Buying a car is a significant investment, and making informed decisions is essential, especially when purchasing a second-hand vehicle. One crucial aspect of this process is verifying car details online! This verification helps you avoid potential scams and ensures that the car you are buying meets all legal and safety standards.
Wish to know more? Let’s review the steps to verify car details online using various tools and tips. But first, let’s understand:
Why Verify Car Details Online?
Before we get into the steps, let’s understand why it’s important to verify car details online:
- Avoiding Scams
Verifying car details helps ensure that the car you’re buying isn’t stolen or involved in illegal activities.
- Ensuring Legal Compliance
You can confirm that the car meets all regulatory requirements, such as registration and pollution control.
- Checking Car Insurance Online
It helps you verify if the car has valid insurance, which is crucial for financial protection in case of accidents.
- Knowing the Car’s History
You can check if the car has been in any accidents or has pending fines or taxes.
How do you verify car details online in India?
In India, the Parivahan website, managed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, offers a convenient way to check vehicle details. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the Parivahan website to check car details:
Step 1: Visit the Parivahan Website
First, you need to visit the Parivahan website. This site provides various e-services related to vehicle registration and driving licenses.
Step 2: Access VAHAN e-Services
On the Parivahan homepage, go to the “Online Services” section and select “Vehicle Related Services”. This will take you to the VAHAN e-Services portal.
Step 3: Choose the “Know Your Vehicle Details” Option
Under the “Informational Services” section, click the “Know Your Vehicle Details” option. This feature allows you to check various details about the vehicle by entering its registration number.
Step 4: Log In or Create an Account
To access detailed information, you need to log in. If you don’t have an account, you can create one using your email ID and mobile number. Once logged in, enter the vehicle’s registration number and the captcha code provided.
Step 5: View Vehicle Details
After entering the necessary information, click on the “Vahan Search” button. The website will display detailed information about the vehicle, including:
- Vehicle type, make, model, and fuel type
- RTO details (Regional Transport Office)
- Owner’s name (partial for privacy reasons)
- Vehicle registration date and validity
- Insurance validity
- Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate validity
- Motor Vehicle (MV) tax or road tax status
- Hypothecation status (if the vehicle is financed)
These details help you confirm the authenticity and legal status of the vehicle.
Checking Vehicle Details via SMS
If you don’t have access to the internet, you can also check vehicle details using the SMS service provided by the VAHAN portal. Here’s how:
Step 1: Compose an SMS
Open the messaging app on your mobile phone and type “VAHAN”, followed by a space and the vehicle’s registration number, such as VAHAN MH01AB1234.
Step 2: Send the SMS
Send the SMS to 7738299899. Within seconds, you will receive a message with details about the vehicle, including the make/model, owner’s name, RTO details, insurance validity, and registration/fitness validity.
Note: The SMS service might not always work due to network or technical problems. Therefore, using the online method via the Parivahan website is recommended for more reliable results.
Tips for Buying a Used Car
In addition to checking car details, here are some tips to consider when buying a used car:
- Inspect the Car: Conduct a thorough inspection of the car’s exterior, interior, and engine. Look for signs of damage or repairs.
- Test Drive: Take the car for a test drive to check its performance, handling, and comfort.
- Check Service Records: Review the car’s service history to ensure regular maintenance.
- Verify Documents: Ensure all necessary documents, such as the registration certificate, insurance papers, and PUC certificate, are in order.
- Negotiate the Price: Use the information from your verification to negotiate a fair price.
Importance of Car Insurance
Getting an insurance plan is also important once you have verified your vehicle and are ready to go ahead. Valid car insurance provides financial protection in case of accidents or damages. Here’s why car insurance is important:
- Financial Protection: This covers the cost of damages to your vehicle and third-party liabilities.
- Legal Requirement: Having at least third-party insurance in India is mandatory.
- Peace of Mind: Ensures you are financially safeguarded against unexpected events.
When verifying a vehicle, make sure its insurance is up to date. You can also buy or renew car insurance online through various insurance providers such as Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company, making the process quick and convenient.
By following the steps and tips outlined in this blog, you can confidently verify car details and make a smart purchase. Remember, investing a little time in verification can save you from future hassles and provide peace of mind. Happy car buying!
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