Black Book Launches Anti-Powerbooking Solution
Black Book has unveiled Asset Verification Tool, a proprietary VIN-level identifier designed to help auto finance sources reduce the risk of fraud at loan origination.

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Pricing data provider Black Book announced the launch of its latest solution for auto lending professionals: Asset Verification Tool, a new system designed to help protect auto finance sources against vehicle misrepresentation by providing insight on vehicle trim and equipped options.
By confirming the trim and options on a given vehicle, bank and finance company personnel can be confident in the calculated loan-to-value ratio, the accuracy of which helps mitigate risk throughout the loan lifecycle and ensure the proper collateral value is used in risk assessment, executives said.
Asset Verification Tool uses Black Book’s Enhanced Vehicle Matching, a precise VIN-level identification process powered by machine learning and OEM build data that matches 17-digit VINs to a single trim and any applicable adds or deducts, according to the provider.
“Asset Verification Tool provides lenders the ability to verify trims and options in a single click, drastically reducing risk,” said Black Book’s executive vice president of revenue, Jared Kalfus. “With Asset Verification Tool, lenders can ensure accurate collateral representation and reduce time spent in manual verification processes.”
More Auto Finance

Dealerships Are Paying the Price for Extended Car Loans
Growing negative-equity scenarios mean such lengthy terms should be addressed in a forward-looking way to make them work for the dealer and the consumer down the road.
Read More →
Trade-Ins in Negative Equity Reach New Heights
As such trade-ins rise in frequency, so do monthly loan payment amounts and interest rates, according to second-quarter data compiled by Edmunds.
Read More →
Auto Credit Plentiful
June numbers show lenders are readily granting access, including to risky borrowers, as consumers leverage themselves to take on high prices.
Read More →
Automotive Consumers Sink Further in Debt
Most financing metrics hit records in the second quarter as more buyers locked themselves into long terms and high monthly payments.
Read More →
Porsche Financial Services Shifts Structure
After 36 years with Porsche, the Financial Services Chief Financial Officer Konrad Riedl is retiring, and the department is realigning its management structure.
Read More →
Tariffs Could Raise Insurance Premiums
As U.S. import tariffs affect repair costs, consumers might find it more affordable to replace a damaged vehicle, according to recent Insurify tariff analysis.
Read More →
Smaller Loans, Longer Terms
The youngest generation of car buyers is more likely to finance less expensive vehicles, more than half of generation Z consumers borrowing less than $25,000.
Read More →
New Cars a Tad More Affordable
May averages show that combined circumstances gave auto consumers slightly better buying power for the month, though average prices were up year-over-year.
Read More →
First-Quarter Sees Long Auto Loan Growth
Experian data show more consumers are tapping the method, along with refinancings, to afford buying. Meanwhile, subprime borrowers are getting more access.
Read More →
Mastering Credit Friction
In this video, Josh Krach explains how to turn credit friction into an advantage.
Read More →