How To Get A Free Vehicle History Report

A vehicle history report is a document you can obtain when purchasing a used car or transferring car ownership . It provides you with important information about a vehicle’s history. This includes information about ownership, accidents, repairs, and maintenance. You will need the vehicle's VIN to get a VIN check report. It is also often referred to as a used car vehicle history report.

Understanding a vehicle's history is paramount for several reasons:

• Avoiding surprises: Uncover hidden issues that may not be evident during a test drive or browsing cars online or through dealerships.
• Negotiating power: With this additional knowledge, you can negotiate a fair price based on the vehicle's history.
• Security and peace of mind: Ensure your investment is secure, and drive away confidently in your purchase.

A vehicle history report shows an overview of a vehicle’s history. It can tell you if a vehicle has been in an accident or had recalls and provides other information about damages. It is an invaluable resource that can help you decide whether or not the ride is worth purchasing or when you are finding car insurance quotes.

Buying a vehicle history report means you will get a thorough overview of the vehicle's history. The report will include the following information:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Every vehicle is assigned a distinct code that helps track its history. You’ll often need this information to check the report in the first place to run a vehicle history report.
• Title information: Details regarding the vehicle's title, including any branded, salvaged, or rebuilt titles that may indicate significant damage or other issues.
• Accident history: Reports of accidents, including damage extent and total loss status.
• Odometer readings: Information about the recorded mileage over time, helping to identify potential odometer fraud.
• Ownership history: A list of previous owners and their ownership duration, providing insights into the vehicle's usage chronologically.
• Recalls and repairs: Information about manufacturer recalls and repairs performed on the vehicle.
• Lien and loan information: Provide information about any liens or loans associated with the vehicle that could affect its ownership status.
• Vehicle use history: Data on how the vehicle was used, such as whether it was used as a rental car, fleet vehicle, or personal vehicle.
• Service and maintenance records: Information about routine maintenance, repairs, and service appointments, indicating how well the vehicle has been cared for.
• Theft history: Reports if the vehicle has been reported as stolen, providing important security-related information.

There are many ways you can go about getting a vehicle history report:

• Ask the dealership: If you are buying from a car dealer, simply ask them for a copy.
• Ask the seller: If a person is selling a car privately, ask them for a copy of the report.
• Get the report yourself: You can request a VIN report from a number of websites online such as CARFAX.

If a car dealer or private seller is reluctant to provide you with the report or the VIN to check it yourself, this is a red flag. There may be something wrong with the car they don’t want you to know about.

Vehicle history reports may not be mandatory, but insurance is!

While you're browsing for a new vehicle, make sure your vehicle history has the correct information. This can help you compare rates with us to find the right coverage at a competitive rate. Get started in a few clicks.

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How to read a vehicle history report

It is important to carefully review all sections of your vehicle history report as they may contain crucial information and warning signs. Here are some key areas to check when you get your report.

• Report findings in chronological order: This section outlines the vehicle's history chronologically, providing a timeline of events such as ownership changes and reported incidents.
• Accidents and damage: Examine this section for information about any accidents the vehicle was involved in, the extent of the damage and car insurance claims.
• Lien records: Check for any existing liens on the vehicle, as this could indicate financial encumbrances or legal issues affecting ownership. This may be an additional charge to view.
• Canadian Registration: If the vehicle is registered in Canada, ensure that the registration information matches the details provided by the seller.
• Stolen or theft status: It's essential to check whether the vehicle has been reported as stolen because it can affect its legal status. It is crucial to check if the car is on the list of stolen vehicles in Canada.
• U.S. vehicle history: This section will provide relevant details if the vehicle has a history in the United States. Pay attention to any incidents or issues that occurred during its time in the U.S.
• Recalls: If there have been any recalls in the past that apply to the vehicle, they will be mentioned here. If you come across a recall notice for the car, it would be beneficial to inquire with the owner if the necessary servicing has been done. Utilize either the "Report Findings in Chronological Order" section or the "Service History" section to confirm any repairs or maintenance related to the recall.
• Service history: This section shows the car's service history, including the frequency of services, repairs, and replacements like brakes and transmission.