How to Check a Vehicle's History Effectively

Buying a used vehicle can be an exciting yet daunting experience. One of the most crucial steps in this process is investigating the vehicle's history to ensure you're not inheriting someone else's problems. In Canada, particularly in Alberta, there are several resources available to help you uncover a vehicle's past. At Alpine Auto Assist, we've helped thousands of Calgary residents verify vehicle histories, and we've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you conduct your own thorough research.

Why Vehicle History Matters

Before diving into the how-to, let's understand why checking a vehicle's history is so important:

• Safety Concerns: A vehicle with a history of major structural damage may not provide adequate protection in an accident, even if repairs appear satisfactory.
• Financial Protection: Discovering issues after purchase can lead to expensive repairs that could have been avoided.
• Resale Value: Vehicles with accident history typically have lower resale values, so you should pay less upfront.
• Fraud Prevention: History checks can reveal odometer tampering, title washing, and other deceptive practices.
• Insurance Issues: Some insurance companies may charge higher premiums or even refuse coverage for vehicles with certain histories.

Essential Information to Gather Before You Start

Before running any checks, collect these crucial pieces of information from the vehicle and seller:

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The 17-character VIN is the most important piece of information for checking a vehicle's history. You can find it in several locations:

• Driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield)
• Driver's side door jamb sticker
• Vehicle registration document
• Insurance documents

Pro tip: Always verify that the VIN on the dashboard matches the VIN on the door jamb sticker and registration documents. Mismatched VINs are a major red flag.

Current and Previous Registration

Ask to see the current registration and, if available, previous registration documents. These will show:

• The registered owner's name (should match the seller)
• Registration history and jurisdiction(s)
• Classification of the vehicle (e.g., rebuilt, salvage)

Service Records

Comprehensive service records are valuable for understanding how well the vehicle has been maintained and can corroborate information from other sources.

Major Vehicle History Report Services in Canada

Now let's explore the primary sources for vehicle history information in Canada:

CARFAX Canada (formerly CarProof)

CARFAX Canada is one of the most comprehensive vehicle history report services in the country and is particularly useful for vehicles in Alberta.

• Cost: Approximately $39.95 for a single report
• What it covers:
  • Accident history and damage records
  • Registration history across Canadian provinces
  • Lien records (important to ensure the vehicle is not legally owned by a lender)
  • Imported vehicle information
  • Theft records
  • Canadian and some U.S. history

CARFAX Canada is particularly valuable in Alberta because it includes data from the Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (AMVIC) and Alberta registries.

AutoCheck

Owned by Experian, AutoCheck is another valuable resource, especially for vehicles that may have been imported from or used in the United States.

• Cost: Approximately $24.95 for a single report, with options for multiple reports
• What it covers:
  • Accident history
  • Title information including salvage and rebuilt status
  • Odometer readings
  • Service and repair information
  • Vehicle use history (taxi, rental, lease, etc.)
  • Particularly strong for U.S. history

Government Resources

Provincial government resources provide official information that should be checked in addition to commercial reports:

Alberta Motor Vehicle Information Report (MVIR)

• Cost: $22 through a registry agent
• What it covers:
  • Current and previous Alberta registrations
  • Details about the vehicle's status (normal, salvage, rebuilt, etc.)
  • Lien information
  • Odometer readings from registration records

You can obtain an MVIR from any Alberta registry agent. This is particularly important for Alberta vehicles as it contains official government records that may not appear in commercial reports.

Other Provincial Resources

If the vehicle has been registered in other provinces, check those provinces' motor vehicle departments for additional history:

• British Columbia: ICBC vehicle history report
• Ontario: Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP)
• Quebec: SAAQ vehicle history report

Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC)

You can check if a vehicle has been reported stolen through the CPIC, which is operated by the RCMP. While not a full history report, it's a crucial check before purchase.

How to Interpret Vehicle History Reports

Having a report is only valuable if you know what to look for. Here's what to pay attention to:

Red Flags in Vehicle History Reports

• Salvage or Rebuilt Title: Indicates the vehicle was declared a total loss by an insurance company but has been rebuilt. These vehicles can have hidden structural issues and are typically worth 20-40% less than vehicles with clean titles.
• Odometer Discrepancies: If the report shows the odometer reading going backward or jumping significantly between readings, this suggests tampering.
• Multiple Accident Reports: Especially those labeled as "severe" or with airbag deployment, which could indicate structural damage.
• Flood Damage: One of the most problematic issues as it can cause long-term electrical and mechanical problems that may not be immediately apparent.
• Title Washing: If a vehicle has moved between provinces or countries multiple times in a short period, this could indicate an attempt to "wash" a branded title (remove salvage or rebuilt status).
• Inconsistent Registration History: Long gaps in registration could indicate the vehicle was inoperable for periods.
• Liens: Outstanding liens mean the vehicle legally belongs to a lender, and you could lose the vehicle if the seller defaults on their loan.

