Buying a used car can be a daunting task, particularly when it comes to ensuring the vehicle is in good condition and has a clean history. However, checking the car accident history is an essential step in the buying process that can save you from potential headaches down the line.
Understanding a vehicle’s accident history is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provides insight into the car’s overall condition. A vehicle with a history of accidents could have hidden issues that may not be immediately noticeable but could lead to costly repairs in the future. Secondly, knowing the accident history can help you negotiate a fair price for the vehicle, as cars with accident histories typically have lower resale values. Lastly, checking the accident history promotes transparency between the buyer and seller, fostering trust in the transaction.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there are several resources available to check a vehicle’s accident history. These include government portals like the Emirates Vehicle Gate (EVG), the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website, and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Dubai Website. These platforms require the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), also known as the chassis number, to provide a detailed report on the vehicle’s accident history. This blog post will guide you through the process of finding your car’s VIN and using these online platforms to check its accident history.
What You Need to Know About the Chassis Number
The chassis number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code assigned to each vehicle. This 17-character number serves as the car’s fingerprint, providing information about the manufacturer, vehicle type, engine size, model year, assembly plant, and production number. In the context of checking a car’s accident history, the VIN plays a crucial role as it is used to track the vehicle’s history, including any reported accidents.
How to Find Your Car’s Chassis Number
The chassis number can typically be found in several locations on the car. These include the dashboard on the driver’s side, the driver’s side door, and the back of the Registration Card. If you’re having trouble locating it, consider visiting the car dealership where you purchased the vehicle. They should be able to assist you in finding the VIN.
How to Check Car Accident History
Visit Official Portal
To initiate your search, visit one of the official portals such as the EVG or MOI websites. If you opt for EVG, visit https://evg.ae/default.aspx, select ‘traffic accident management,’ and input the chassis number to start your search. For the MOI site, navigate to the appropriate section and enter the VIN.
GO to Vehicle Accidents Inquiry
Once on the desired website, look for a section or tab labelled ‘Vehicle Accidents Inquiry’ or similar. Clicking on this will take you to a page where you can enter the VIN to retrieve the vehicle’s accident history.
Enter Chassis Number
After navigating to the correct section, input the chassis number into the designated field and click ‘Search’ or ‘Apply Now.’ The platform will then generate a report detailing the vehicle’s accident history, if any.
Result
The report generated by these platforms will provide specific details about each recorded accident, including the date, time, and location. It might also indicate the severity of the accident, which can inform you about potential damage to the vehicle. Remember, just because a car has been involved in an accident doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad buy. Many vehicles are repaired to high standards after accidents. However, an extensive history of severe accidents should serve as a warning sign.
How the Accident History Influences the Value of the Car
A vehicle’s accident history can significantly affect its resale value. Cars with extensive accident histories tend to be worth less than those with clean records. Therefore, understanding a car’s accident history can help you determine whether the asking price is fair. If you discover that the vehicle has a history of accidents, you might be able to negotiate a lower price.
Other Options for Checking Vehicle History
National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS)
While the aforementioned platforms are great resources for checking a vehicle’s accident history in the UAE, they might not provide information for cars imported from other countries. In such cases, you can use the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), a U.S.-based platform that provides information about a vehicle’s condition and history, including salvage or flood damage and accident history.
Other Approved Providers
In addition to NMVTIS, there are other approved providers that offer vehicle history services, often for a fee. These platforms can provide comprehensive reports on a vehicle’s history, including accident and repair records, title information, and more. Examples include CarFax and AutoCheck.
Conclusion
Whether you’re buying or selling a car in the UAE, understanding the vehicle’s accident history is essential. Using the VIN, you can access this information quickly and easily through various online platforms. Remember, a clean accident history can add value to a vehicle, while a history of accidents can decrease its value. As a buyer, use this information to negotiate a fair price. As a seller, being transparent about your vehicle’s history can foster trust with potential buyers and streamline the selling process.