What vehicle history reports contain and who provides them

A vehicle history report is a document that compiles public records about a specific car's past. The report shows ownership changes, accident history, title status, odometer readings, and service records — information pulled from state motor vehicle departments, insurance companies, police reports, and repair shops. The three largest providers are CARFAX, AutoCheck, and the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), though smaller services exist as well.

CARFAX and AutoCheck are private companies that sell reports directly to consumers and dealers. NMVTIS is a government-run database that states use to track title information and prevent title fraud; you can order NMVTIS reports through authorized vendors, not directly from the government. Each provider pulls from different sources, so a report from one company may show details the others do not.

The cost of a single report typically ranges from $20 to $30 when purchased directly, though prices vary by provider and whether you buy one report or a package. Some dealerships include a report with the sale, and some used-car marketplaces embed reports in their listings.

Key Takeaways

  • Vehicle history reports show ownership history, accident records, title status, and service records pulled from public and insurance databases, but they are not complete — not all accidents or repairs are reported to these sources.
  • CARFAX and AutoCheck are the two largest private providers; NMVTIS is a government database that tracks title information and can be ordered through authorized vendors.
  • A single report costs $20 to $30 from most providers, though packages and dealer-included reports may cost less per report.
  • Reports from different providers may show different information because they pull from different sources, so checking more than one can reveal details the others missed.
  • A clean report does not may provide a car has no hidden damage or problems — private repairs, unreported accidents, and title issues in other states may not appear.

What information appears in a typical report

A standard vehicle history report includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model, and year; a list of previous owners and the dates of ownership; title information showing whether the title is clean, salvaged, rebuilt, or branded; and reported accidents or damage with dates and severity levels when available.

Most reports also show odometer readings recorded at service visits, auctions, or title transfers, which can reveal mileage inconsistencies. They include records of recalls issued by the manufacturer and whether those recalls have been completed. Some reports note whether the vehicle was used as a rental, fleet vehicle, or taxi, which can affect its condition and resale value.

Insurance loss history appears on most reports — this shows whether an insurance company paid a claim for damage to the vehicle. However, not all accidents result in insurance claims, and not all repairs are reported to the databases these companies use. A report showing no accidents does not mean the car was never damaged.

Differences between CARFAX, AutoCheck, and NMVTIS

CARFAX is the largest private provider and has partnerships with many dealerships, insurance companies, and repair shops. It reports data from over 700 million records and updates continuously. CARFAX reports are widely available and often included in dealer listings on major marketplaces.

AutoCheck is owned by Experian and pulls from different sources than CARFAX, including auction data and insurance records. AutoCheck sometimes shows title problems or ownership history that CARFAX misses, and vice versa. AutoCheck reports are less commonly bundled with dealer sales but are available for direct purchase.

NMVTIS is the official government database for title information. It is maintained by the Department of Justice and tracks whether a title has been branded as salvage, junk, or rebuilt in any state. You cannot order NMVTIS reports directly from the government; instead, you order through private vendors authorized to access the system. NMVTIS focuses on title status rather than accident or service history.

Because each source pulls from different databases, a car might show a clean title on CARFAX but a salvage title on NMVTIS if the salvage branding occurred in a state that reported to NMVTIS but not to CARFAX's network. Checking both a private report and NMVTIS can catch discrepancies.

What reports do not show and why gaps exist

Vehicle history reports rely on data that is voluntarily reported or legally required to be reported to specific databases. Private repairs done by the owner at an independent shop, or work done by the owner themselves, do not appear on any report. If a car was in an accident but the owner paid out of pocket rather than filing an insurance claim, that accident will not show up.

Accidents that occurred in states with limited reporting requirements may not appear on national databases. Some states do not require police reports for minor accidents, and some repair shops do not report to insurance databases. A car might have been in multiple accidents that straightforward were never reported to the companies that feed data to CARFAX or AutoCheck.

Mechanical problems, flood damage, frame damage, and other issues do not appear on a history report unless they resulted in an insurance claim or a branded title. A car with a failing transmission or hidden rust will show a clean report. This is why a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic is important — it catches problems that no report can show.

How to order a report and what to do with the information

To order a CARFAX report, visit carfax.com, enter the vehicle's VIN, and pay the per-report fee. CARFAX offers single reports and multi-report packages. Reports are delivered when ready as a PDF or web page. Many used-car listings on Autotrader, Cars.com, and dealer websites include a CARFAX report link.

To order an AutoCheck report, visit autocheck.com, enter the VIN, and pay the fee. AutoCheck also offers packages and when ready delivery. Some dealerships and auction sites provide AutoCheck reports as part of their listings.

To order an NMVTIS report, search for "NMVTIS authorized vendor" and choose a provider. Common vendors include CARfax (which offers NMVTIS reports separately), AutoCheck, and specialty title services. You will need the VIN and vehicle owner information. NMVTIS reports focus on title history and are often cheaper than full accident history reports.

When you receive a report, look first at the title status — if it shows salvage, junk, or rebuilt, understand what that means for the car's value and insurability. Check the ownership history for red flags like rapid ownership changes or title transfers between states. Compare the odometer readings across different dates to spot mileage rollback. If you see accident history, ask the seller for documentation of repairs. If the report is clean but you are still concerned, order a report from a different provider or have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

When to order reports and how many to get

Order a vehicle history report before you make an offer on a used car, not after. The report costs less than a pre-purchase inspection and can reveal problems that make the car not worth buying. If you are considering multiple vehicles, order a report for each one.

For most purchases, ordering one report from either CARFAX or AutoCheck is sufficient. However, if the report shows any red flags — accidents, title issues, or gaps in ownership history — order a second report from a different provider to confirm or clarify the information. If you are buying from a private seller rather than a dealer, ordering two reports is a reasonable precaution because private sellers may not have disclosed all history.

Always order an NMVTIS report if you are buying a car that was previously titled in a different state or if the report from CARFAX or AutoCheck shows any title branding. NMVTIS is the authoritative source for whether a title has been branded as salvage or rebuilt, and it can catch title problems that private reports miss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a vehicle history report for free?

Some dealerships and used-car marketplaces include reports with their listings at no additional cost to you. However, if you are buying from a private seller or want to order your own report, you will need to pay the provider's fee, which is typically $20 to $30 per report. Government NMVTIS reports are not free, but they are often cheaper than CARFAX or AutoCheck reports.

What does a salvage title mean on a vehicle history report?

A salvage title means an insurance company declared the car a total loss after an accident or other damage. The car may have been repaired and returned to the road, but it will always carry the salvage branding. Salvage-titled cars are often cheaper but may be harder to insure and resell, and they typically have lower resale value than cars with clean titles.

If a report shows no accidents, does that mean the car is safe to buy?

No. A clean report means no accidents were reported to the databases these companies use, but it does not mean the car has never been damaged. Private repairs, unreported accidents, and mechanical problems will not appear on any history report. Always have a mechanic inspect the car before purchase, regardless of what the report shows.

Should I order reports from multiple providers?

For most purchases, one report is enough. However, if you see red flags like title issues or accident history, ordering a second report from a different provider can confirm or clarify the information. If you are buying from a private seller, ordering two reports is a reasonable precaution because different providers pull from different sources.

What is the difference between a rebuilt title and a salvage title?

A salvage title is issued after an insurance company declares a car a total loss. A rebuilt title is issued after a salvage-titled car has been repaired and passes inspection to be returned to the road. Both titles are permanent and will appear on all future reports, but a rebuilt title indicates the car has been inspected and deemed roadworthy, whereas a salvage title does not.