Check the accident & damage history of your used car
You deserve the best car for your money, and we help you find it.
What is accident or damage history?
Hidden damage is one of the biggest concerns when buying a used car. In most cases, you can’t tell if a used vehicle has been in an accident or damaged in some other way. Not even a proper check in real life would reveal everything. On top of that, an unbiased car mechanic is not always available.
The same goes for selling a used vehicle. The first thing a potential buyer will ask is whether the car was ever damaged and if so, what you did to fix it. That’s where a CARFAX vehicle history report can help.
What will the accident history tell me?
The accident history section of the CARFAX report provides a summary of any reported incidents or damage to a car. This can include damages from collisions or extreme weather conditions – anything that can impact the integrity and the safety of the vehicle.
Our vehicle history report provides details of a vehicle’s accident and damage records, so you have the right information in hand to make the best decision possible – whether you’re a buyer or a seller.
Where data is available, the report will tell you the following:
The number of incidents
The dates they occurred
The point of impact
The dollar amount of the repairs (for US cars)
Please note that we are regularly updating our database, and it sometimes happens, that damages appear on the report that have not been there before. That’s why we strongly recommend that during the time your report is valid, you regularly check it for any updates.
Why do I need a damage history report?
Having detailed, accurate, third-party information on the accident history of a car can help you:
Protect yourself from fraudulent claims and potential liability
Uncover events that the seller may not have disclosed or even been aware of
Negotiate a fair and accurate price
If there are no damage or accident records on the report, that’s great! This could be the perfect car for you. Even if there is a history of damage or accidents, it could still be a reliable vehicle as long as it has been repaired properly. And you might even get a better deal.
If you’re buying a used car, being it from a private seller or a dealer, ask for a CARFAX report. In the best case, the vehicle history will show that what was mentioned in the sales conversation is accurate. If the seller refuses, it could be a sign for you to pay special attention.
How do you get an accident or damage history report?
Enter your VIN in the field above and follow the simple steps outlined to receive our CARFAX report on your used car. The report will be generated on-demand as the data is provided in real time.
Don’t let accident reports steer you away from a used car
If the used car you’re thinking about buying has an accident history, that should not stop you from closing the deal straight away. Ask the seller about the details, as well as any documentation on the repairs, and find out if there is any warranty protection for the work done. Depending on the damage and the repair work, you can use it as a bargaining chip in your negotiations over price and get a good deal.
To protect yourself when buying used cars, we always recommend the golden trio:
Take the car for a test drive
Get a CARFAX vehicle history report
Bring the report and the car to a licensed mechanic for an inspection