Question 1

What is a VIN and where can I find it?

Accepted Answer

A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code that identifies every vehicle manufactured since 1981. You can find it on the dashboard (visible through the windshield on the driver's side), the driver's side door jamb sticker, your vehicle registration document, or insurance card. On US auction cars, the VIN is also listed in the auction lot details.

Question 2

What vehicle data does CarCheck provide?

Accepted Answer

CarCheck shows US auction history from Copart, IAAI, and Manheim — including sale prices, damage descriptions, title status (clean, salvage, rebuilt, etc.), odometer readings at each sale, original lot photos, and full vehicle specifications. For vehicles sold multiple times, you see the complete chain of sales through auctions. CarCheck also sells Premium and Standard vehicle history reports as add-on purchases.

Question 3

How quickly can I look up a vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Vehicle lookups are instant. Auction history, photos, and specifications appear within 2-3 seconds of entering the VIN code. No waiting, no email delivery — you see the data immediately in your browser.

Question 4

How many vehicles does CarCheck have data for?

Accepted Answer

CarCheck's database contains millions of archived vehicle records from US auctions (Copart, IAAI, Manheim). Since approximately 80% of vehicles in Georgia are imported from US auctions, our database covers the vast majority of imported cars on the Georgian market.

Question 5

What does "title status" mean on a vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Title status indicates the legal condition of a vehicle in the US. A "clean title" means no major damage was reported. "Salvage title" means an insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss due to damage, theft, or flood. "Rebuilt title" means a salvage vehicle was repaired and passed inspection. Title status significantly affects a vehicle's value and import eligibility — always check it before purchasing.

Question 6

What does a Premium report include?

Accepted Answer

A Premium report provides comprehensive US vehicle history: accident reports from insurance companies, service and maintenance records from dealerships, title history and ownership transfers, odometer readings over time, recall information, and whether the vehicle was used as a rental, taxi, or fleet vehicle. Premium reports are especially strong on service history and dealer maintenance logs. Available on CarCheck for $2.49.

Question 7

What does a Standard report include?

Accepted Answer

A Standard report provides a vehicle condition score from 1-100 that summarizes overall condition relative to similar vehicles. It includes title history, accident records, odometer checks, and is particularly strong at detecting frame damage and structural issues. Available on CarCheck for $1.99.

Question 8

Should I buy a Premium or Standard report?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the vehicle. Choose Premium if you want detailed service history and maintenance records — ideal for dealer-maintained cars. Choose Standard if you're concerned about structural or frame damage — the vehicle condition score gives a quick overall condition summary. For high-value purchases, many buyers order both for the most complete picture. Start by checking the free auction data on CarCheck first, then decide if you need a premium report.

Question 9

What does a CarCheck inspection include?

Accepted Answer

CarCheck inspections cover up to 212 checkpoints across 13 categories: engine, transmission, suspension, steering, brakes, body and paint (with thickness measurement), interior, electronics, OBD-II diagnostics, safety systems, undercarriage, fluids, and a test drive evaluation. We offer three packages: Light (visual + OBD, 30 min), Medium (full inspection, 60 min), and Premium (complete with lift inspection, borescope, compression test, and dealer-level diagnostics, 120 min).

Question 10

Where do you perform inspections and how long do they take?

Accepted Answer

We come to your location anywhere in Tbilisi. Light inspection takes about 30 minutes, Medium about 60 minutes, and Premium up to 120 minutes. For Premium package (which requires a vehicle lift), we arrange inspection at a partner service center. Contact us to schedule at your preferred time and location.

Question 11

Can I attend the inspection?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we encourage buyers to be present. Our inspector explains findings in real time, shows you any issues on the vehicle, and answers your questions during the process. You receive a detailed written report afterward with photos and recommendations.

Question 12

What if the inspection finds serious problems?

Accepted Answer

Our inspection report categorizes issues by severity: critical (safety-related — do not buy), major (expensive repairs needed — negotiate the price), and minor (normal wear). We include estimated repair costs in Georgian Lari so you can make an informed decision. The report is yours to use in price negotiations with the seller.

