How to Check a Chassis Number

How to Check the Chassis Number of a Used Vehicle

If you are planning to buy a used vehicle in Australia, you might have heard of terms like chassis check, PPSR, and REVS Check. But what do they mean and why are they important? In this article, we will explain how to check the chassis of a used vehicle and why it can save you from potential problems and losses.

What is a chassis number?

For motor vehicles prior to 1989 a chassis number is a serial number that is usually stamped on the vehicle's frame or body and can be found on older cars, caravans, trailers, trucks, 4x4's and motorbikes. A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is different to a chassis number, it is a unique 17-digit code that is assigned to every vehicle when it is manufactured after 1989, and is mandatory on vehicles imported to or manufactured after 1989 in Australia.

A chassis check can help you find out if the vehicle you are interested in has any issues that could affect its value, safety, or legality. For example, you can check if the vehicle has been stolen, written off, damaged, or has any money owing on it.

How to do a chassis number check?

A chassis number check is a way of verifying the identity and history of a vehicle by using its chassis number. To do a chassis number check, you need to obtain the chassis number from the vehicle or the seller. You can usually find it on the vehicle's registration papers, compliance plate, or windscreen. You can also ask the seller to provide it to you.

Once you have the VIN or chassis number, you can use vinner.com.au to get a comprehensive report on the vehicle's history. This service accesses the official databases of the Australian government and other sources to provide you with accurate and up-to-date information.

What are PPSR and REVS?

PPSR stands for Personal Property Securities Register, which is a national online register that records security interests in personal property, including vehicles. REVS stands for Register of Encumbered Vehicles, which was a state-based register that recorded financial interests in vehicles. REVS was replaced by PPSR in 2012, but some people still use the term REVS Check to refer to a motor vehicle history check.

A PPSR or REVS check can tell you if the vehicle you want to buy has any money owing on it, which is also known as a security interest or encumbrance. If you buy a vehicle with an encumbrance, you could be liable for the debt or lose the vehicle if the lender repossesses it. A PPSR or REVS check can also tell you if the vehicle has been written off, stolen, or damaged in the past.

Why is a chassis number check useful?

A chassis number check is useful because it can help you avoid buying a lemon, a stolen car, or a car with a hidden history. It can also help you negotiate a fair price and protect your rights as a buyer. Here are some of the benefits of doing a chassis check:

• You can avoid buying a vehicle that has been tampered with, cloned, or rebirthed. These are illegal practices that involve changing or swapping the VIN or chassis number of a vehicle to hide its true identity and history. A chassis check can reveal if the VIN or chassis number matches the vehicle's description and records.
• You can avoid buying a vehicle that has been written off or damaged. A write-off is a vehicle that has been declared a total loss by an insurer or a statutory authority due to severe damage, such as from an accident, fire, flood, or hail. A damaged vehicle is a vehicle that has been repaired after being written off or damaged. A chassis check can tell you if the vehicle has a write-off or damage status, which could affect its safety, performance, and value.
• You can avoid buying a vehicle that has been stolen. A stolen vehicle is a vehicle that has been reported as stolen by its owner or the police. A chassis check can tell you if the vehicle has a stolen status, which could mean that it is illegal to own or drive. You could also face legal consequences if you buy a stolen vehicle, such as being charged with receiving stolen property or losing the vehicle if it is recovered by the police.
• You can avoid buying a vehicle that has money owing on it. A vehicle with money owing on it is a vehicle that has a security interest or encumbrance registered on the PPSR. This means that someone, such as a bank, a finance company, or a previous owner, has a legal claim over the vehicle until the debt is paid off. A chassis check can tell you if the vehicle has an encumbrance, which could put you at risk of losing the vehicle or paying the debt if the seller defaults on their loan.
• You can negotiate a better price and make a more informed decision. A chassis check can provide you with valuable information about the vehicle's history, condition, and market value. You can use this information to compare the vehicle with similar ones and determine if the asking price is fair and reasonable. You can also use this information to ask the seller questions and request for more details or evidence, such as service records, repair receipts, or inspection reports. This can help you avoid overpaying or buying a vehicle that does not meet your expectations or needs.

How to do a chassis number check in different states of Australia?

A chassis number check can be done in any state or territory of Australia, as long as you have access to the internet and the chassis number of the vehicle. The process of doing a chassis check with VINNER is really simple and doesn't matter which state or territory where the vehicle is registered.

In New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, ACT and Northern Territory you can use vinner.com.au to order a Chassis check report.

Conclusion

A chassis check is a simple and effective way of checking the identity and history of a used vehicle in Australia. It can help you avoid buying a vehicle that has problems or risks that could affect its value, safety, or legality. It can also help you negotiate a better price and make a more informed decision. A chassis check can be done online at vinner.com.au. The the process of doing a chassis check is quick and simple and works for all states and territories where the vehicle is registered. Before you buy a used vehicle, make sure you do a chassis check and get a comprehensive report on the vehicle's history.

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