Check a car’s history before you buy it
Enter the VIN and read what the records say about the car’s title, mileage, damage and recalls. Do it before you hand over money.
What a car report looks for
Title brands
Whether the car has ever been branded salvage, rebuilt, flood or junk.
Odometer readings
Mileage recorded over time, so a rollback shows up as a number that goes down.
Accident and damage records
Reported collisions and damage events attached to the VIN.
Theft records
Whether the car has been reported stolen and not recovered.
Lien and loan records
Whether a lender still has a claim on the car you plan to buy.
Open recalls
Safety recalls that apply to this make, model and year.
Not sure how to read the result? See a sample report.
Questions about car reports
Where do I find a car’s VIN?
The VIN is 17 characters. Look at the base of the windshield on the driver side, or the sticker inside the driver door. It is also printed on the registration and insurance card.
Is a history report the same as an inspection?
No. A history report shows what official and commercial records say about a vehicle. It cannot tell you the vehicle’s condition today. Before you pay, have a mechanic look at it in person.
Can a clean report still hide problems?
Yes. Damage that was never reported to an insurer, a police department or a repair shop will not appear in any report. A clean report lowers risk. It does not remove it.