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- Always verify past accidents and salvage status through the federal National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) before buying a used car.
- You can also get comprehensive vehicle history reports from services like CARFAX or AutoCheck for $30 to $45.
- Frequent claims or rebuilt titles often indicate underlying structural issues that can lead to costly future repairs.
- Pair your verified history report with a physical evaluation from a trusted mechanic to ensure the car is fully road-ready.
You can access a used car’s insurance history through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, or NMVTIS, website or by requesting a vehicle history report from services like CARFAX or AutoCheck.
A single Carfax report costs $45, whereas an AutoCheck report costs $30. These reports offer details about the car’s title, insurance loss and salvage status. Here’s why a car’s insurance history might matter to you.
Why insurance history matters for used car buyers
When buying a used car, its insurance history can reveal important details about its past. It can illustrate whether the vehicle has been in major accidents, show if insurance claims were filed and whether it was ever declared a total loss.
For instance, if a car has a history of frequent claims or was previously totaled and rebuilt, it may have hidden problems that could lead to costly repairs down the road. On the other hand, a car with a clean insurance record is usually cheaper to insure and less likely to have underlying issues.
That’s why reviewing a car’s insurance history is a smart move before purchasing a used car.
Sophie’s wise words
A clean vehicle history report directly translates to affordable auto insurance premiums because it proves the car has no prior structural damage. Always verify a used car’s past claims and pair it with a trusted mechanic’s inspection so you can shop for coverage with confidence.
How to check a used car’s insurance history
When buying a used car, checking its insurance history is as important as reviewing its mechanical condition. Here are some ways to check a used car’s insurance history:
- Ask the seller for insurance records: The easiest way is to request the vehicle’s insurance history directly from the current or previous owner. Responsible sellers often maintain a record of past policies, claims or repair work covered by insurance.
- Get a vehicle history report: Services like Carfax or AutoCheck provide detailed reports based on a car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
- Contact the insurer: If you know which insurance company previously covered the car, you can contact them directly. While companies may have privacy policies that limit what they can disclose, they may confirm whether a vehicle was insured under their policies and whether it had any significant claims.
- NMVTIS: This official site provides a list of approved providers that offer NMVTIS-based vehicle history reports, which may include details on title status, insurance claims and salvage records.
Checking a used car’s insurance history helps you avoid buying a vehicle with hidden issues or past damage.
What to do if you discover a problem in a vehicle’s insurance history
If you find out about an issue in a used car’s insurance history, such as a past accident, salvage title or total loss claim, proceed cautiously. Start by assessing the severity of the issue and whether it was adequately addressed.
- Review the details: Start by thoroughly reviewing the insurance report. Look for past accident claims and records of total loss or salvage titles.
- Contact the seller or dealership: If you bought the car recently, contact the seller or dealership to clarify the issue. Ask for any documentation or proof of previous insurance coverage and claims, especially if something seems missing.
- Seek legal advice: If the issue is serious and the seller is uncooperative, consult a lawyer. You may have grounds to pursue legal action or file a complaint with a consumer protection agency.
- Review your state’s consumer protection laws: Consumer protection laws vary by state, especially when it comes to used car sales and warranties. It’s important to research and understand your specific rights under your state’s laws.
- Document everything: Keep a detailed record of all communications, documents and steps taken. It will be helpful if the situation escalates or legal action is needed.
Be sure to ask the seller for documentation of any repairs or title changes, and have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic to verify its current condition.
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Final thoughts
Buying a used car can be a smart financial move, but it’s essential to understand the vehicle’s background, especially its insurance history. Understanding if the car was involved in any accident or declared a total loss can help you avoid costly surprises in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions: Insurance history
How much does a vehicle history report cost?
A single vehicle history report typically costs between $30 and $45, depending on the service provider you choose. For example, a standard CARFAX report costs $45, whereas an AutoCheck report costs $30. Investing in these reports is a smart move because they provide important details about a car’s title, insurance claims and salvage status before you buy.
Can you get a vehicle’s history from the previous insurance company?
You can contact the previous insurer if you know which company covered the car, but strict privacy policies may limit the information they can legally disclose. While they might confirm previous coverage or significant claims, asking the seller directly for past insurance records or purchasing a comprehensive vehicle history report is a much more reliable approach.
What should you do if a vehicle has a bad insurance history?
If you discover severe issues, such as a total loss claim or a salvage title, proceed cautiously and assess the extent of past damage. Ask the seller for complete documentation of any repairs or title changes to understand how the issue was addressed. Always have a trusted mechanic thoroughly inspect the vehicle to verify it is safe to drive.
Sources
- National Motor Vehicle Title Information System. “Check the history of a vehicle.” Accessed April 2026.
- CARFAX. “CARFAX Vehicle History Reports.” Accessed April 2026.
- AutoCheck. “Score a great car with AutoCheck.” Accessed April 2026.
- National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). “Overview.” Accessed April 2026.
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