Carfax FAQ

Answers to your most common questions about Carfax.

Quick, simple, and helpful information at a glance.

What is Carfax?
Carfax is a company that provides vehicle history reports for used cars.
How does Carfax gather information for their reports?
Carfax obtains information from a variety of sources, including state DMVs, auto auctions, and insurance companies.
Why do I need a Carfax report?
A Carfax report can provide valuable information about a vehicle's past, such as accidents, damage, and ownership history, which can help you make an informed decision when buying a used car.
How do I access a Carfax report?
You can purchase a Carfax report online through their website or through a participating dealership.
Can I get a Carfax report for free?
No, Carfax reports are not free. You will need to pay a fee to access a report.
Is Carfax reliable?
Carfax is generally considered a reputable source for vehicle history information. However, it is important to note that their reports may not include all information about a vehicle's history.
My Carfax report is missing information. What should I do?
If you believe important information is missing from your Carfax report, you can contact Carfax customer service for assistance.
How can I correct incorrect information on a Carfax report?
If you have documentation to prove that information on a Carfax report is incorrect, you can submit a dispute through their website.
My Carfax report shows an accident that I don't remember. What should I do?
First, confirm the information is correct by checking the vehicle's VIN on the report. If the information is incorrect, you can dispute it through the Carfax website.
Can I get a refund for a Carfax report?
Carfax does not offer refunds for reports. However, if a report is incomplete or missing information, you can request a free update.
Can I check my own car's history through Carfax?
Yes, you can use Carfax to check the history of your own vehicle.
How often is the information on a Carfax report updated?
Carfax reports are updated continuously as new information becomes available from their sources.
Can Carfax reports be used outside of the United States?
Carfax reports are also available for vehicles in Canada and some other countries. You can check their website for a full list of locations.
I received an error message when trying to access my Carfax report. What does it mean?
This could mean there was a technical issue, or the information for the specific vehicle may not be available. You can contact Carfax customer service for assistance.
Can I add my own comments or notes to a Carfax report?
No, you cannot add personal comments or notes to a Carfax report. The report only includes information from their sources.
What should I do if a Carfax report shows a salvage or branded title?
A branded or salvage title typically means the vehicle has been in a serious accident or suffered significant damage. You should carefully consider this information before purchasing the vehicle and get a thorough inspection from a mechanic.
Can I check for recalls on a Carfax report?
Yes, Carfax reports include information about any open recalls that may be associated with the vehicle.
I'm seeing multiple reports for the same vehicle. Why?
This may mean the vehicle has been re-sold or reported at different locations. Each report may contain different information, so it's important to review them all carefully.
I'm trying to access a Carfax report for a particular vehicle, but it keeps redirecting me to a different report. Why?
This could mean that the vehicle has been in multiple accidents and the report you are trying to access is a combination of all the reported damages.
My Carfax report shows a vehicle as a "total loss." What does this mean?
A total loss vehicle is one that has been declared a complete loss by an insurance company. This means the cost of repairs was estimated to be more than the vehicle's value.
My Carfax report says the vehicle has been in an accident, but the seller claims it hasn't. What should I do?
You can ask the seller for more information and evidence about the accident. You can also consider getting a professional inspection or purchasing a different vehicle.
My Carfax report shows a lien on the vehicle. What should I do?
A lien means there is a loan or some other type of financial agreement on the vehicle. You should do thorough research and carefully consider purchasing a vehicle with a lien.
Can Carfax reports be used to negotiate a better price for a vehicle?
Yes, if the report shows a negative history, you may be able to negotiate a lower price for the vehicle. However, this depends on the seller.
Can I get a free Carfax report from a dealership?
Some dealerships may provide a free Carfax report for a vehicle, but this is not always the case. It is best to ask the dealership beforehand.
I am having trouble with my Carfax account. What should I do?
You can contact Carfax customer service for assistance with any account issues.
Can I get a Carfax report for a motorcycle or RV?
Yes, Carfax reports are also available for motorcycles, RVs, and other types of vehicles.
Can I put a Carfax report on hold?
No, Carfax reports cannot be put on hold or saved for later. You will need to purchase a new report each time you want to access it.
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