VIN Check: Free Tools That Can Save You Thousands
The 17-character VIN tells you more about a car than the seller does. A guide to which registries to use and where.
The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is the car's unique identifier — 17 characters. It is all you need to check that car's history.
Public check in Estonia: the Transport Administration (eteenindus.mnt.ee). You can find out previous owners, the mileage (where recorded) and the roadworthiness test status.
Germany: the TÜV database gives the mileage and roadworthiness inspection history if the car has been registered in Germany.
The Netherlands: RDW.nl is the equally useful Dutch public registry.
Finland: traficom.fi shows the car's history in Finland (many cars sold in Estonia come from Finland).
Lithuania: eregitra.lt — the Lithuanian equivalent.
Insurance claims: lkf.ee/et/kahjukontroll shows damage claims registered with Estonian insurers.
Paid services: AutoDNA, CarVertical, CARFAX — these give an international overview. Price around 20–30 €. We recommend them for cars in the 5,000 €-and-up range.
Finally: the VIN is the car's passport. If a seller refuses to share the VIN "before you commit to buying" — that is a red flag.