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How to Get a Free Carfax Report by VIN in 2024

To get a Free Carfax report check the Carfax.com website for USED car listings or a Carfax-approved car dealership, or ask the seller to purchase the Carfax report and include it with the sale of the vehicle or sign up for a Free Carfax Care Account. When selling a vehicle first locate and write down your VIN Number, you can use this VIN number to retrieve the Carfax report for free online. Within this article, we compile all the possible ways for a buyer or seller to access a Carfax vehicle history report for absolutely no cost. We provide information on the top Free vehicle history reports that compete with Carfax and lastly, we list heavily discounted Official Carfax report options.

Table of Contents

    WHAT IS A CARFAX REPORT?

    A Carfax report is a comprehensive vehicle history report made for individuals looking to gain a thorough understanding of a pre-owned vehicle’s background. Carfax maintains a vast database of over 26 billion cars in the U.S. and Canada, making it a reliable source of information. This web-based service provides detailed information on all light trucks and used cars from more than 131,000 data sources, ensuring that buyers have access to a wealth of historical details. By examining the Carfax report, buyers can pose critical questions about repair costs, frequent repairs, salvage status, mileage rollback, and even flood damage. It also allows buyers to receive alerts for recalls and identify any structural damage that may have occurred during the vehicle’s history. The Carfax report can be accessed through online car listing sites, CARFAX-subscribing dealerships, or dealership websites. Having this accurate and authentic vehicle history, buyers can navigate the buying process ensuring they make informed decisions and secure a fair price for their purchase while avoiding costly issues and unsafe vehicles.

    HOW MUCH DOES A CARFAX REPORT NORMALLY COST?

    A standard Carfax report the cost for a single Carfax report is $44.99 USD in the USA. However, Carfax also offers packages that provide multiple reports at a discounted rate. For example, a five-report package costs $99.99, offering a more cost-effective option if you plan to check the history of multiple vehicles.

    8 EASY Steps to get a FREE CARFAX Report When Buying a Used Car:

    1. Click “Find a Used Car” on the homepage of Carfax.com.
    2. Enter your zip code, then the make and model you want.
    3. Following that, they will search for the vehicles in your area that meet that description.
    4. From this list, select the vehicle you wish to view, all the vehicles shown here come with a FREE CARFAX report.
    5. Navigate to a new tab and scroll to the bottom of the page until you see a CARFAX Snapshot box.
    6. The Carfax report you see here will show you some information quickly, which may be all you need.
    7. Below that box, click the blue View FREE CARFAX Report button to view the full report.
    8. The entire report will now be displayed in another tab and it is free to view and download!
    free carfax screenshot

    Screenshot taken from Carfax.com/cars-for-sale

    4 EASY Steps to get a FREE CARFAX Report when selling a Vehicle

    Follow these steps to get a Free Carfax for your vehicle that you already own:

    1. Go to any used or new car dealership.
    2. Tell the salesman you are considering selling your vehicle and want to know the trade-in value.
    3. The salesman will run the report.
    4. Ask the salesman for a copy of the report for your reference

    carfax hack

    5 other ways to get a Free Carfax History Report:

    Free Carfax

    1. Buying from a Certified Used Car Dealership

    When shopping for a car at an authorized used car dealership you may find that they have a recent carfax already for your vehicle. Free CARFAX Reports are available at many car dealerships in your area. Just ask the dealer when you visit their showroom.

    2. Shop online Listings of used cars at Cars.com

    Free CarFax report comes with thousands of new and used cars on Cars.com. Click the CarFax report link under the vehicle information heading. If you ordered a report from CarFax through their website, you’d find the same information. You can inquire about free car reports at dealerships if they don’t list them on their website.

    3. Purchase from a Private Seller

    Request a CarFax report when buying a private used car sale so you have as much information on the vehicle as you can on its history. You can tell the seller about cheapcarfaxreport.net and have them buy the report for you.

    4. Sign up for a Carfax Car Care Account

    Carfax.com car care program is a service where you will get an alert for any vehicle history change or upcoming maintenance alerts.  If you are subscribed to this service on the official carfax website then you can have the most recent carfax report for free directly from carfax.com.

    5. Other Options

    There are many free carfax report online alternatives that are almost just as good. Keep reading as we list these alternative carfax services in the next section below, such as The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), VehicleHistory.com, and iSeeCars.com. 

    Consumers can check whether Insurance companies have reported a vehicle as totaled or stolen using free services online.   Keep in mind that official CarFax reports are more detailed.

    PLACES TO GET FREE Vehicle History REPORTS:

    There are several services you can utilize to get free Car Fax “like” vehicle history reports or VIN checks before purchasing used cars.

    Checking the VIN is especially important when you buy a car on Craigslist or eBay and there is no dealership nearby at which you can get free access to paid sites such as CARFAX, AutoCheck, and autoDNA.com.

    iSeeCars.com, National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), and VehicleHistory.com all offer free vehicle history reports. To claim your free vehicle history report the sites mentioned will search for the car by the VIN number and provide the vehicle report for it.

    FREE CARFAX Alternative VIN Checks:

    If you are buying a used car, you can get a free VIN check through a variety of services. People prefer Carfax reports for good reason, but there are some totally free carfax alternatives  and some paid alternatives.   Check our article about the best carfax paid alternatives.

