When you're in the market for a used car, the first thing that often comes to mind is the vehicle's history. Accidents, neglect, and mileage are all factors to consider when making your final decision. But how can you get details on the past life of your vehicle?

Fortunately for you, you have access to a wealth of information on your ride with a vehicle history report. Plus, the details you'll learn from these reports will help you narrow down your search and weed out vehicles that could be potential money pits.

To learn more about how you can get a vehicle history report, check out this guide provided by Fred Beans Auto Loans. We'll give you a rundown of how you can find the facts you need and what to keep in mind once you've reviewed it.

So, let's hop behind the wheel and drive down the road to becoming a vehicle history report expert!

Importance of Your Vehicle Identification Number

If you're buying a used vehicle through a private seller who doesn't offer a free vehicle history report, it's wise to access it yourself. If you choose not to do this, you run the risk of purchasing a car that may need extensive maintenance and repairs.

To access data on your next potential car, you'll need the vehicle identification number (VIN). This number is used to chronicle any major event in the vehicle's life, so you can be sure that you'll find the information you need using this identifier.

Vehicle History Resources

Luckily, most used car dealerships offer free vehicle history reports though AutoCheck® or CARFAX®. However, if you're opting to buy a used vehicle outside of a dealership, you can still look up your report using the VIN, but these come at an added price.

All you have to do is go to the AutoCheck® or CARFAX® website and enter the VIN or license plate number, and you'll be provided with details about the vehicle.

Some of the important data you'll find on each report could be a description of the vehicle, any previous accidents, the number of past owners, a recent mileage verification, and any recall information. One of the most crucial things to keep in mind, though, is that there could be other collisions that aren't contained in this report.

If the previous owner was involved in an accident, didn't report it to their insurance company, and had the car repaired themselves, this won't be listed on the vehicle's information. Plus, if the car wasn't properly fixed after the collision, this could lead to major problems and extra expenses for you down the road.

Finance Your Used Vehicle Today!

Now that you've read through our guide, you'll realize that it's easy to get ahold of a comprehensive vehicle history report. Once you've reviewed the insights provided in your ideal used car's records, you'll be ready to purchase your new ride.