Question 13

How much does it cost to import a car from the US to Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Total import cost includes: the auction purchase price, US inland shipping to port ($200-600), ocean freight to Poti or Batumi ($800-1,800 depending on vehicle size), Georgian customs clearance (excise tax + 18% VAT), and local transport. The excise tax depends on engine displacement and vehicle age. Use CarCheck's free customs calculator at carcheck.ge/calculator to get an exact estimate for any vehicle.

Question 14

How does the Georgian customs excise tax work?

Accepted Answer

Georgia's excise tax for imported vehicles is based on engine displacement (cc) and vehicle age. Under the new tariff (effective April 2026): vehicles under 6 years old pay 1.50 GEL per cc, and vehicles 6 years and older pay 4.50 GEL per cc. Classic vehicles (30+ years) are exempt. For example, a 5-year-old car with a 2,000cc engine pays 3,000 GEL excise, while the same engine at 7 years old pays 9,000 GEL. An 18% VAT is applied on top of the customs value plus excise.

Question 15

What changed with the new customs tariff in April 2026?

Accepted Answer

Starting April 2026, Georgia simplified the excise tax from 11 age-based brackets (ranging from 0.70 to 2.40 GEL/cc) to just two: 1.50 GEL/cc for vehicles under 6 years and 4.50 GEL/cc for 6 years and older. Vehicles first registered before 2014 are prohibited from import under the new rules. CarCheck's customs calculator (carcheck.ge/calculator) supports both old and new tariffs with a toggle, so you can compare costs.

Question 16

How long does shipping from the US to Georgia take?

Accepted Answer

Ocean shipping typically takes 6-10 weeks depending on the departure port. US East Coast ports (New Jersey, Savannah) are faster at 6-8 weeks. West Coast departures (California) take 8-10 weeks via the Panama Canal or transshipment. Add 1-2 weeks for customs clearance at Poti or Batumi port.

Question 17

What documents do I need to import a car to Georgia?

Accepted Answer

You need: the original title (clean, salvage, or rebuilt), bill of sale from the auction, bill of lading from the shipping company, and a power of attorney if using a customs broker. At Georgian customs, you also need proof of payment for customs duties. CarCheck's vehicle data shows the title status so you know what to expect before purchasing at auction.

Question 18

What are CarCheck's subscription plans?

Accepted Answer

CarCheck offers Free (50 VIN lookups per month), Basic (9.99 GEL/month, 300 lookups with 10% inspection discount), and Pro (19.99 GEL/month, unlimited lookups, 20% inspection discount, priority support). Annual plans save 20%. All plans include access to the customs calculator and vehicle search. Premium and Standard vehicle history reports are purchased separately as add-ons.

Question 19

What payment methods does CarCheck accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia (BOG) cards through our secure Flitt payment gateway. For on-site inspections, cash payment in GEL is also accepted. All online transactions are encrypted and PCI-compliant.

Question 20

Does CarCheck offer refunds?

Accepted Answer

VIN data and reports are non-refundable once delivered (data is provided instantly). For inspections, we offer a full refund within 24 hours if you are not satisfied with the service quality. Subscription cancellations take effect at the end of the current billing period.

Question 21

Is the customs calculator free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, CarCheck's customs calculator is completely free and requires no registration. Calculate import costs for any vehicle at carcheck.ge/calculator by entering engine displacement, vehicle age, and purchase price. The calculator supports both the current and new (April 2026) tariff rates with a toggle switch.

Question 22

How do I create an account?

Accepted Answer

Click "Register" in the top right corner. You can sign up with your email or use Google sign-in for faster registration. No credit card is required for free accounts.

Question 23

I forgot my password. What do I do?

Accepted Answer

Click "Forgot Password" on the login page. We'll send a password reset link to your email. The link expires in 1 hour for security.

Question 24

How do I cancel my subscription?

Accepted Answer

Go to Dashboard > Settings > Subscription and click "Cancel Subscription." Your subscription remains active until the end of the current billing period, then cancels automatically. You can reactivate anytime.

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