The CARFAX database is the most comprehensive and accurate vehicle database in North America, containing 2.36 billion vehicle history records that are updated monthly. Each record reveals information about a car's history, such as an odometer reading, date a salvage/junk title was issued, or if it was a rental car.

CARFAX Terms

VIN: The Vehicle ID Number (VIN) can be found on dashboards and title documents. All cars and light trucks built after 1981 have a unique 17-character VIN that contains valuable information about that vehicle's history.

Shopping Tip: To check used vehicles while you shop, be sure to ask the dealer/seller for the VINs.

TITLE CHECK

Salvaged? Lemon? Flooded? Rebuilt?

Salvage File
A full CARFAX Report can uncover if this vehicle was damaged in a major accident or wreck. These damaged cars are often sold to buyers without disclosing the problem past.

Lemon File
Many states across the country have Lemon Laws to protect consumers from buying a bad car. A full CARFAX Report can help you avoid these problem cars.

Flood File
Flood damaged cars are often moved to other states and sold to unsuspecting buyers. Don’t get caught buying one of these waterlogged vehicles - order a full CARFAX Report.

Rebuilt/Reconstructed Title
The vehicle sustained damage and was rebuilt or reconstructed, then placed back on the road.

ODOMETER CHECK

Fraud? Rolled Over? Rolled Back? Broken?

Odometer File
Odometer rollback fraud costs car buyers thousands. A full CARFAX Report can identify potential odometer fraud before you purchase.

Not Actual Mileage File
Is the odometer showing the actual mileage? Odometers often malfunction and no longer record the proper mileage reading. Learn the true mileage of the vehicle by ordering a full CARFAX Report.

PROBLEM CHECK

Accident File
Major accident damage severely affects the safety and resale value of a vehicle. Don't make a costly mistake - order a full CARFAX Report to avoid buying a rebuilt wreck.

Salvage Auction Record
Vehicles classified as "totaled" by insurance companies are often sold at auction to be reconstructed and put back on the road.

Fire Damage
CARFAX receives information on vehicle fires from most US jurisdictions. These events are usually not the result of an accident and are taken from the actual fire department reports compiled at the scene.

Stolen Vehicle Record
Law enforcement officials have notified other government agencies that an owner has reported a vehicle missing. This vehicle may have since been legitimately recovered.

REGISTRATION CHECK

Lease
Vehicle was registered but not owned by the driver

Rental Car File
Rental cars are driven by many people under various driving conditions. A full CARFAX Report will uncover a vehicle's rental car history.

Taxi/Police
Vehicle registered as a taxi, "for hire" or law enforcement vehicle.

Fleet Vehicle
Vehicle was registered or sold to a company that manages vehicle fleets.

SHOPPING