If you’re about to buy a car, have just bought a car, or are selling a car, you want to know if the car has a clean vehicle history, or if it’s been in accidents, had title issues, was stolen, or developed mechanical problems.
A vehicle history report is a background check on a vehicle’s ownership, and it’s one of the most important consumer protection tools available. From salvage titles and flood damage to Lemon histories and repairs, the reasons to check a vehicle history report are endless. But what happens when that report isn’t checked, or worse, doesn’t tell the whole story?
The unfortunate reason you may be looking…
Have you just bought a car, and already something’s wrong? Maybe you’re having unexpected problems, and the dealership can’t fix them — or won’t. Maybe you were told it was in “great condition.” But now it’s back in the shop, and you’re stuck paying for repairs you didn’t see coming.
When this happens, a vehicle history report can help reveal undisclosed damage. The three main places to get a report are:
- Carfax
- AutoCheck
- National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS)
Each pulls data from different sources, including insurance companies, DMVs, police records, repair shops, and auctions. Together, they provide a better picture of a car’s history in one simple document.
What is included in a vehicle history report?
A vehicle history report includes:
- Accident history
- Flood and fire damage
- Inspections
- Lemon history
- Odometer reading
- Previous owners
- Registration history
- Sales Locations
- Salvage title
- Service history
- Title issues
- VIN
When the report isn’t enough
If you skip a vehicle history report, you could unknowingly buy a damaged or problematic car that leads to out-of-pocket costs and real safety concerns. But even if you check a report, sometimes the information isn’t accurate. Some owners fix damage themselves, find a shop that won’t report repairs, or avoid reporting damages to their insurance company.
When you pull a Carfax or NMVTIS report and discover hidden problems, you need to act. Don’t just file a complaint — contact an attorney right away.
Did the dealership “forget” to tell you about an accident?
Some buyers don’t discover the dealership forgot to tell you about an accident until they see it in a vehicle history report. Your car may have major damage to its frame, panels, or paint, covered up just enough to pass inspection. Now the problems, the repairs, and the lost vehicle value are yours to deal with.
But do you need an attorney to sue a car dealership? If the car dealership did not disclose the accident, you may have a legal claim. Dealers are required by law to disclose prior damage when it affects safety or value. When they fail to take accountability, you need a consumer protection attorney on your side.
Brennan Law is an experienced and aggressive trial firm that holds dealerships accountable. If you’ve been sold a car under false pretenses, you deserve answers — and options. Call today for your free consultation.