Salvage and scrap titles
Michigan brands heavily damaged vehicles as salvage or scrap. A salvage vehicle can be rebuilt and inspected before returning to the road; a scrap vehicle cannot be titled for road use again.
Deer collisions
Michigan reports tens of thousands of vehicle-deer crashes every year. Check accident and damage records and inspect the front end, radiator support and airbags.
Rust and potholes
Inspect brake lines, suspension and the frame, and compare the report’s registration states with the seller’s story.
How to check a used car in Michigan
- Compare the VIN on the windshield, the door jamb and the Michigan title. They must match.
- Decode the VIN above to confirm the year, make, model and engine match the listing.
- Run a VinCode report for title brands, accidents, total-loss events, odometer readings and owners in every state.
- Check open recalls for free on NHTSA and unrecovered theft on NICB VINCheck.
- Book an independent pre-purchase inspection before you pay.
Official Michigan titles and registrations are handled by the Michigan Department of State (Secretary of State). VinCode is an independent vehicle history service and is not affiliated with any state agency.