You are right to be worried because specific documents like the MV-907A salvage certificate in New York are issued when a vehicle is declared a total loss due to accidents or flood damage. Many buyers get tricked by low prices on these cars, but restoring them requires a rigorous forensic state examination that is often not worth it. I use to check the VIN because it accesses the same NMVTIS and insurance data to uncover title washing and salvage records for only three dollars. It is the cheapest way to audit the history and see if the car is actually a scrap metal trap before you bid.