Vehicle History Check: VIN Check, CarVertical, AutoDNA

Checking a vehicle's history is an absolutely essential step before buying a used car, especially when importing from abroad. The VIN code is a unique vehicle identifier that can reveal more than the seller might like.

What Is a VIN Code?

The Vehicle Identification Number is a 17-character alphanumeric code assigned to every vehicle. You can find it:

On a plate at the base of the windshield
On the driver's door frame
In the vehicle registration certificate
On the engine block

Always compare the VIN on the vehicle with the VIN in the documents. A mismatch is a major red flag.

Comparison of VIN Check Services

CarVertical

Price: approx. 500–600 CZK (20–24 EUR) per report
Coverage: Europe-wide database + USA
Detects: accidents, odometer tampering, theft, liens
Advantage: clear graphical report, estimated market value

AutoDNA

Price: approx. 400–500 CZK (16–20 EUR) per report
Coverage: Europe + USA
Detects: service history, accidents, odometer rollback, number of owners
Advantage: detailed vehicle history timeline

DEKRA / TÜV History

Available directly in Germany
Contains results of all technical inspections
Shows the vehicle's condition at each inspection

What Can a VIN Check Reveal?

Odometer tampering — comparison of records from various sources (service centers, STK (Czech vehicle inspection), classified ads)
Accidents — records from insurance companies and police databases
Theft — whether the vehicle is listed in stolen vehicle databases
Liens and enforcement — whether the vehicle has outstanding debts
Number of owners — how many times the vehicle has been re-registered
Original equipment — what the vehicle came with from the factory (compare with the actual state)

When Is a History Check Especially Important?

When buying from abroad (limited opportunity for physical inspection)
For vehicles with a suspiciously low price
For high-mileage vehicles (higher risk of manipulation)
For premium brands (higher incentive for fraud)

An investment of 500 CZK (approx. 20 EUR) in a VIN check can save you hundreds of thousands on a problematic vehicle. Never buy a used car without checking its history.