Complete Guide to Chassis Number Check: When buying or selling a car in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE, it’s important to know the car’s history to ensure you’re getting a fair deal. Understanding a vehicle’s past – whether it’s been in an accident, had major repairs or been through auctions – can make all the difference. This is where services such as chassis number check, free VIN check, vehicle history check and auction history check come in handy. This guide will show you how to use these tools to check the authenticity and background of a vehicle before you buy it.

What is a chassis number?

The chassis number is a unique identifier assigned to every vehicle manufactured. Also known as the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), it is a 17-digit code containing both numbers and letters that is unique to each vehicle. The VIN provides essential information about the vehicle, such as the manufacturer, model year, production plant and specific vehicle features.

In the UAE, the VIN plays a crucial role in identifying vehicles, especially if you’re buying a used car. By performing a VIN check, you can access a car’s historical data and ensure that the vehicle is legitimate and free of any legal or mechanical problems.

Why is a VIN check important?

Whether you’re buying or selling a car in the UAE, a VIN check is essential for a number of reasons:

Verify the identity of the car: Ensure that the car has not been cloned, stolen or tampered with.
Check for previous accidents or damage: You can find out if the car has been involved in any major accidents.
Confirm ownership details: Verify that the seller is the rightful owner of the vehicle.
Check auction history: Some cars may have been purchased at auction and it’s important to understand the condition of the vehicle during this process.

What is a VIN check?

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the international standard used to identify a vehicle. Similar to the chassis number, the VIN is 17 characters long and contains detailed information about the vehicle. A VIN check provides comprehensive details, allowing you to

Identify any previous accidents.
Understand the vehicle’s origin and manufacturing details.
Obtain a detailed service and maintenance history.
Find out about any recalls issued by the manufacturer.
The VIN check also helps to determine if the car has been involved in any major collisions or has any structural damage that could affect its safety and resale value.

How to run a free VIN check?

Performing a free VIN check is easy and there are several services available in the UAE that allow you to perform a free VIN check. Here’s how to do it:

Locate the VIN: The VIN is usually located in the lower left corner of the dashboard, near the windscreen or inside the driver’s side door frame. It can also be found on the car’s registration documents (Mulkiya).
Use free VIN check services: There are several websites and platforms that allow you to run a free VIN check:
carsclub.ae: Offers free and paid-for VIN checks, including details of accidents, mileage and recalls.
CarFax: Provides vehicle history reports that include auction data, accident history and ownership transfers.
RTA Dubai Services: The Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai (RTA) offers online tools to check vehicle information by VIN or chassis number.
Check the report: After entering the VIN, you’ll receive a detailed report that includes information on the car’s history, any accidents and its current status.

Car History Check: Why you need it?

A Car History Check is a detailed review of the vehicle’s past, allowing you to understand its overall condition before making a purchase. Here’s why it’s important:

Accident history: The most important factor for buyers is whether the car has been involved in any accidents. Some minor accidents may not affect a car’s value significantly, but major accidents can lead to long-term mechanical problems or safety concerns.
Service records: A consistent maintenance and service history can reassure you that the car has been well maintained and is less likely to have hidden problems.
Stolen vehicle check: A vehicle history check can reveal if the car has been reported stolen. In the UAE, it’s important to ensure that the car you’re buying is free of any legal disputes.
Flood or fire damage: Cars that have suffered flood or fire damage are often sold at a much lower price, but may not be safe or reliable. A Car History Check will reveal any such incidents.

How to get a Car History Check in the UAE?

Several platforms in Dubai and the UAE offer car history checks. Some of the more popular options include

RTA Vehicle History Service: The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) offers a vehicle history check service where you can enter the chassis number to get details about the car’s background.

carsclub.ae: offers a vehicle history report with details on whether the car has been involved in any accidents, its service records and other important information.

Emirates Auction: If the car was sold at auction, Emirates Auction provides auction history and car condition reports.

Auction History Check: What You Should Know?

Some cars in the UAE are bought and sold through auctions, which can offer great deals but come with risks. An auction history check can help you understand if the car has been sold at auction before and what its condition was at the time. This is important because

Auction cars can have hidden damage: While cars sold at auction can be a bargain, they may have undisclosed damage or problems. Check the auction history to see if the car was marked as damaged.
Resale value: Cars bought at auction may have a lower resale value as they’re often sold quickly and may not have undergone a proper inspection.
You can check the auction history check through platforms such as Emirates Auction and Copart UAE.

The importance of knowing a car’s auction history

Buying a car with a clean auction history gives you peace of mind that it hasn’t been sold under duress or at a significantly reduced price due to damage. Here’s how an auction history check helps:

Transparency: An Auction History Check provides transparency into the condition of the car at the time of sale, helping you avoid surprises later on.
Valuation insight: Auction history can indicate if the car has been traded frequently or has remained unsold for a long time, which could be a red flag.

Conclusion

A chassis number check, free VIN check, vehicle history check and auction history check are essential steps when buying or selling a car in Dubai and the UAE. These checks provide transparency, help prevent fraud and ensure that you make an informed decision. By using the tools and services available, you can buy a used car with confidence, knowing its full history and avoiding any unpleasant surprises down the road.

In a market as dynamic as Dubai, where cars are frequently bought and sold, using these checks can protect you from costly mistakes, whether you’re a buyer or a seller.