Vahan Accident History: Simple Guide to Check a Car’s Past Accidents in India

Are you planning to buy a used car? Smart move to check its accident history first! A car that’s been in accidents might have hidden problems that can cost you money later. In India, there are several ways to check if a car has been in accidents before. The VAHAN portal is one of the best methods.

This guide will show you simple ways to check a car’s accident history in India. We’ll focus on using the VAHAN system and other helpful methods. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make sure your next car doesn’t have a troubled past.

What is an Accident Vehicle?

Before we look at how to check a car’s history, let’s understand what “accident vehicle” means. An accident vehicle is any car that has been in one or more crashes during its life. These accidents could have caused scratches, dents, or serious damage to important parts.

Even after repairs, these cars might have problems that affect how safe they are and how long they last. That’s why checking the accident history is so important before you buy a used car.

Tools & Info You Need

Step‑by‑Step Guide : How to Check Accident History of Car in India

There are several ways to find out if a car has been in accidents. Let’s look at the most reliable methods:

1. Using VAHAN Accident History

The VAHAN portal is a government website that stores information about all registered vehicles in India. Checking the VAHAN accident history is one of the most reliable ways to verify a used car’s past.

How to Check VAHAN Owner Details Before Purchase

Here’s how to use the VAHAN portal:

1. Visit the official VAHAN website (parivahan.gov.in)
2. Look for the “Vehicle Related Services” section
3. Enter the car’s registration number
4. Complete the verification process
5. Check the “Transaction History” section for any accident records

The VAHAN accident history provides official government records about any reported incidents. You can see details about the car’s registration, ownership changes, and sometimes accident reports.

Many buyers don’t know how to access the VAHAN accident history before making a purchase. If you’re wondering “how do I check my car details in VAHAN,” the process takes just a few minutes and only requires the car’s registration number.

2. Vehicle History Check Using Service Records

Another good way to check a car’s past is through its service records. If the car was serviced at authorized centers, these records can show:

• Regular maintenance dates
• Parts that were replaced
• Repairs after accidents

Look for early replacement of parts like headlights, bumpers, or engine components. If these were replaced when the car was still new, it might mean the car was in an accident.

A complete vehicle history reveals important information about previous accidents and repairs. Ask the seller for service records or contact the authorized service center with the car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).

3. Checking RTO Records for Accident Information

Your local RTO (Regional Transport Office) maintains records of all registered vehicles, including accident reports. There are two ways to check RTO records:

Online Method:

1. Visit the RTO website
2. Enter the car’s registration number
3. Check for accident history in the vehicle details

Offline Method:

1. Visit your local RTO office
2. Fill out a request form for vehicle information
3. Pay any required fees
4. Receive the vehicle history report

The RTO database is linked to the VAHAN portal for easier online verification. This makes it a reliable source for checking a car’s accident history.

4. Getting a Detailed Vehicle History Report in India

A vehicle history report contains details about ownership, accidents, and service records. Several private companies in India offer these reports for a fee. These reports often include:

• Ownership history
• Accident records
• Insurance claims
• Service records
• Odometer readings

A vehicle history report can reveal hidden problems that aren’t visible during inspection. Always review the vehicle history report before finalizing any used car purchase.

5. How to Access VAHAN Insurance Details for Accident Verification

Insurance records can tell you a lot about a car’s accident history. When a car is damaged in an accident, the owner usually files an insurance claim.

The VAHAN insurance details section may show gaps that indicate accident repairs. Here’s how to check:

1. Access the VAHAN portal
2. Enter the car’s registration number
3. Look for the insurance information section
4. Check for any claims or policy gaps

Checking VAHAN insurance details can reveal if a policy was claimed after an accident. You can also contact the insurance company directly, though they may require permission from the current owner.

6. Physical Inspection by an Expert

While online checks are helpful, nothing beats having an expert look at the car in person. A good mechanic can spot signs of accident repairs that might not show up in records.

Here’s what mechanics look for:

• Uneven panel gaps
• Mismatched paint colors
• New parts on an old car
• Welding marks
• Uneven tire wear

If you’re not sure what to look for, bring a trusted mechanic with you when viewing the car. They can check under the car and in places you might not think to look.

Free vs Paid Reports

Why Vehicle History Matters When Buying a Used Car

Learning how to check accident history of car in India can save you from costly mistakes. Here’s why it’s so important:

1. Safety concerns: Cars that have been in serious accidents might not be as safe, even after repairs.
2. Hidden costs: Accident-damaged cars often need more repairs later.
3. Lower value: A car with accident history is worth less than one without.
4. Insurance issues: Some insurance companies charge more for cars that have been in accidents.

Sellers may not disclose the full vehicle history, making your own research essential. The vehicle history can tell you if a car has been in floods, fires, or major accidents.

Finding Registration Details Through the VAHAN Portal

The registration details of a car can provide clues about its accident history. Check for any gaps or changes in registration details that might indicate problems.

Here’s what to look for:

• Multiple ownership changes in a short time
• Gaps in registration
• Changes in registration location
• Modifications to the car’s classification

VAHAN provides access to registration details that can help verify a car’s history. This information is especially useful when combined with other verification methods.

Simple Steps for Vehicle History Check Using VAHAN

Performing a vehicle history check should be your first step when considering a used car. The VAHAN portal offers a free vehicle history check for registered cars in India.

Here’s a simple process:

1. Gather the car’s registration number
2. Visit the VAHAN website
3. Enter the registration details
4. Review the complete history
5. Look specifically for accident reports or unusual ownership changes

A thorough vehicle history check can reveal hidden problems that aren’t visible during inspection. This simple step can save you thousands of rupees in future repairs.

Conclusion

Checking a car’s accident history is a must before buying a used car in India. The VAHAN portal is one of the best tools for this, but don’t rely on just one method. Use a combination of:

• VAHAN accident history checks
• Service record verification
• RTO record examination
• Insurance claim history
• Physical inspection by a mechanic

By using these methods together, you’ll get a complete picture of the car’s past. This helps you make a smart buying decision and avoid costly surprises later.

Frequently Asked Questions