Check Before You Buy! - Cars, Boats, Trailers and More!

Personal property refers to any property that isn’t land, buildings, or fixtures. It includes items like:

• Vehicles
• Machinery
• Inventory
• Livestock
• Intellectual property
• Receivables

A PPSR search can reveal if there’s a security interest or encumbrance (such as finance owing) on the property. This protects you from potentially losing the item if a financier repossesses it due to unpaid debt. 

To confirm it’s truly unencumbered (i.e., no finance owing):

Sometimes dealers or suppliers use floor plan finance (stock loans). This means the car might still be under a finance agreement even if it hasn’t been driven yet. It’s usually paid out when the dealer sells it — but delays or admin errors can happen.

To confirm it hasn’t been previously registered or demoed:

Some cars sold as “new” might’ve been used as demos or even registered briefly. A PPSR check will reveal any prior registration, indicating it’s not technically brand new.

To protect against fraud or error in transfer:

Rare but possible — for example, if the car was stolen from a yard and resold by someone impersonating a dealer. A PPSR check ensures the VIN is clean and not listed as stolen, written-off, or encumbered.

A security interest is a legal claim over property that secures payment or performance of an obligation. For example, if a business borrows money to buy equipment, the lender may register a security interest over that equipment. 

What is a serial number in a PPSR search?

A serial number is a unique identifier used to search for financial interests recorded against an item. On the PPSR, it’s how we match your asset to any possible debt or encumbrance.

What types of serial numbers can I use?

You can search using the following types of serial numbers, depending on the asset:

• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) – for cars, motorbikes, trucks, etc.
• HIN (Hull Identification Number) – for boats and other watercraft.
• Chassis Number – often used if the VIN is missing or not applicable.

How do I know which number to use?

It depends on the type of asset:

• Vehicles – use the VIN (best option) or chassis number.
• Boats – use the HIN.
• Motorcycles or older vehicles – may use a chassis number.

If you’re unsure, check your registration documents or the asset itself for a clearly labeled number.

What if I don’t have a serial number?

Without a serial number (or rego for motor vehicles), we can’t perform a PPSR search. You’ll need to locate one on the asset or from documentation like a rego certificate, invoice, or compliance plate.

Where can I find the serial number on my asset?

Here are some common places:

• Vehicles: On the dashboard near the windscreen, driver’s door frame, or registration papers.
• Boats: Usually on the transom (rear of the hull).

What’s the difference between a serial number and a registration number?

A serial number is a manufacturer-issued unique ID – it stays with the asset for life.
A registration number is the plate number issued by the state or territory (e.g., ABC123). It’s helpful for vehicle searches but can change over time.

• Lenders and financiers to protect loans secured by personal property.
• Businesses to register interests over goods sold on credit or consignment.
• Buyers to check for existing security interests on property like cars or machinery.
• Insolvency professionals and legal practitioners.

PPSR Search

A standard PPSR search refers to a search of the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR), which is a national online register managed by the Australian government. This search allows individuals and organisations to check for registered security interests in personal property, such as cars, boats, and artworks. Conducting a PPSR search is essential for verifying whether a seller has any debts or security interests over the property before making a purchase or lending money. It is a crucial step in protecting consumers and ensuring clear ownership of personal property.

Finance Check

Provides information regarding finances or money owed against a vehicle including the interest holder, date recorded on PPSR and type of interest.

Write-off Check

Provides information including whether the vehicle has been recorded as written-off at any time.

Stolen Vehicle Check

Provides information including whether the vehicle has been recorded as stolen at any time.

Vehicle Registration

Includes details on registration expiry, whether it is suspended or cancelled, any concessions and third-party insurance details.

Our report comes with an official‍ PPSR certificate from the Australian Government.

This is a document generated after a search showing whether there are any security interests registered against the property.

It depends on what you specify when registering:

• Consumer property: max 7 years
• Commercial property: up to 25 years or indefinite for some items