Few things are more valuable than a vehicle history report, whether you’re buying a used car or selling your current vehicle. It can provide you with a great deal of valuable information about a car in one place.

A vehicle history report can be purchased from Carfax or similar services, which charge a reasonable price. The reports compile information from insurance agencies, vehicle registries, dealership service centers, mechanics, and other sources, and some include protections and guarantees if the info is incorrect.

What’s in a vehicle history report?

Obtaining a vehicle history report using the vehicle identification number (VIN) can provide valuable insights when shopping for a car. Here’s what’s typically in a vehicle history report:

Accident history

A vehicle history report typically includes accidents and collisions reported to insurance companies. This information can help you assess past damage and see if any repairs were made.

Salvage title

If a car has been severely damaged and declared a total loss by an insurer, it may receive a salvage title. This designation warns future buyers that significant vehicle damage has occurred. Cars with salvage titles often have lower resale values and may still have underlying issues, making them risky.

Ownership and usage history

The report will generally list the number of previous owners and whether the vehicle was used for personal, rental, fleet, or commercial purposes. Knowing how a car was used can help determine potential wear and tear.

Maintenance and service records

Some reports provide a record of regular maintenance, including oil changes, tire rotations, and repairs. This information is more commonly available if the vehicle was serviced at dealerships or well-established auto shops. A strong maintenance record can indicate that the car has been well cared for.

Odometer readings

Vehicle history reports usually track mileage over time. This statement allows buyers to verify that the odometer reading is accurate and ensures the car hasn’t been subjected to odometer rollback fraud, where mileage is altered to make a vehicle appear less used than it is.

Recall information

Most reports include details about manufacturer recalls affecting the vehicle. This section helps buyers identify whether the car has any outstanding recalls and whether necessary repairs have been made.

Title issues

A report will indicate whether the car has a clean title or if there are issues such as liens, unpaid loans, or outstanding fines. Anything other than a clean title can complicate the purchase process.

Registration and inspection history

A vehicle history report will also show where the car has been registered over time. In some cases, it may include state inspection records, which can give insight into whether the vehicle has passed required emissions or safety tests.

While a vehicle history report can tell you a great deal, it is not the only step toward buying a solid used car. Knowing how much you have in your budget is also important, and Credit Acceptance can help. Simply fill out our pre-qualification form to learn how much you may be pre-qualified for.