Speak to us today: +61 1300 593 291

Checking Vehicle History in NSW: A Comprehensive Guide

When buying a used car in New South Wales, or anywhere, checking the vehicle’s history is probably the one step you should never skip. It doesn’t matter if you’re purchasing from a licensed dealer or a private seller. Understanding a car’s history can help inform your decision. A vehicle history check helps you avoid costly mistakes that could affect your safety, finances, and long-term satisfaction with your purchase. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about checking vehicle history in NSW, from vehicle identification numbers (VIN) to the registration expiry date and odometer readings. Let’s get started!

 

Checking Vehicle History in NSW

 

Why Should You Check a Vehicle’s History?

 

A vehicle history check provides valuable information that can help you avoid purchasing a used car with hidden issues. Buying a used car without checking its vehicle history may actually expose you to significant risks, including:

 

  • Undisclosed damage: The car might have been involved in an accident and repaired poorly.
  • Outstanding finance: You could end up responsible for money owing on the vehicle.
  • Written-off status: The car may have been declared a write-off, meaning it was deemed unroadworthy or unsafe.
  • Stolen status: The vehicle might be reported as stolen, which can lead to bigger legal issues.

 

A thorough vehicle history report helps you avoid these problems and decide with confidence.

 

What Does a Vehicle History Check Include?

 

A complete vehicle history check can present data from several national databases, offering comprehensive reports. Here are the key components to focus on in a vehicle history report:

 

1. Registration Details

 

The registration check will reveal whether the car is currently registered in NSW, along with the registration expiry date. Prioritise this because if a car isn’t properly registered, you may face fines or other legal issues once you hit the road. You can also check the vehicle’s odometer reading to make sure it’s consistent with the registration records.

 

2. Odometer Readings

 

As mentioned above, an important part of any vehicle history check is the vehicle’s odometer reading. The odometer shows the number of kilometres the car has traversed. If the reading seems inconsistent with the vehicle’s condition or age, it’s a potential red flag that the odometer might have been tampered with.

 

3. Written-Off Status

 

A vehicle history report will determine if the car has ever been written off due to major accidents, damages, or natural disasters. In the event that it’s been declared a write-off, it may be unsafe for driving, even if repairs have been carried out.

 

4. Outstanding Finance

 

Before purchasing a second-hand car or a used motor vehicle, it’s important to find out if there is any existing finance on the car. For instance, if money is owing, the finance company has the legal right to repossess the car. A PPSR search (Personal Property Securities Register) will let you know if the vehicle has any financial obligations. But a PPSR certificate can also reveal other important information which makes acquiring one another essential step before purchasing any used vehicle.

 

5. Stolen Status and PPSR Certificate

 

A stolen check ensures that the vehicle hasn’t been reported as stolen. Imagine – unknowingly buying a stolen car. You may lose not just the car but your money, too! Here, PPSR certificates are often used to check if a vehicle is stolen.

 

A PPSR search certificate also provides critical information on the vehicle’s status regarding security interests and, as mentioned earlier, finance owing. This check can be done online through a PPSR search or via a third-party provider.

 

6. Accident and Damage History

 

If the car has been involved in an accident, the vehicle history check will reveal whether it suffered significant damage. A reported history of accidents is critical to know, as this could affect the car’s reliability and your safety. In addition, if the vehicle has been in a serious accident, this would also affect its vehicle valuation in the current market. This means that aside from the safety risks, you might also suffer losses when you decide to let go of the car in the future.

 

7. Previous Owner Details

 

A vehicle history check will provide information on the previous owner(s), which may include details about how long they owned the car. You can use this information to learn more about the car’s service manual and how well it was maintained.

 

8. Chassis Number and VIN

 

The vehicle identification number (VIN) and chassis number help verify the authenticity of the car. These numbers are unique to each vehicle and should match the details provided in the vehicle history report.

 

10. Vehicle Valuation

 

When buying a used motor vehicle, it’s important to understand the current market value of the car. A vehicle report may include an estimated valuation based on the car’s information, including its age, model, condition, and any reported damage.

 

How to Check Vehicle History in NSW

 

To check a vehicle’s history in NSW, just follow these simple steps:

 

1. Find the VIN and Chassis Number

 

Locate the vehicle identification number (VIN) or chassis number which is usually found on the engine bay or in the car’s documentation (e.g. the car’s service manual).

 

2. Use an Online Service

 

There are several services in Australia that provide vehicle history checks. Choose one of the many reputable options online to access several national databases that provide comprehensive data, including the PPSR report and any stolen status information.

 

3. Obtain the Vehicle Report

 

After entering the VIN or chassis number, you can request a vehicle report which will include all the key details such as the car’s registration status, accident history, and whether it has been written off or stolen.

 

4. Review the Information

 

Once you receive the report, carefully review the details. Look for any red flags or potentially significant information that could impact your decision, such as money owing, outstanding finance, or stolen status.

 

5. Make an Informed Decision

 

Now that you have all the information from the vehicle history check, you can confidently proceed with your decision to purchase the vehicle or continue searching for a better option.

 

Additional Checks to Consider

 

If you are buying from a private seller, the process of checking the vehicle’s history won’t be too different. However, you must be equally careful, if not more cautious, because private sellers do not always provide the necessary information. To check a vehicle’s history from a private individual, you will still need the VIN or chassis number. And don’t forget to request a vehicle history report directly from a trusted provider to ensure you have access to accurate and up-to-date data.

 

Aside from performing a vehicle history check, it’s wise to carry out the following other checks before finalising your purchase:

 

  • Registration Check: Confirm the car’s registration status and ensure it matches the details in the history report.
  • Inspection: Have a qualified mechanic inspect the car for any potential issues or damage that might not be included in the report.
  • Test Drive: Always take the car for a test drive to assess its performance and comfort.

 

Conclusion

 

Purchasing a used vehicle can save you money. But if you’re not willing to put in the time and energy to perform the prescribed vehicle history check, the evaluation of odometer readings, registration details, and finance owing, you might end up losing more money. Having a reliable comprehensive report, as well as having expert mechanic’s advice will ensure that your purchase is safe, legal, and free from any unexpected surprises. But more importantly, you’ll be safe driving your “new” used car.

business quote icon

Individual
Quote

business quote icon

Business
Quote

Start a quote today

Start a quote today

Just a friendly reminder before you start….

DUTY OF DISCLOSURE/ DUTY NOT TO MAKE A MISREPRESENTATION

Before you enter into an insurance contract, you have a duty to tell the insurer anything that you know, or could reasonably be expected to know, that may affect the insurer's decision to insure you and on what terms. You have this duty until the insurer agrees to insure you. You have the same duty before you renew, extend, vary, or reinstate an insurance contract.

For Personal, Domestic and Household insurance contracts, you have an additional duty to take reasonable care not to make a misrepresentation to the insurer. To ensure you meet your duty, your responses to the insurer's questions must be truthful, accurate and complete.

IF YOU DO NOT TELL THE INSURER SOMETHING

If you do not tell the insurer anything you are required to, they may cancel your contract, or reduce the amount they will pay you if you make a claim, or both. If your failure to tell the insurer is fraudulent, they may refuse to pay a claim and treat the contract as if it never existed.

By clicking on the "I Agree" button below, you agree that you've read and understood the Duty of Disclosure and website Terms of Use.

Please read our Financial Services Guide to help you make an informed decision about whether to use the financial services we offer.

Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement for full details before deciding about the right cover for you.

Please be aware that all communication will be via phone, email or text. We do not mail any correspondence.

Call Now Button