The path to buying a new vehicle is often riddled with crossroads. A new car or a used car? An SUV or a Sedan? A Volkswagen or a Hyundai? The permutations and combinations can be as many as you like! There’s so much to do and such little time to get it done. But, if you’re in the market for a used car, like Neo in “The Matrix,” you need to know the truth before you take the red pill and make a purchase.
The process of checking a vehicle’s accident history in India is quite exhilarating. Does your vehicle have a shady past, or is it just as sweet as the next Harry Styles album? The questions are endless, right?
In this blog, I’ll guide you through the process of checking a vehicle’s accident history in India, so you can drive off into the sunset with peace of mind, knowing that your new ride is as reliable as an Anurag Kashyap film.
A vehicle that has been involved in one or more accidents, typically resulting in damage to the vehicle’s overall structure or frame, is referred to as an accidental vehicle. There could have been a lot of reasons behind the accident, like a head-on collision, a rear-end collision, accidents caused by drunk or distracted driving, or a minor fender-bender. These accidents might result in small to severe damages.
When a particular vehicle is involved in an accident, the insurance company assesses the damage and determines whether the vehicle is still repairable or salvageable or if it is considered a total loss. In cases where the repair cost exceeds the vehicle’s value, the insurance company declares the car a total loss and pays the owner the vehicle’s fair market value.
In cases where the vehicle is declared a total loss, the insurance company takes possession and sells it to a scrapyard. The yard then sends the car for refurbishment or trades the scrap for money.
If a vehicle gets into an accident, it is important to ensure that all the repairs have been done correctly and that the vehicle is safe for current or prospective drivers. It is also equally important to note that an accidental vehicle may have a lower resale value than a vehicle that has not been in an accident, even if the repairs have been done correctly and to an extent where they are barely noticeable.
If you are considering buying an accidental vehicle, it is recommended to have a professional mechanic inspect the vehicle thoroughly to ensure that the repairs were done correctly and that the vehicle is still safe to drive. It is also recommended to check the vehicle’s accident history before purchasing so that you are aware of any existing or potential issues.
Learn More: How To Sell An Accidental Car in India?
Checking the accident history of a vehicle is one of the most important steps in the process of purchasing a used car. It is essential to know the vehicle’s past to ensure you’re not buying a car with a history of accidents or other issues that could affect its safety or performance.
Here are the steps you should take to check the accident history of a vehicle in India:
The first step in checking the accident history of a vehicle in India is to obtain the vehicle’s registration number. This can be found on the car’s registration certificate (RC) or the number plate.
Once you have obtained the registration number, you can visit the official website of the RTO where the vehicle is registered. You can search for the RTO website by searching for “RTO website” + the name of your state, and navigating to the “vehicle information” section.
On the RTO website, you can check for the accident record of your vehicle by entering the registration number. This will promptly give you information on the number of accidents the car has been involved in and whether it has been declared a “scrapped” vehicle.
You can also check for the history of the vehicle by visiting the website of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), which provides information about the vehicle’s registration, fitness, tax, and insurance details.
If you’re someone who enjoys doing things differently, there’s another option for you. You can also check the accident history of a vehicle in India by visiting the website of the Automobile Research Association of India (ARAI) which provides all the relevant information about a vehicle’s accident history, the number of previous owners, and its service history.
Pro Tip: In case of any discrepancies in the information, you should immediately contact the RTO or the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for further clarification and prompt resolution of your issues.
Why check anything anyway? Why take your temperature when you’re feeling sick? Why taste the soup you’ve been brewing for your partner since the afternoon? Why wear a helmet when you’re taking your bike for a spin? Because it’s the wise thing to do!
Here are some of the most important reasons to check the accident history of a vehicle:
A vehicle that has been in an accident may have suffered unseen damages that might affect its safety and reliability on the road. This includes damages to the tyres, frame, suspension, or other components that could make the vehicle unsafe to drive. A thoroughly conducted accident history check ensures that you are not buying a car that could potentially put you and your passengers at risk.
Some insurance companies may charge higher premiums for vehicles that have been in an accident, or they may completely refuse to insure them. Therefore, if your vehicle has a history of accidents, it’s important to check with your insurance company for their policy in such cases.
An accidental vehicle usually comes with a lower resale value than a vehicle that has not been in an accident, even if the repairs have been done correctly. Conventionally, this is a significant factor to consider when purchasing a vehicle, as it could affect the overall value of the car over time.
Learn More: 10 Tips To Increase Resale Value Of Car
An accidental vehicle may have suffered unseen damages that could affect its overall longevity and maintenance costs over time. By checking the accident history of a vehicle, you can ensure that you are not buying a car that will require expensive repairs or maintenance in the future.
Learn More: 10 Engine Maintenance Tips – Must For A Good Car Care
In some countries, like the United States of America and Canada, it is a legal requirement to disclose any accident history when selling a vehicle. That is not the case in India. Therefore, it is important to check for the accident history of a vehicle before purchasing to ensure that you are aware of any potential issues with the vehicle and that the seller is following the legal requirements.
In India, there are several places where you can check the accident history of a vehicle before making a purchase. Some of the most common places include:
The official RTO website provides information on whether a vehicle has been involved in any accidents, and if so, how many times and whether the vehicle is declared a “scrapped” vehicle.
The MoRTH website provides information about a vehicle’s registration, fitness, tax, and insurance details.
The ARAI website provides information about a vehicle’s accident history, number of owners, and service history.
Some private vehicle inspection agencies inspect the vehicle and provide a comprehensive report on its accident history.
In some cases, the accident history of a vehicle can be obtained by visiting the local police station where the accident occurred and asking for a copy of the report.
Checking the accident history of a vehicle in India is a crucial step in the process of purchasing a used car. It’s like solving a Rubik’s cube for the first time. In the beginning, the process might appear to be a long and tiring one, but the knowledge is going to come in handy the next time.
In the end, knowing the accident history of a vehicle will not only save you from some of the potential safety hazards but also from any legal or financial losses in the future. Once you know the accidental history of your vehicle, you can have your chin up and your eyes on the road. Godspeed!
The registration number can be found on the registration certificate (RC) of the vehicle or the number plate of the car.
You can check the accident history of a vehicle on the official website of the Regional Transport Office (RTO) where the vehicle is registered.
No, it is not necessary to visit the RTO office in person; you can check the accident history of a vehicle on the RTO website.
Yes, some private vehicle inspection agencies also provide the accident history of a vehicle.
It depends on the laws of the particular state. While some states require accident history to be disclosed when selling a vehicle, others do not. It’s important to check with the local authorities to avoid future conflicts.