Understanding Accident Reports

Not all accidents are equal. When reviewing accident information:

• Look for the severity classification (minor, moderate, severe)
• Note whether structural or frame damage was reported
• Check if airbags deployed (indicates a significant impact)
• Review repair costs if available (higher costs typically indicate more serious damage)

"A minor fender bender shouldn't necessarily disqualify a vehicle from consideration, but a history of severe accidents or structural damage should prompt serious caution."

Understanding "No Records Found"

If a report comes back with "no records found," this doesn't necessarily mean the vehicle has a clean history. It could mean:

• The vehicle was repaired without an insurance claim
• The accident occurred in a jurisdiction not covered by the report
• The incident hasn't yet been recorded in the databases

This is why it's important to use multiple sources and combine history reports with a thorough physical inspection.

Beyond History Reports: Additional Verification Steps

Vehicle history reports should be one component of your research, not the entire process:

Physical Inspection by a Professional

Have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic who can identify signs of previous damage that may not appear on reports. In Calgary, a pre-purchase inspection typically costs $100-$200 and is well worth the investment.

VIN Decoding

Use online VIN decoders to verify that the VIN matches the vehicle's make, model, year, and features. This can help identify title washing where the VIN plate has been swapped.

Check for Recalls

Transport Canada maintains a database of vehicle recalls. Check if the vehicle has outstanding recalls and whether they've been addressed.

Request Service Records

Ask the seller for maintenance records, which can both verify the vehicle's history and demonstrate how well it's been maintained.

Contact Previous Owners

If possible, try to contact previous owners listed on the registration history. They may share valuable information about the vehicle's past that isn't documented.

Vehicle History Verification for Imported Vehicles

Vehicles imported from the United States or other countries require additional scrutiny:

Imported from the U.S.

For U.S. imports, which are common in Alberta:

• Get a U.S.-specific history report (AutoCheck or U.S. CARFAX)
• Check the vehicle's title status through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS)
• Verify that the vehicle was properly imported and meets Canadian safety standards
• Look for a Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) sticker, which should be present on all legally imported vehicles

Other International Imports

For vehicles from other countries:

• Check import documentation thoroughly
• Verify compliance with Canadian standards
• Be especially cautious as history reporting may be limited or nonexistent

Digital Tools and Apps for Vehicle History Verification

Several mobile apps and online tools can simplify the vehicle history verification process:

• CARFAX Canada App: Allows you to scan a VIN and instantly purchase a report
• autoTRADER.ca App: Offers VIN scanning and basic history information
• VIN Check Pro: Provides basic VIN decoding and some history information
• VIN Verify Apps: Help ensure the VIN is valid and matches the vehicle specifications

The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Vehicle History Reports

Some buyers hesitate to spend money on history reports, but consider this perspective:

• A comprehensive history check typically costs $40-$60
• A vehicle with undisclosed major damage could cost thousands in repairs or be unsafe
• The report cost represents less than 1% of the vehicle's value for most purchases

Think of a vehicle history report as an insurance policy against making a poor investment. The small upfront cost can save you from significant financial and safety issues down the road.

Case Study: Calgary Vehicle History Success Story

Recently, we helped a Calgary client avoid a potentially costly mistake. The vehicle in question—a 2018 SUV—looked immaculate and was priced slightly below market value. The seller claimed it had never been in an accident.

Our verification process revealed:

• The CARFAX report showed no incidents
• The Alberta MVIR indicated the vehicle had a rebuilt status
• Further investigation revealed the vehicle had been in a significant collision in Saskatchewan before being brought to Alberta
• The repairs had been done privately, explaining why they didn't appear on insurance-based reports

This illustrates why using multiple sources and thorough investigation is essential. Had our client relied solely on the CARFAX report, they would have overpaid by approximately $8,000 for a vehicle with significant previous damage.

Conclusion: A Multi-Layered Approach

The most effective vehicle history verification comes from combining multiple sources of information:

1. Start with commercial reports (CARFAX Canada, AutoCheck)
2. Add government verification (MVIR, other provincial reports)
3. Include a professional mechanical inspection
4. Verify with documentation from the seller
5. Use your own observations during the test drive and inspection

At Alpine Auto Assist, we perform this multi-layered verification for all vehicles we help clients purchase. If you're not confident in your ability to thoroughly investigate a vehicle's history, consider enlisting professional help. The peace of mind of knowing your vehicle's complete history is well worth the investment.

Remember: When it comes to vehicle history, what you don't know can hurt you—both financially and physically. Take the time to verify thoroughly before making your purchase decision.