Why I Built ZipVIN: Bringing Transparency to the Used Car Market
Stop overpaying for basic vehicle data.
I built ZipVIN to give every car and motorcycle buyer access to essential safety and specification data—completely free.
- ✓100% Free: No hidden fees or paywalls for basic data.
- ✓Federal Sources: Data pulled directly from NHTSA and EPA.
- ✓Safety First: Instant access to open recalls and owner complaints.
Built using official government API data for maximum accuracy. No credit card or email required.
The Problem: The "Free" Report Trap
We've all been there. You find a used car, you want to check its history, and every site promises a "Free VIN Check." You enter the 17-digit code, wait for the loading bar, and then—BAM—a $39.99 paywall. It's frustrating and, frankly, unnecessary for basic safety data.
What is ZipVIN?
ZipVIN is a streamlined, developer-first tool I've been working on. It's designed to be the first stop for anyone looking at a used car or motorcycle. By leveraging federal databases like the NHTSA and EPA, we provide a "Health Check" that covers the essentials without the fluff.
What You'll See in a Report
When you run a search on ZipVIN, you get immediate access to:
- Full VIN Decoding: Year, make, model, engine type, and assembly plant.
- Safety Recalls: Any unaddressed safety issues reported by the manufacturer.
- Owner Complaints: Real-world issues reported by people who actually drive the car.
- Fuel Economy: Real-world MPG data (for cars) to help you estimate running costs.
A sample ZipVIN report showing safety recalls and vehicle specs
Why "Free" Matters
Transparency shouldn't have a toll booth. While full "title history" (accidents, lien records) still requires paid data providers, the safety and spec data should be accessible to everyone. ZipVIN bridges that gap.
FAQs
Is ZipVIN actually free?
Yes. We decode the VIN and provide safety data at zero cost to the user.
Where does the data come from?
We pull directly from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).
Does it work for motorcycles?
Absolutely. We have a dedicated motorcycle VIN lookup optimized for bikes.
Can I get a full accident history?
For title history and accidents, we provide links to partners who specialize in those premium records.
Ready to check a vehicle?
Try ZipVIN for Free