How to Get and Use a Vehicle's Accident History Before You Buy

A vehicle history report - pulled with the car's VIN from services like Carfax, AutoCheck, NMVTIS, or NICB - reveals reported accidents, title brands, flood claims, and odometer issues. Use those reports along with a pre-purchase mechanical inspection and seller documentation to reduce the chances of buying a car with hidden damage. Reports have gaps; always verify with inspection and state DMV records.

Why vehicle accident history matters

Buying a used car without knowing its past can lead to surprise repairs, safety concerns, and reduced resale value. A vehicle history lets you see reported collisions, branded titles (salvage/rebuilt), flood damage, odometer issues, and other red flags that affect safety and cost.

How to get a vehicle history report

• Use the vehicle VIN. Every report starts with the car's 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

• Commercial services. Carfax and AutoCheck are the most common paid reports. They aggregate insurance, DMV, and dealership records to show accidents, title brands, service entries, and more.

• Federal and nonprofit databases. The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) tracks title brands (salvage, junk, rebuilt) across participating states. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) offers a free VINCheck for theft and total-loss reports.

• State and local sources. Your state DMV can confirm title status and brands. Repair shops, body shops, and insurance companies may provide additional records if the owner consents.

Reports usually list: title brands (salvage/rebuilt), records of reported collisions, airbag deployment, flood or hail claims, odometer discrepancies, and service history entries. They do not guarantee a car's condition - only events that were reported to those sources.

Limitations to keep in mind

Not every incident appears in a report. Minor collisions repaired without insurance, private repairs, or work done by smaller shops may not be logged. Title branding and insurance claims vary by state. Treat reports as an important screening tool, not a full inspection.

Inspect the car and verify

• Get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic who will check frame alignment, suspension, airbag systems, and signs of flood or structural repairs.

• Compare photos, paint color, and panel gaps to spot hidden repairs. Look for new welds, replaced panels, or mismatched paint.

• Ask the seller for maintenance records and the reason for any title brand (salvage/rebuilt).

For some classic or project cars, a rebuilt history may be acceptable - buyers often expect restoration work. Still, know how a salvage or rebuilt title affects insurance, safety checks, and future resale value.

Bottom line

Run a VIN-based vehicle history (Carfax/AutoCheck and NMVTIS/NICB checks), get a mechanic's inspection, and verify records with the seller. Combined, those steps greatly reduce the risk of buying a vehicle with hidden accident-related problems.