When buying a used car, ensuring it has a clean history is essential to avoid unwanted surprises. Salvage history checks provide important data about any previous events that may have an impact on the safety, reliability or residual value of a car.
Below, we provide a list of the top 10 websites that will help you conduct thorough salvage history checks, giving you peace of mind before making your purchase. Let’s dive in!
1. Motorscan
Motorscan is unique as the most complete system for checking salvage history. Motorscan offers comprehensive reports that contain data on accidents, salvage titles, and insurance claims against the vehicle. It also boasts an intuitive user interface which is easy to learn to understand the history of a car, even for the layman. At an inexpensive cost and predictable data, Motorscan offers the optimal solution for a salvage history check.
2. Carfax
Carfax is one of the most popular companies in the field. It provides detailed information about the vehicle’s history, such as previous accidents, service history and whether a vehicle has a salvage title. While Carfax is also slightly more expensive, the brand’s reputation for passing stringent audits gives it a solid look.
3. AutoCheck
AutoCheck is also a good option to determine the history of a vehicle. It offers an overall score that compares the health of a vehicle to other cars of a similar model, providing an easy gauge to determine if the car is worth buying or not. AutoCheck’s database covers millions of vehicles, ensuring reliable information.
4. VinAudit
VinAudit offers affordable and straightforward reports that cover essential salvage information. Using data from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), VinAudit provides information on past accident history, salvage titles, and mileage for a reasonable price.
5. VINCheckPro
VINCheckPro offers free basic validation which has made it the popular selection of many individuals desiring to quickly obtain initial data without a charge in advance. It covers major salvage records, theft history, and accident reports, but for more in-depth information, a premium report is recommended.
6. National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS)
The NMVTIS is a government-sanctioned database that provides accurate data on vehicles that have been through significant crashes or have a salvage title. Reports are comprehensive and the source is reliable, but the interface is not as easy-to-use as some commercial services.
7. EpicVIN
EpicVIN provides detailed reports including salvage records, previous auctions, and odometer readings. Because of its simplicity they are easy to understand the vehicle’s history and to use even by beginners. They offer various pricing options to suit different needs.
8. ClearVIN
ClearVIN gathers its data from NMVTIS and other trustworthy sources, presenting an easy-to-understand report about a vehicle’s salvage history. Their reports contain history records of damage, title records, and market value, and thus offers a holistic one.
9. InstaVIN
InstaVIN offers instant access to vehicle reports, including salvage history, accident records, and title details. With a solid reputation, InstaVIN delivers comprehensive and easy-to-understand reports that help you make an informed decision.
10. Bumper
Bumper provides extensive reports that include salvage title information, past accidents, and even market comparisons to help determine a car’s value. Bumper also offers a mobile app, making it convenient to check reports anytime, anywhere.
What is a salvage title, and why is it important to check for one?
A salvage title is a designation given to a vehicle that has been significantly damaged, often due to an accident, flood, or other catastrophic events, to the point where the insurance company deemed it a total loss.
Reporting on a salvage title is significant as it implies that the vehicle may have latent problems regarding safety, reliability, and value. Insurance of salvage vehicles is endlessly costly and the resale value is in common much smaller than that of vehicles with clean titles. Performing a salvage history check provides you with an informed choice and potential for risk avoidance when buying a salvage vehicle.
Conclusion
When buying a used car, it’s crucial to know if the vehicle has a salvage history that could impact its safety and value. By using one of the top 10 websites listed above, you can get a clear understanding of the vehicle’s history before making your purchase.
Regardless of whether you go for the stability of Motorscan or select some other fine options, these portals offer you the kind of crucial data that you need to drive with comfort.
