16 ways to get a free Carfax report?

We may earn a commission for purchases through links on our site, Learn more.

When you’re looking to buy a used car, you want to ensure you’re not purchasing a problematic vehicle. Carfax is a service that provides information about a vehicle’s history for both buyers and sellers of used cars in the United States and Canada. You can obtain a free Carfax report majorly in three ways:

1. Online Car Shopping: When you search for a used car on the Carfax website or on platforms like autotrader.com and cars.com, some listings may include a free Carfax vehicle history report.
2. Car Dealerships: If you visit a car dealer’s website or a physical dealership, they might provide you with a free Carfax report for the used car you’re interested in.
3. Private Sellers: When dealing with a private seller, you can ask them to provide a Carfax report for the used car they’re selling. However, not all private sellers may offer this service.

It’s important to note that not every online car listing, car dealership, or private seller will offer a free Carfax vehicle history report. Additionally, keep in mind that even if you obtain a Carfax report, it may not contain every detail about the car’s history.

What is a Carfax report?

A Carfax report is a document that provides a detailed history of a vehicle. Carfax compiles this report by gathering information from various sources such as U.S. motor vehicle agencies, police departments, fire departments, collision repair centers, and auto auctioneers.

They have a vast database with over 22 billion records. Each report is linked to a unique 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) and includes information about the car’s history, such as major accidents, previous owners, maintenance records, structural damage, manufacturer recalls, odometer readings, and warranty information.

Carfax reports are helpful for potential car buyers as they can reveal hidden problems in a vehicle, including any damage resulting from accidents. The reports aim to provide information about the location and severity of accident damage, helping buyers make informed decisions when purchasing a car.

Why It’s important to check a car’s history

Checking a car’s history is crucial when purchasing a used vehicle because it helps you avoid potential problems and make an informed decision. Here are some key reasons why knowing a vehicle’s history is important:

1. Accident history: By reviewing a car’s history, you can discover if it has been in any accidents. This information is vital because it allows you to assess the extent of the damage and the quality of repairs. A car with a hidden accident history may have hidden structural or safety issues.
2. Title status: Checking the title status helps ensure the car is not stolen or salvaged. A stolen car can result in legal troubles, while a salvaged title means the vehicle has been significantly damaged and rebuilt, potentially leading to reliability issues.
3. Maintenance and service records: A vehicle’s history can reveal its maintenance and service records. Regular maintenance indicates the owner’s commitment to care for the car. Knowing the service history can help you anticipate future maintenance needs and costs.
4. Mileage verification: Verifying the mileage history prevents odometer fraud. Some sellers may tamper with odometers to make the car appear to have lower mileage than it actually does, which can impact the car’s value and reliability.
5. Recalls and safety issues: A car’s history can highlight any recalls or safety issues that may not have been addressed. This information allows you to ensure that necessary repairs or modifications have been made to keep the vehicle safe.
6. Resale value: Knowing a car’s history can affect its resale value. A well-documented, accident-free, and well-maintained vehicle typically retains its value better, making it a more reliable investment.
7. You’re less likely to waste your money: Getting a history report for a used car is crucial because it helps you avoid wasting your money. When you’re considering buying a used car, it might appear to be a fantastic deal, but after the purchase, it can constantly break down, costing you a significant amount of money. Unfortunately, you can’t always trust what the seller tells you about the car. That’s where a Carfax report comes in handy. It provides you with valuable information about the car’s history, which can give you insights into how reliable it will be in the future. What initially seemed like a great deal could turn out to be a problematic vehicle that drains your finances. In summary, a Carfax report can offer a good indication of the car’s future reliability, making it a wise investment when buying a used car.

In summary, checking a used car’s history is essential to assess its overall condition, safety, and value. It empowers you to make wise purchasing decisions and avoid potential headaches and financial losses down the road.

What does a Carfax report show you?

