Why I Always Verify the VIN Before Renting a Vehicle

Before I purchased a used car last year, I had never really heard of a vehicle identification number (VIN). However, while I was shopping for a car, checking accident and service history reports, and getting the vehicle insured, registered, and inspected, I became well-acquainted with this 17-character combination of letters and numbers.

A car's VIN is essentially its social security number — an alphanumeric fingerprint, if you will — and no two vehicles share the same code.

This number can provide a wealth of information about a vehicle, including details about its last service, the number of previous owners, any history of damage, manufacturer recalls, and much more.

If you're not in the market for a used vehicle, you might not think much about a car's VIN or the valuable insights it can offer.

However, following a recent car rental experience, I've made the decision that I won't rent a vehicle for even a weekend without first checking the VIN.

Understanding Your Vehicle

During a recent trip to New York's Catskills, my friend and I opted to rent a four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicle. With snow predicted, we were concerned about navigating the mountainous back roads in my compact sedan.

While securing the exact vehicle you request is rarely guaranteed when renting a car, we chose to make a last-minute decision based on what was available upon our arrival at the rental agency.

I received the key for a 2020 Jeep Compass (a compact SUV that comes with either front- or four-wheel drive) and confirmed with the agent several times that the vehicle I was renting had the latter option.

After a quick check of the car's exterior, we were on our way.

As anticipated, snow fell during our trip, and one night, while we were heading out to get dinner, the vehicle struggled significantly.

Having grown up in the Northeast, I know that every vehicle has its limitations, but I was quite let down by the car's performance. There wasn't an excessive amount of snow at the time, yet it didn't handle like the four- or all-wheel drive vehicles I've driven previously. My friend, who was driving, could sense it losing traction.

When we got stuck in our hotel’s moderately steep driveway, I began to feel quite suspicious. Could it be that this car required manual activation for the four-wheel drive? However, there were no clear indicators for a 'snow mode' or differential lock to engage.

My friend went to seek help, while I remained in the passenger seat with the car. Suddenly, it started to slide backward. I quickly jumped into the driver's seat and slammed on the brakes. (Truth be told, my first thought was to open the door and leap out. But then I reconsidered.) I realized this must be the reason why highways are lined with warnings against leaving disabled vehicles unattended.

We needed assistance to free the car from the driveway and determined it was unsafe to attempt driving it until the snow had ceased and the roads were cleared, which meant we had to spend an unexpected extra night in the Catskills — what a letdown! However, this was not the rugged, all-weather vehicle I anticipated or believed I had paid for.

Exploring the VIN

The following morning, I set out to locate the car's VIN so that I could check all its specifications.

The VIN can be found in various locations depending on the vehicle. In my case, it was visible on both the front of the dashboard and on a sticker located on the door jamb. However, you might also discover it on the engine block or the steering column, among other spots.

I located the Jeep's VIN on the door jamb on the driver's side. Later, I discovered that the VIN was also included in my rental agreement, so you could easily request this information from the car rental agency to save time.

By utilizing a quick, free VIN-check service, I uncovered two crucial details: the Jeep I had rented was actually a front-wheel-drive model and there had been a recall related to the windshield wipers.

Reviewing even a brief VIN report before finalizing a rental agreement can provide essential insights about the vehicle you'll be driving off the lot. Had I taken this step earlier, I would have known the agent was mistaken and that I was being charged for a front-wheel-drive vehicle (which I already own, thank you). Additionally, I would have had access to vital safety and recall details.

Until 2015, it was permissible to rent out a car with an open, unrepaired recall. While that is no longer allowed, it's wise for renters to be proactive and ensure that all recalls have been resolved. Moreover, just because a car has been fixed doesn't guarantee it won't encounter problems down the, ahem, road. As a driver, it's vital to understand what potential issues you may face during the drive — even if it's something as minor as a loose windshield wiper.

Final thoughts

We’ve all experienced it: the excitement of hitting the road, where you might give your rental car a quick once-over just to confirm it has four wheels before signing the agreement and driving away. Perhaps you even forget to check whether the tank is full, as promised (I plead guilty).

However, it's crucial to pause and conduct a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle before your journey. If drivetrain is your main concern, be sure to check for an emblem indicating AWD (all-wheel-drive), 4WD, or 4x4 (four-wheel-drive). Typically, this will be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.

Personally, I always refer to the car's VIN to confirm the specific type of vehicle I’m renting, along with any safety issues I should be aware of. After all, if I return the car with a faulty windshield wiper, it’s much easier to demonstrate to the agent that it’s not my fault if I can reference the vehicle's recall history.

Featured photo by Colors Hunter - Chasseur de Couleurs / Getty Images.