Released on July 24, 2015
Before buying a used vehicle, every consumer should check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and research the history of the vehicle they are about to buy. It doesn’t matter if the vehicle is from a private seller or a licensed motor dealer, researching the history of a vehicle may provide the buyer with critical information like crash history that could affect their decision to buy.
The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority (FCAA) urges all consumers to use SGI’s online VIN search tool. It’s free, fast and easy to use. Users can research the history of vehicles that were previously registered in Saskatchewan, www.sgi.sk.ca/online_services/vin/vin-faq.html. Vehicles may have been damaged by previous crashes, flooding or other incidents and repairs made to the vehicle may only be cosmetic and the vehicle may not actually be road worthy.
A Saskatchewan VIN search can tell consumers:
- If the PST is payable;
- Its most recent Saskatchewan registration expiry date;
- Its damage claims history in Saskatchewan since Nov. 1, 2002.
Consumers can also do a VIN search with:
The Consumer Protection Division does not regulate private vehicle deals but if consumers have purchased a used vehicle from a licensed motor dealer and they are having problems, they can contact us for advice on how to proceed with filing a complaint or seek remedy to their problem.
For more information contact the Consumer Protection Division toll free at 1-877-880-5550 or by email: consumerprotection@gov.sk.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Matthew Barton
FCAA
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6067
Email: matthew.barton@gov.sk.ca
Marie Schultz
SGI
Regina
Phone: 306-751-3516
Email: mschultz@sgi.sk.ca