NICB vs. VinCheck.info: What’s the Best Way to Check a Car’s Theft History?

Before buying a used car, make sure it has a clean history. One of the most important things to check is whether the car has been reported stolen. A stolen car check by VIN tool can help you determine if the vehicle has been flagged in theft databases. Luckily, there are free online tools to help with this. 

Two of the most popular options are the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and VinCheck.info. But which one gives you the best vehicle history report? Let’s compare them and see why VinCheck.info is the better choice for used car buyers.

Before diving in, protect yourself from scams and stolen cars—run a free VIN check today with VinCheck.info!

What the NICB VIN Check Offers

The NICB stolen vehicle lookup is a free tool that lets you check if a car has been reported stolen but not recovered. Here’s what you should know about the NICB VIN Check:

• It only shows theft records reported to NICB by law enforcement or certain insurance companies.
• It won’t tell you about past accidents, title fraud, or odometer rollbacks.
• The report is pretty basic—just theft and salvage-related info, not the car’s full history.

If you just need to check if a car is stolen, NICB is a good place to start. But if you want a full history report, including accidents and title issues, you might want to use a more detailed service like VinCheck.info.

How to Check a Car’s Theft History on NICB:

What VinCheck.info Provides: A Full Vehicle History Report

Unlike NICB, VinCheck.info doesn’t just stop at theft records—it gives you a full vehicle history report for free. Here’s why it’s a better option:

• Flood, Fire & Hail Damage: Checks if the car has been in a natural disaster.
• Title History: Shows past titles and if it’s been labeled as salvage or rebuilt.
• Basic Manufacturer Info: Includes details like make, model, and production data.
• Vehicle Specs: Lists key factory details like engine type, transmission, and size.
• Auto Warranty: Tells you if it’s still covered under a manufacturer or extended warranty.
• Insurance Info: Helps you estimate potential insurance costs.
• Sales Timeline: Shows past sales, including dates and locations.
• Market Value: Estimates the car’s current worth based on trends.
• Ownership Costs: Breaks down expected fuel, maintenance, and repair costs.
• Recalls & Defects: Alerts you to any manufacturer recalls or known issues.
• Theft Records: Checks if the car has ever been stolen and recovered.
• Auto Insurance Options: Gives insights into possible coverage plans.
• Liens: Finds out if there are any outstanding loans on the car.
• Safety Ratings: Shows crash test results and safety scores from trusted sources.

How to Get a Full History Report on VinCheck.info:

Why Checking Beyond Theft Status is Important

Many people think that checking a NICB theft report is all they need when buying a used car. But there’s a lot more to a car’s history than just making sure it hasn’t been stolen. Here’s why a full vehicle history report is a must:

Hidden Damage and Accidents

Just because a car looks fine doesn’t mean it hasn’t been in a serious wreck. Some crashes cause structural damage that isn’t easy to spot. VinCheck.info shows accident history, so you don’t end up with a risky or poorly repaired car.

Title Fraud & Salvage Titles

Some sellers try to hide a car’s troubled past by messing with its title. A simple theft report won’t catch this, but a dedicated Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) decoder can flag title fraud and salvage titles, helping you avoid scams.

Odometer Rollbacks

Some shady sellers roll back the odometer to make a car seem like it has fewer miles than it actually does. A history check can reveal if the mileage has been tampered with.

Natural Disaster Damage

Flooded or fire-damaged cars often get cleaned up and put back on the market without warning. The VIN Lookup can help spot these issues before you buy, saving you from costly repairs later.

Lemon Law Buybacks

Some cars have been labeled as lemons due to recurring defects and were repurchased by the manufacturer. These vehicles might be resold without full disclosure. A VIN history report provider helps identify lemon law buybacks so you don’t get stuck with a problem car.

Open Recalls & Safety Issues

A used car might have open recalls that haven’t been fixed, putting you at risk. A car report provider checks for manufacturer and NHTSA recalls so you know if the car needs safety repairs before you drive it.

Previous Use as a Rental, Taxi, or Fleet Vehicle

Cars that were used as rentals, taxis, or fleet vehicles often have more wear and tear than privately owned ones. A VIN check reveals a car’s past use so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Lien & Loan Records

If a car still has an outstanding loan or lien, you could run into legal trouble after buying it. VIN decoders uncover any financial obligations tied to the vehicle, so you don’t get stuck with someone else’s debt.

Multiple Past Owners & Frequent Resales

If a car has changed hands too many times in a short period, it could be a red flag. Frequent resales might mean hidden issues. Some VIN tools provide sales history to help you avoid potential headaches.

What is the Best Way to Check a Car’s Theft History?

The NICB stolen vehicle lookup is a great free tool to check if a car has been reported stolen, but it’s not enough to make a confident buying decision. VinCheck.info offers a stolen car check by VIN and gives you a free vehicle history report, so you get the complete picture before making a deal. Suffice it to say, start with NICB, but always follow up with VinCheck.info for a full vehicle history report.

Check your VIN now with NICB! Get a full history report at VinCheck.info!