Is it possible to know if a used car in Colombia was involved in an accident just by checking its plate in RUNT? Many buyers ask this before making a purchase. Here’s the truth about what RUNT really shows—and what it doesn’t.
What Is the RUNT System in Colombia?
Is it possible to know if a used car in Colombia was involved in an accident just by checking its plate in RUNT? Many buyers ask this before making a purchase. Here’s the truth about what RUNT por placa really shows—and what it doesn’t.
What Is the RUNT System in Colombia?
The RUNT (Registro Único Nacional de Tránsito) is Colombia’s official platform for managing and tracking vehicle and driver data. It’s supervised by the Ministerio de Transporte and used by citizens, traffic authorities, and insurance companies.
Each car registered in Colombia has a profile in RUNT that includes:
- Plate number
- Owner information
- Technical mechanical inspection history (RTM)
- SOAT (Seguro Obligatorio de Accidentes de Tránsito)
- Transfer and registration records
Does RUNT Show a Vehicle’s Accident History?
No, the RUNT system does not display accident history for individual vehicles, even if you search by license plate.
Here’s what you can see using RUNT por placa:
| Data Type | Available in RUNT |
| Vehicle brand/model | ✅ Yes |
| Owner name and ID | ✅ Yes |
| Current SOAT status | ✅ Yes |
| RTM inspection details | ✅ Yes |
| Traffic violations | ❌ No |
| Accident history | ❌ No |
Accident reports are not part of the RUNT database unless they led to structural issues reported during RTM or affected ownership/title transfers.
Why Accident History Is Not in RUNT
RUNT is designed for registration and legal compliance. It records:
- Ownership changes
- Inspections
- Insurance status
Accidents, unless causing serious damage requiring re-registration or police intervention, do not get reported to RUNT.
Instead, they are handled by:
- Insurance companies (via SOAT claims)
- Transit authorities (via police reports)
- Workshops (through private repairs)
How to Check a Vehicle’s Accident History in Colombia
If you want to check accident history beyond RUNT, you’ll need to use these sources:
1. Request SOAT Claim Records
Every car in Colombia must have SOAT insurance, which covers injuries and damages from traffic accidents.
To view claim history:
- Contact the current or past insurance company (e.g., SURA, AXA Colpatria, MAPFRE)
- Request claim summaries for the vehicle’s plate number
Note: Only the policyholder or legal owner can request full accident claim reports.
If you’re using RUNT por placa SOAT features, remember that the system will only show if the policy is active, not the claim details.
2. Inspect Technical Inspection Reports (RTM)
The RTM (Revisión Técnico-Mecánica) is mandatory yearly for vehicles over six years old. It records:
- Structural damage
- Alignment issues
- Safety problems
If a car had major damage from a crash, it may show up as a rejected inspection or show repeated mechanical issues.
You can check RTM status using RUNT por placa at runt-por-placa.com.co
3. Ask the Owner for the Police Accident Report
If a serious accident occurred, the local transit authority (e.g., Secretaría de Movilidad de Bogotá) likely filed a police report.
Ask the current or previous owner if they filed a report, then request a copy from the corresponding city’s Organismo de Tránsito.
4. Use a Certified Pre-Purchase Inspection Service
Private companies in Colombia offer detailed vehicle history reports and physical inspections. Some services include:
- Autolab
- Certicar
- CESVI Colombia
These inspections can reveal:
- Past crash repairs
- Frame alignment damage
- Non-original parts
They’re useful when buying second-hand cars, especially from dealerships or classifieds.
5. Check Public Online Complaints
Search platforms like:
- SIC (Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio) complaint system
- TransUnion Colombia or Datacrédito (may hold records related to accident-related debts or claims)
While not always linked directly to the accident, these may show red flags about the vehicle or seller.
How to Check Your Vehicle on RUNT by License Plate
To view your car’s legal data in RUNT:
- Visit https://www.runt.com.co/consultaCiudadana/consultaPlaca
- Enter the license plate number
- Fill in the captcha and submit
You’ll see:
- Vehicle brand/model
- RTM status
- SOAT status
- Registration details
But no accident history.
These details are pulled directly through the RUNT por placa system interface.
FAQs
1. Can I see car accidents in RUNT by plate?
No. RUNT does not record accident history. It shows legal, insurance, and technical data.
2. Where can I find if a car had an accident in Colombia?
Contact the insurer, check RTM records, or hire an inspection service like Certicar or Autolab.
3. Can I request accident records with just the plate number?
Only public records are available by plate. Insurance and police reports require legal authorization or the owner’s consent.
4. Does RUNT show SOAT claim details?
No. It only shows if the SOAT is active. For claims, contact the insurance provider directly.
5. Can accident damage be seen during RTM?
Yes. Repeated rejections or structural issues may indicate past crash damage.
6. What’s the best way to avoid buying a crashed car?
Request the RTM and SOAT claim history. Then get a certified mechanical inspection from a trusted provider.
7. Do dealers have to disclose accidents in Colombia?
There is no legal requirement to disclose accidents unless they affect title or legal function. Always ask and verify through documents.
Conclusion
While the RUNT system is a great tool for viewing legal and insurance data using RUNT por placa, it does not display accident history. For full transparency, use SOAT claim records, RTM inspections, and trusted third-party inspection services. This ensures you don’t buy a vehicle with hidden past damage.