A Carfax report provides a comprehensive history of a vehicle. It includes information such as:

• Major accidents: Details about any significant accidents the vehicle has been involved in.
• Multiple owners: The number of previous owners the vehicle has had.
• Vehicle service: Records of maintenance and repairs performed on the vehicle.
• Mileage rollback: Indicates if the odometer reading has been tampered with to reduce the displayed mileage.
• Flood damage: Information on whether the vehicle has been damaged by floods.
• Airbag deployment: Whether the airbags have been deployed in an accident.
• Mileage rollover: If the mileage has exceeded the maximum limit and rolled back to a lower number.
• Not actual mileage state-owned: If the vehicle’s mileage is not accurately recorded and it was previously owned by a state entity.
• Total loss: Whether the vehicle has been declared a total loss by an insurance company.
• Rebuilt: Indicates if the vehicle has been rebuilt or salvaged after significant damage.
• Structural damage: Information about any damage to the vehicle’s frame or structure.
• Open recalls: Any outstanding safety recalls that have not been addressed.
• Registration history: The history of the vehicle’s registration, including any changes in ownership or location.
• Warranty information: Details about the vehicle’s warranty coverage.
• Salvage titles: If the vehicle has a salvage title due to significant damage or insurance claims.
• Estimated miles driven per year: An estimate of how many miles the vehicle is driven annually.
• Last reported mileage: The most recent recorded mileage of the vehicle.
• Length of ownership: How long each owner has possessed the vehicle.
• Commercial or personal use: Whether the vehicle has been used for personal or commercial purposes.
• Service history: Records of past services and maintenance.
• Hail damage: Information about any damage caused by hail.
• Branded a lemon: Indicates if the vehicle has a history of repeated issues, potentially qualifying it as a “lemon.”
• Junked: Whether the vehicle has been declared as junked and is no longer roadworthy.

In summary, a Carfax report provides a comprehensive overview of a vehicle’s history, helping potential buyers make informed decisions about purchasing a used car.

Does Carfax have a report for every car?

Carfax has reports for vehicles made since 1981. This is because that’s when the 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) became standardized. Carfax gathers data on cars and light trucks from a vast database with billions of records sourced from over 100,000 domestic and international sources.

So, if you want detailed information about a vehicle, Carfax is a comprehensive source to consider. To obtain a Carfax report, you’ll need the specific VIN of the vehicle you’re interested in.

What’s a VIN?

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a 17-character code made up of letters and numbers, and it’s found on all vehicles manufactured from 1981 onwards.

This unique code provides details about the vehicle, such as its manufacturer, model year, and production location. In essence, the VIN is like a vehicle’s ID, and it’s used when you want to check the history of your car.

Where to find your car’s VIN

To get your car’s report, you’ll need to find its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You can locate the VIN in a few different places:

Off the vehicle, you can find the VIN on various documents, such as:

• Vehicle title.
• Registration card.
• Insurance documents.
• Owner’s manual.
• Body shop repair records.
• Police reports.

On the car itself, you can find the VIN in these locations:

• The driver side interior dash, which is the most common place.
• Under the hood at the front of the engine.
• Between the front carb and windshield washer unit.
• In the trunk under the spare tire.
• In the rear wheel well.
• In the driver door jamb (when the door is open).

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has a helpful guide for finding your VIN if you need further assistance. Once you have your VIN, you can proceed to obtain your car’s report.

How to get a Carfax report for free

There are three major ways to get a free Carfax vehicle history report.

1. Used-car listings

When you’re looking to buy a used car, it’s helpful to know the vehicle’s history. Carfax, a company that provides vehicle history reports, offers free reports for cars listed on its website. Other websites like autotrader.com and cars.com might also provide free Carfax reports with their car listings.

However, if you find a used car listing that doesn’t include a link to a free Carfax report, Carfax recommends asking the seller to provide one. This way, you can get important information about the car’s past, such as accidents or maintenance records, to make an informed purchase.

2. Car dealers

Car dealers often provide free Carfax reports on their websites for used cars they are selling. If you can’t find a link to a free report, Carfax suggests contacting the dealer and asking for one. You can also check if reports are available when you visit the dealership in person.

3. Private sellers

When you’re thinking about purchasing a used car from an individual rather than a dealership, it’s a good idea to request a free Carfax report. This report can provide you with important information about the car’s history, such as accidents, repairs, and ownership history.

