Car history reports allow you to know about the vehicle’s ownership and accident history. Discover why car history reports can help you decide whether to buy a particular car.
If you are purchasing a used car, you know how important it is to make sure that the vehicle you are purchasing will be long-lasting and worth your money. Therefore, you will want to do your research before buying, and one way to do this is to use a car history report. These reports will provide you with details about the car’s past ownership and any accidents or damages it may have been involved in.
Knowing this information can help you make an informed decision about whether to buy the car, and even help you uncover surprising information about its past that you will be glad to have caught before buying the car. Getting a car history report will also help you maintain your peace of mind, ensuring that your vehicle has been checked out thoroughly and that you are buying a reliable car. 
Why Car History Reports are Important
Car history reports are essential because of both what they tell you about the car’s past as well as how this helps you get an appropriate price for the car. The report includes information about the previous owner of the car, as well as any accidents or damage that the car sustained while it was under their ownership. It will also provide thorough information about repairs done on the car or mechanical issues. All these factors lead you to having a thorough understanding of the history of your purchase, which can then make you a more informed buyer.
These reports can also be particularly helpful if you are buying a car from a private seller. Through viewing the car’s history report, you can learn about any potential problems that may not be apparent from a visual inspection. For example, if the car has been in an accident, you would be able to see if it was properly repaired. There is so much more to a car than just its appearances, and car history reports help get a better picture of the functionality of the car’s internal parts.
Benefits of Getting your Car History Report
Beyond the obvious benefit of being a more informed consumer and feeling sound in your purchases, getting your car history report can also help you make sure that you are paying a fair and appropriate price for your car. If you know that a car has been in an accident, for instance, you may be able to get a discount on the purchase price. Additionally, if the seller, whether it be a dealership or private owner, is aware that the potential buyer has access to this information, they may be more likely to come down on their asking price.
This will help ensure that you are getting a car in good condition and that you are not overpaying for it. It is also important to do your due diligence so that you are aware of any possible future expenses for your vehicle. If you end up purchasing a car that, according to the car history report, has had several internal issues, it is likely that your mechanical fees in the future will be higher than if the car was purchased in a better condition.
Types of Car History Reports
Car history reports can range from simple to overly detailed, depending on the amount of information you want to find out about your car’s past life. The most basic type of car history report will simply provide you with information on the car’s ownership history. This can be helpful in determining whether the car has been well-maintained by its previous owners. However, this will not provide you with any information on accidents or repairs.
Another type of car history report is the VIN report, which uses the car’s unique identification number to track and collect information about its history. This can help determine if the car has been in any accidents or has had repairs. If you are looking for a more detailed report that will give you extensive information about your car, opt for a VIN report over a basic car history report.
Finally, there is an insurance report, which tracks the car’s insurance history. This can help to discover if the car has been involved in any prior claims, since you may not be able to get this information directly from the previous owner of the car.
Brands of Car History Reports
There are many different brands of car history reports available on the market today, each with its own strengths and drawbacks. Some of the most popular options include CarFax, Kelley Blue Book, and AutoCheck. CarFax is considered by many to be a top choice due to its extensive database and user-friendly interface, as well as its ability to verify mileage accurately. On the other hand, some car buyers prefer the more affordable AutoCheck report, which offers similar information but at a lower cost to the buyer. Another benefit of AutoCheck is their rating system, which helps you determine how the car’s history affects its retail worth. All three of these brands are known for their commitment to accuracy, with regular updates to keep their databases up to date.
Cost of Car History Reports
Keep in mind, there are several different types of car history reports, so the cost of a car history report depends on how detailed and extensive the information it contains is. According to Carfax.com, a singular report from them can be purchased for $39.99, and you can purchase 5 reports for $59.99, essentially a bundle deal. From AutoCheck, a single report is $24.99, but they also have options to view many reports, since if you are looking for a used car, it is important to make sure you carefully survey all your options. AutoCheck gives you access to 25 reports in 21 days for the price of $49.99. For an extremely simple report, one can be bought for as little as $10, but it will contain significantly less information than the more costly reports, and for good reason.