a professional valuation, and sell your car quickly, fairly and without any unnecessary risks! 🚘💰