However, it’s important to be aware that the private seller might not have a Carfax report or might be hesitant to share the vehicle’s history with you. This information comes from Carfax’s website, and it’s important to keep in mind when buying a used car from a private seller.

What are some alternatives to a free Carfax report?

There are lots of alternatives to Carfax reports that are totally free!

4. VIN lookup from VINCheck.info

VINCheck.info stands out as a top-notch option for obtaining valuable information about a used vehicle through its VIN Lookup service. The platform is on a mission to make detailed vehicle history reports accessible to as many consumers as possible. What sets it apart is its commitment to providing these reports for free, with advertisers covering the associated costs.

The primary goal of VINCheck.info is to safeguard consumers from fraud and potential dangers associated with unsafe vehicles, as well as to contribute to the prevention of the resale of stolen cars. Unlike many other free report services, VINCheck.info distinguishes itself by offering a comprehensive check.

To benefit from this service, all you need to do is enter your VIN on the site. The resulting report, similar to one you’d get from Carfax, covers crucial aspects such as serious accidents, title brands, theft, and recalls. In essence, VINCheck.info provides an outstanding and free VIN lookup service, ensuring that individuals are well-informed and protected when dealing with used vehicles.

5. Vehicle history report from LemonChecks.com

LemonChecks.com is a valuable resource for obtaining a detailed vehicle history report at no cost. This report stands out from other free alternatives by providing a thorough examination of your vehicle’s background. It covers crucial aspects such as major accidents, complete title history, potential flood damage, odometer rollbacks, undisclosed liens, theft records, and more.

To access your report, simply visit the website and input your car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The process is user-friendly, and the service is entirely free. Take advantage of this convenient and comprehensive tool to gain insights into your vehicle’s history—visit the site and get your free vehicle history report today!

6. iSeeCars VIN Report

The iSeeCars VIN Report is a free service that provides a detailed overview of a vehicle, much like Carfax. It covers a whopping 200 data points, offering an extensive analysis. If you use this service and the dealer or seller provides it, you might also receive a link to a free Carfax report—no extra cost.

Just visit the iSeeCars website, enter your VIN, and get your comprehensive vehicle report. Check it out [here](insert hyperlink).

7. BeenVerified

BeenVerified is a reliable source for vehicle history data, offering a $1 trial with 7-day access or a $5 trial with access to PDFs. Users can generate up to 100 reports per month. The platform maintains a vast and regularly updated database containing billions of records.

Pros:

• Affordable trials: Enjoy a $1 trial with 7-day access or a $5 trial including PDFs.
• Generous report limit: Users can generate up to 100 reports per month.
• Reliable information: BeenVerified provides genuine and up-to-date vehicle history reports.
• Comprehensive search tool: The platform offers a 7-in-one search tool for efficient searches.

Cons:

• Lack of single-report pricing: BeenVerified does not offer pricing for individual reports.

To pull a vehicle history report with BeenVerified:

1. Visit the BeenVerified Vehicle Search page.
2. Enter the VIN or license plate number and click SEARCH.
3. Wait briefly as BeenVerified checks your VIN against its extensive database.
4. Once a match is found, the platform compiles the associated records into a report, providing insights into the vehicle’s history. Simply click to open the report and unlock valuable information about the vehicle’s past.

8. Bumper

As an approved NMVTIS Data Provider, Bumper aims to empower consumers by offering a comprehensive vehicle history report. This report covers crucial aspects such as title registration, ownership transfers, accident history, services, and recalls. With a user-friendly interface, users can easily perform a vehicle search by entering the VIN, ensuring they have the necessary information to make informed decisions about potential vehicle purchases.

Pros:

• Approved NMVTIS Data Provider: Bumper is officially recognized as a provider of data from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), ensuring reliability and accuracy in the information it provides.
• A wide range of vehicle data: Bumper offers a comprehensive set of data about a vehicle. This includes details such as title registration, ownership transfers, accident history, services received, recalls, and more.
• 50 reports/month: Users of Bumper enjoy the flexibility of generating up to 50 vehicle history reports per month, allowing them to gather information on multiple vehicles.
• All-in-one marketplace: Bumper serves as a centralized marketplace, providing users with a one-stop platform for accessing diverse information about vehicles.
• Market value comparison: Users can benefit from market value comparison features, helping them assess the fair value of a vehicle in the current market.