    We recommend that you buy the original Carfax report, as the free options may be missing some crucial information.  We recommend, in the case that you have a big list of vehicles to check out and don’t want to buy a carfax report for all of them, check our article about the free carfax hack.  Once you have decided on the car you want to buy then get a free carfax report for your peace of mind. Of course, you can also get a cheap carfax report at a discounted price when using our website.

    Carfax Online VIN Checker:


    You can buy a Cheap Carfax Report directly on our website by clicking the image belowUse Coupon code “cheapcarfax” to get it for only $7.99 using this link:  Or Try the excellent reports found at VINCHECKUP

    There are a lot of ways to find out information about a car with its VIN number. You can even do this with your car if you want to know its history before you owned it. Vehicle identification numbers usually tell you whether the car has been registered in a particular state as well as if anyone has filed an insurance claim on the car as a result of an accident.

    Where Can You Find Your Vehicle’s VIN?

    Your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a crucial identifier that provides a wealth of information about your car’s history and specifications. It’s essential to know where to find this unique code on your vehicle. Typically, you can locate your VIN in several key places:

    1. Dashboard: One of the most common locations is on the dashboard, near the windshield, on the driver’s side. You can usually see it by standing outside the vehicle and looking through the windshield from the outside.
    2. Driver’s Side Door: Open the driver’s side door and look for a sticker or plaque on the doorjamb. The VIN is often visible there.
    3. Engine Block: On some vehicles, you can find the VIN stamped directly onto the engine block. However, this might require some effort and knowledge to access.
    4. Vehicle Registration and Title: The VIN is also typically listed on your vehicle’s registration and title documents. It’s a good idea to cross-check the number to ensure accuracy.
    5. Owner’s Manual: Some owner’s manuals include a section that provides the VIN or instructions on where to find it.
    6. Under the Hood: Occasionally, the VIN may be located under the hood, typically on the front frame rail or near the firewall.
    7. On the Frame: In some trucks and SUVs, you may find the VIN on the frame near the front wheel well.

    It’s important to note that the VIN is a 17-character alphanumeric code that is unique to each vehicle. Each character in the VIN represents specific information about the vehicle, including its make, model, year, and manufacturing plant. Ensuring you have the correct VIN is crucial when obtaining a Carfax report or checking a vehicle’s history for accurate results.

    Vehicle identification numbers (VINs) detect whether a vehicle has been registered in another state and identify its type of title.

    VIN decoding: How to do it?

    The VIN (vehicle identification number) length can be either 17 characters or 11 characters. All motor vehicles have an exclusive VIN.

    Despite VINs seeming meaningless, there are some key factors needed to decode them.

    Vin finder

    You are likely looking for a free VIN report because you are looking to purchase a used car. Buying used is an excellent way to save money. It comes with its own set of pitfalls, though.

    Before you buy a used car, check out a free vehicle history report.

    Before you purchase the vehicle, have an auto mechanic inspect it.

    A new VIN check could reveal no accidents and the car’s history is clean, even though the car has had major issues with it in the past.

    The free information on those sites may not provide all the information necessary for your purchase, and it may not be 100% accurate.

    Whether the car was listed by a private proprietor or a licensed dealer, there is no legal requirement for the seller to be truthful about its condition. Worse yet, used cars are being sold as-is by private traders and dealers alike without a written guarantee.

    The seller should give you written assurances that you will receive your deposit back if the car does not pass inspection if you leave a deposit.

    The most important thing is to hire a qualified/ technician to perform a thorough vehicle analysis before buying a car!

    Summary:

    In additonal to ways to get a real carfax report for FREE we list other websites that offer free VIN checks for those who desire to buy a used vehicle. The VIN may be subject to vehicle inspection by all three at the same time. Data on the free VIN reports you receive should be the same across providers. You should pause before you purchase any vehicle if no match appears. That’s a possible sign that the vehicle’s VIN has been falsified, so it’s best to make sure.

    Since buying a used car is a big financial purchase, you should always opt to get a paid vehicle history report such as Carfax. Carfax is the leader in the industry however AutoCheck comes in as a close second in terms of availability of information and reliability.

    The process of obtaining a free Carfax report is essential for anyone looking to make an informed buying decision within the complex landscape of pre-owned vehicles. By analyzing the vehicle history report, you gain access to all the available historical details, including ownership history, accident history, service history, and more. This information empowers you to pose critical questions about repair costs, frequent repairs, salvage status, and mileage rollback. Moreover, it allows you to receive alerts for recalls, identify structural damage, and scrutinize the vehicle’s registration history, including the license plate, for indications of flood damage. Whether you’re perusing online car listing sites or engaging with CARFAX-subscribing dealers through dealership websites, arming yourself with an accurate history report ensures your interaction with honest car sellers and affords you the opportunity to negotiate a fair price. Utilizing the 17-character unique code, you can unlock access to affordable financing options, effectively sidestepping potential costly issues down the road. By reviewing maintenance records and leveraging the resources provided by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, you arm yourself with the essential tools needed to navigate the buying process confidently. This facilitates an informed buying decision, aligning your choice with your specific needs and preferences while securing an authentic vehicle history and ensuring you steer clear of unsafe vehicles, all while obtaining a fair price and an extensive vehicle history report. Remember to check for flood damage, review maintenance records, and remain thorough throughout the buying process to make the most informed decision possible.

    RELATED POST:

    https://cheapcarfaxreport.net/free-carfax-hack/