Services
PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Home Insurance
Renters Insurance
Loans
Car Loan
Compare Car Loans with Jerry
Jerry's Expert Advice
Car Loan Guides
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Recent Studies
Comprehensive Data Reports
Reviews
About
FAQ
MenuIcon
BACK

How can I find the owner of a car by a VIN?

I'm considering buying a vehicle from a private seller. I found the car on Craigslist, but I want to make sure I'm buying it from the owner. I have the VIN, could I check who owns the vehicle?

avatar
Emily Maracle · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Doing your homework when purchasing a vehicle privately is essential. While most people are honest and up-front, double-checking everything before purchasing a vehicle is a smart move.
If you have the VIN (vehicle identification number) from the car, you can use
CARFAX
 to find current and prior ownership. 
A CARFAX report also shows:
  • Accident data
  • Service history
  • Type of vehicle usage
Knowing this information before
buying a used car
 can help you make a more informed decision and make you feel more confident in your purchase.
Keep in mind: Should the CARFAX report show any issues or you find out the person selling the vehicle isn’t the owner, you’re free to back out of the deal! 
Alternatively, you could go to a dealership to find a new car. If you want to continue looking for private sellers, pull a CARFAX report for every vehicle for peace of mind.
MORE:
How to check if a used car is a lemon
Car BuyingVIN Lookup
View full answer 
Jerry user testimonial avatar
rating primary
“My experience with Jerry has been absolutely incredible. It took my car insurance from about $400/month to about $80. The entire experience is seamless.” - Gregory R.
Lower my car insurance too
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Find insurance savings

You Might Also Be Interested

card cover

How to Verify a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Before buying a car, make sure you check out its history. The easiest way to do this is through its vehicle identification number, or VIN.
avatar
Cheryl Knight
card cover

How to Check a VIN Number For Free

Your car's VIN tells you everything you need to know about your vehicle, but how do you check a VIN for free? Read this guide to learn how.
avatar
Cheryl Knight
card cover

Can You Buy a Car Directly From the Manufacturer?

You can special order your vehicle from a manufacturer, but you still need to purchase through a dealership. Read this guide to learn more about buying cars from manufacturers and dealerships.
avatar
Amber Reed

Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry

card cover

2014 Honda Accord Engine Oil Capacity

A 2014 Honda Accord holds 4.2 quarts of engine oil and takes premium-grade 0W-20 motor oil—read this for everything you need to know.
avatar
Kathryn Mae Kurlychek
card cover

2018 Nissan Altima 2.5L Engine Oil Capacity

The 2018 Nissan Altima 2.5 has an oil capacity of 4.9 quarts. Learn more about your Altima’s oil requirements here.
avatar
Melanie Krieps Mergen
card cover

Everything You Need to Know About Section 8 Housing in West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach residents looking for Section 8 vouchers must make less than 50% of the median income.
avatar
Emily Maracle

What Others Are Asking

Is the Hyundai Palisade a full-size SUV?
I’m in the market for a full-size SUV to keep up with my growing family. However, I’m also on a budget. I’m hoping that the Hyundai Palisade is a full-size option because the price is unbelievable. Is the Palisade actually considered a full-size SUV?
avatar
Eric Schad
Does a DPF delete void a warranty from Ford?
I want to increase the power of my Ford diesel truck. However, I’m worried that doing a DPF delete may void the warranty. Will a DPF delete void my Ford warranty, or am I OK to go ahead and do it?
avatar
Eric Schad
Is Zipcar cheaper than renting a car?
I live in Chicago and need to use a car for a few hours to move out of my apartment. I don't need a moving vehicle, just an SUV would work. Would a Zipcar be cheaper than renting a car?
avatar
Sophie Newman
Browse All Questions

Browse More Content

Car Repair Resources

Insurance for Your Car

Insurance in Your State

    Insurance In Your City

    Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

    √
    No long forms
    √
    No spam or unwanted phone calls
    √
    Quotes from top insurance companies
    Find insurance savings
    Car Insurance by Make
    Audi
    BMW
    Dodge
    Ford
    GMC
    Honda
    Hyundai
    Jeep
    Kia
    Lexus
    Mercedes-Benz
    Mitsubishi
    Subaru
    Tesla
    Toyota
    View all
    Car Insurance by Model
    Chevrolet Silverado
    Chevrolet Malibu
    Ford Escape
    GMC Sierra
    Honda Accord
    Honda Civic
    Hyundai Tucson
    Jeep Cherokee
    Jeep Wrangler
    Kia Forte
    Mazda 3
    Nissan Altima
    Subaru Outback
    Subaru Crosstrek
    Toyota Camry
    Toyota Corolla
    Toyota Tacoma
    Toyota Highlander
    Toyota Rav4
    Volkswagen Jetta
    View all
    Car Insurance by State
    AL
    AZ
    AR
    CA
    CO
    CT
    DE
    FL
    GA
    ID
    IL
    IN
    IA
    KS
    KY
    LA
    ME
    MD
    MA
    MI
    MN
    MS
    MO
    MT
    NE
    NV
    NH
    NJ
    NM
    NY
    NC
    ND
    OH
    OK
    OR
    PA
    RI
    SC
    SD
    TN
    TX
    UT
    VT
    VA
    WA
    WV
    WI
    WY
    Car Insurance by City
    Austin, TX
    Boston, MA
    Charlotte, NC
    Chicago, IL
    Columbus, OH
    Dallas, TX
    Denver, CO
    Houston, TX
    Indianapolis, IN
    Jacksonville, FL
    Las Vegas, NV
    Los Angeles, CA
    Nashville, TN
    New York, NY
    Philadelphia, PA
    Phoenix, AZ
    Portland, OR
    San Antonio, TX
    San Francisco, CA
    Seattle, WA
    View all
    Car Loan by Make
    Audi
    BMW
    Chevrolet
    Ford
    GMC
    Honda
    Hyundai
    Kia
    Lexus
    Nissan
    Mercedes-Benz
    Subaru
    Tesla
    Toyota
    View all
    Car Insurance by Company
    AAA
    Allstate
    Aspire Advantage
    Assurance America
    Bristol West
    Commonwealth
    Dairyland
    Encompass
    Infinity
    Kemper
    Mapfre
    Mercury
    National General
    Nationwide
    Plymouth Rock
    Progressive
    Safeco
    State Auto
    Travelers
    Car Loan by State
    AL
    AZ
    AR
    CA
    CO
    CT
    DE
    FL
    GA
    ID
    IL
    IN
    IA
    KS
    KY
    LA
    ME
    MD
    MA
    MI
    MN
    MS
    MO
    MT
    NE
    NV
    NH
    NJ
    NM
    NY
    NC
    ND
    OH
    OK
    OR
    PA
    RI
    SC
    SD
    TN
    TX
    UT
    VT
    VA
    WA
    WV
    WI
    WY
    Car Repair by Service
    AC Compressor Replacement Cost
    Battery Replacement Cost
    Fuel Injector Replacement Cost
    Fuel Pump Replacement Cost
    Ignition Coil Replacement Cost
    Oil Change Cost
    Oil Pan Replacement Cost
    Power Steering Fluid Service Cost
    Rotate Tires Cost
    Spark Plugs Replacement Cost
    Timing Belt Replacement Cost
    Valve Cover Gasket Replacement Cost
    Water Pump Replacement Cost
    Wheel Bearings Replacement Cost
    View all