Buying a used car can make one's heart pound in excitement; however, if one is unaware of the vehicle's past, the whole process may be fraught with danger. That's the principal reason for the need for a car history report. A car history report is a comprehensive document that holds crucial details about a car's past and is instrumental in avoiding expensive surprises. This manual will try to cover everything you need to know about vehicle history reports, how to procure them, and why they should matter to every car buyer.
A vehicle history report is essentially a big file that draws information about a car from different sources—Auto Department, Insurance Agencies, Repair Shops, Police. In other words, it provides the history of a vehicle, including information about accidents that have occurred, changes in ownership, title status, mileage records, and recalls. Basically, it's a background check for vehicles, allowing buyers to figure out what they're getting into before making their purchase.
Generally, you will require the specific Vehicle Identification Number or VIN. With the VIN, history reports can be assessed from several online sources. In short, you can pay for reports from different companies; two of the most famous providers are Carfax and AutoCheck: Carfax is expensive and commands around $45 for each report, whereas AutoCheck prices almost $30 a report rating. Sometimes certain dealerships and third-party vendors in cars will provide free history reports on vehicles as part of their ads or upon request.
There are subscription services such as Bumper, which allow you to run multiple auto history reports monthly for a flat fee, which is almost always a bargain compared to purchasing reports individually. Moreover, there are government-approved providers listed by the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), who do offer reports that are occasionally a little less detailed but still reliable.
Auto history reports typically include:
Title information and status changes
Accident history and damage severity
Odometer readings and mileage verification
Service and maintenance records
Ownership history including vehicle owner history and usage type (personal, rental, fleet)
Recall information
Theft records and stolen status
Salvage or rebuilt title status
Market value and safety ratings
Some auto history reports even provide photos and guided self-inspection tools to help buyers verify the vehicle’s condition in person.
A vehicle history report is very important if it has information on hidden issues because safety, performance, and resale value could be compromised. An example would be if you avoid a car that was in a major accident or one with a salvage title because paying the repair bills later may be a costly affair for you. Such a report also comes handy in confirming the accurate reading of an odometer, defending the customer from being conned into odometer fraud. Another important thing to know in automobile statistics is the owners' history, which makes it possible to tell if the vehicle was in heavy use or well maintained.
Whereas such auto history reports put buyers in a better position to price lesser or let go of a problematic vehicle, they provide a sense of relief and also protect against undue fraud. These are therefore indispensable while purchasing used cars.
The history of a vehicle contains all the occurrences and records connected with its living on the road. This includes how many owners it has had, the kind of uses it went through, any accidents or repairs it has undergone, whether it was ever reported stolen or salvaged. A thorough history of a vehicle will allow you to understand the actual condition and expectancy of that vehicle. Without such a history, the buyer is prone to purchasing vehicles with defects and legal constraints.
Several websites offer auto history reports, including:
Carfax: Known for comprehensive car history reports, including accident, title, and service records.
AutoCheck: Another trusted provider focusing on auction and title records.
Bumper: Offers detailed vehicle history reports with access to government databases and a subscription model for multiple reports.
VinAudit: Offers affordable reports and a Carfax VIN check service.
They are generally reliable but cannot ever claim the 100% prize. They compile data from several official sources where some incidents may never get reported or may get reported after considerable delays. For example, a minor accident repair may be done privately and will never find its way into the report. There could also be another scenario where a report is not able to capture some details about a vehicle's maintenance or usage.
Hence, while such reports go a long way in helping, a vehicle history report should preferably be supplemented with a professional pre-purchase inspection to look for any mechanical deficiencies that may be concealed. Interacting with multiple sources or reports for a used car will also increase reliability.
In reality, one cannot get a detailed car history report for free, as most of such comprehensive reports come with a price tag. Free car history information can be gathered somewhat through:
The free VIN check provided by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) can tell you if a vehicle has been reported as having been stolen or has insurance theft claims attached to it. Some online sellers and dealerships will provide free history reports with their listings.
Keep in mind that usually these free reports are not as in depth or detailed as the paid ones, so do good to consider them as a starting point.
Always verify the source of your free car history report to avoid scams for reports on used cars.
Use the free NICB VIN check tool to screen for theft or salvage records.
Ask sellers for recent vehicle history reports; reputable sellers often provide them.
Consider combining free reports with a professional inspection for a thorough evaluation.
Use free reports to narrow down options before purchasing a paid, comprehensive vehicle history report.
The best vehicle history report depends on your needs and budget. Carfax is widely regarded as the most comprehensive and trusted provider, offering detailed accident, title, and service records including a Carfax report and Carfax free VIN check options. AutoCheck is another strong competitor, especially for auction vehicles.
For those seeking value and multiple reports, subscription services like Bumper provide extensive data from government sources at a lower cost. If you want a free car report history, there are good options but with limited details. Ultimately, the best reports on used cars are ones that provides accurate, up-to-date information from reliable sources, helping you make an informed buying decision.
When buying a used car from a distant seller, shipping becomes a key consideration. Knowing the car’s history before shipping is crucial because you want to avoid paying for transport on a vehicle with hidden problems. A thorough car report history helps confirm the vehicle’s condition and legal status, reducing the risk of surprises upon arrival.
Choosing a reputable auto transport company like Bold Auto Transport and ensuring the vehicle is insured during shipping are also important steps. Always get a clear contract outlining pickup and delivery terms to protect your investment.
Combining car report history with shipping plans ensures a smoother buying experience. Before you commit to shipping a used car, run a vehicle history report to check for any red flags like salvage titles or unresolved recalls. This prevents costly mistakes and wasted shipping fees.
Once you have verified the vehicle’s history, coordinate with Bold Auto Transport to schedule pickup. Some companies offer inspection services at pickup to document the car’s condition, adding extra protection for buyers.
In summary, using a detailed car history report alongside careful shipping arrangements safeguards your purchase and gives you confidence in your used car investment.
A vehicle history report includes title information, accident and damage records, odometer readings, ownership history, service and maintenance records, recall notices, theft reports, and sometimes photos and safety ratings.
You can get a vehicle history report by entering the vehicle’s VIN on trusted websites like Carfax, AutoCheck, or Bumper. Some dealerships also provide reports for free.
Yes, but free reports usually provide limited information. The NICB offers a free VIN check for theft and salvage status, and some websites provide basic car history report free options with limited details.
Free reports are reliable for basic checks like theft or salvage but lack the comprehensive details found in paid reports. Use free reports as a starting point and consider paid reports for full information.
Checking a vehicle’s history helps you avoid cars with hidden damage, title issues, or odometer fraud. It ensures you make an informed decision and protects your investment.
A vehicle owner history report typically shows all previous owners, including the number of ownership transfers and the duration of each ownership.