Cons:

• No free basic info: Unlike some other services, Bumper does not offer free basic information. Users need to subscribe or make a payment to access the detailed vehicle history reports.

9. EPICVIN

EPICVIN is a popular choice for checking a vehicle’s history. They offer free basic information like specs, functionality, mileage, and potential accident history. Although the pricing for detailed reports is a bit high, you can access unlimited reports.

To use EPICVIN, go to their official website, enter the VIN number or US License Plate, and click “Check VIN.” Wait for the database to gather records, and you’ll receive a comprehensive report summarizing your car’s history.

10. Buy a vehicle history report

If you’re looking to buy a vehicle, it’s a good idea to get a vehicle history report. You can find these reports on various websites, and the federal government’s National Motor Vehicle Title Information System has a list of approved providers, with reports starting at $2.95. These reports focus on preventing auto fraud and theft by providing information about the vehicle’s title, past damage, and odometer readings. The data for these reports comes from auto recyclers, salvage yards, and junkyards.

Keep in mind that the information in a report from one company may not be complete, so the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends considering a second report from another company. If you suspect that a report is outdated or contains missing or false information, the FTC suggests reaching out to the company that produced the report for clarification.

More Carfax report alternatives

In addition to the options above, there are several alternative ways to get a free vehicle history report:

• AutoCheck: You can use AutoCheck, a competing service to Carfax, which sometimes offers free reports through various dealerships or online promotions. AutoCheck provides a brief two- or three-digit vehicle history score for free, offering a summarized grade for a car’s history. However, to access the complete background report of a vehicle, one needs to make a purchase.
• National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB): The NICB provides a free database called VINCheck that allows you to check if a vehicle has been reported as stolen or salvaged.
• Government Websites: Some government agencies and departments offer free vehicle history information. For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides recall information.
• Dealerships and Sellers: Some sellers or dealers may provide you with a free vehicle history report to build trust and make a sale. It’s worth asking if they can provide one.
• Online Classifieds: When browsing for used cars online, some websites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace may have vehicle history information shared by sellers or previous owners.
• Friends and Family: If you know someone who’s knowledgeable about cars or has access to paid services, they might be able to help you obtain a vehicle history report for free.

Remember that while these alternatives can provide valuable information about a used vehicle, they may not be as comprehensive as a paid Carfax report. Be sure to gather information from multiple sources to make an informed decision when purchasing a used car.

What should I do after reading the vehicle history report?

After reviewing the vehicle history report, it’s important to recognize that it’s just one piece of the puzzle when deciding to purchase a car. While reports from providers like Carfax offer valuable insights, they shouldn’t be the sole basis for your decision. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) emphasizes that a vehicle history report doesn’t replace the need for an independent mechanic to inspect the car.

This is crucial, even if the vehicle is certified by a dealer or comes with a warranty. A thorough inspection by a mechanic can uncover hidden damages and other potential issues that may not be evident in the history report. Therefore, it’s advisable to combine the information from the report with a professional inspection to make a well-informed decision about the purchase.

What’s next?

Sure thing! When you’re in the process of purchasing a used car, it’s not just about the vehicle history report. After considering that report, it’s wise to take a few additional steps to ensure a well-informed decision.

1. Go on a test drive: Before finalizing the deal, take the car for a spin. This allows you to assess its performance, handling, and overall condition firsthand.
2. Review maintenance records: Obtain and review the vehicle’s maintenance records. This can give you insights into how well the car has been cared for and if any major repairs have been undertaken.
3. Figure out the value before negotiating a price: Research the market value of the specific make and model you’re interested in. Knowing the fair value helps you negotiate a reasonable price for the used car.
4. Research the car’s maintenance and repair costs: Look into the typical maintenance and repair costs associated with the car model. This information can help you anticipate potential future expenses and make a more informed decision about your purchase.