Shopping for a used car comes with plenty of questions, but one you should never be afraid to ask is: “Can I see the vehicle’s accident history?”
Whether you’re shopping for a pre-owned Chevrolet Silverado, Equinox, Traverse, or another vehicle, understanding its history can help you make a more informed decision. A vehicle may look great on the outside, but knowing more about its past can help you understand what you’re buying before signing the paperwork.At McCarthy Chevrolet Lee’s Summit, we’re breaking down what accident reports and vehicle history reports can tell you, what to ask a dealership, and how to protect yourself when shopping for your next used vehicle.
Can You Ask to See an Accident Report When Buying a Used Car?
Absolutely! Asking about a vehicle’s accident history is a smart part of the used-car shopping process.However, it’s important to understand the difference between an official police accident report and a vehicle history report.
- Police accident report: A record created by law enforcement following a reported crash. Availability and access depend on the circumstances and the agency’s rules.
- Vehicle history report: A report that may include recorded accidents, title information, ownership history, odometer readings, and certain service or repair records.
Keep in mind that not every accident is reported to law enforcement or an insurance company. A vehicle history report may not include every collision, repair, or incident in a vehicle’s past.
Why Is an Accident History Important?
An accident doesn’t automatically mean a vehicle is a bad purchase. The extent of the damage, the quality of the repairs, and the vehicle’s current condition all matter.Reviewing the available history can help you ask better questions and determine whether you want to investigate further.
1. Understand Previous Damage
A vehicle history report may identify accidents or damage reported to participating data sources. This information can give you a starting point for asking what happened and whether repairs were completed.If an accident appears on the report, ask whether documentation of the repairs is available.
2. Learn About Title History
Check whether the vehicle has a clean title or has ever been branded as salvage or rebuilt. Title information can be an important part of evaluating a used car.You can learn more about vehicle title and history information through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System.
3. Ask About Previous Repairs
If the vehicle has a recorded accident, ask whether repair invoices, maintenance records, or other documentation are available.Documentation can help you understand what work was performed after the incident. An independent inspection can also help identify concerns that may not be obvious during a test drive.
4. Make a More Informed Buying Decision
The more you know about a vehicle, the better prepared you are to decide whether it meets your needs and expectations.Reviewing the available history alongside an inspection and a test drive can help you make a more confident decision.
5 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Used Car
Not sure what to ask the salesperson? Start with these five questions.1. Can I see the vehicle history report?
Ask whether a report from a provider such as CARFAX or AutoCheck is available. Review any reported accidents, title issues, odometer discrepancies, or other information that may affect your decision.
2. Has the vehicle ever been in an accident?
Ask about any known collision or damage history, including incidents that may not appear on a vehicle history report.
3. Are repair or maintenance records available?
Documentation can help you understand what work has been performed and whether previous damage was addressed.
4. Can I have the vehicle independently inspected?
An independent inspection by a qualified mechanic can help identify issues that a history report won’t reveal. The Federal Trade Commission recommends getting an independent inspection before buying a used car.
5. Are there any open safety recalls?
Use the vehicle identification number (VIN) to check for unrepaired safety recalls through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall lookup tool.
Asking these questions doesn’t have to make the buying process complicated. It simply helps you gather the information you need before making a decision.
What If the Vehicle History Report Shows an Accident?
Don’t automatically rule out the vehicle. Instead, take time to understand the details.Here are a few steps to consider:
- Ask for an explanation: Find out what is known about the incident and whether additional documentation is available.
- Review repair records: Look for information about the work completed after the accident.
- Schedule an independent inspection: Have a qualified mechanic evaluate the vehicle for potential damage or repair concerns.
- Review the title: Check for any salvage, rebuilt, or other title branding.
- Consider your comfort level: Decide whether the available information, vehicle condition, and price meet your expectations.
For additional guidance, visit the FTC’s used-car buying advice.
Does Every Used Car Have an Accident Report?
No. There isn’t necessarily a separate police accident report for every used vehicle.A police report may not exist if a crash was never reported or if law enforcement did not create a report. Even when an official report exists, obtaining it may require specific information about the incident and may be subject to access restrictions.
A vehicle history report is generally a more practical starting point for shoppers who want to learn about a vehicle’s recorded past. However, it should be considered one part of the research process, not a complete guarantee of a vehicle’s condition.
Shop for Your Next Used Vehicle at McCarthy Chevrolet Lee’s Summit
Buying a used vehicle should involve more than finding the right price and taking a test drive. Asking questions, reviewing available records, and understanding a vehicle’s history can help you shop with greater confidence.At McCarthy Chevrolet Lee’s Summit, you can explore pre-owned vehicles and ask our team about the information available for the vehicle you’re considering. Our dealership offers a selection of used vehicles from Chevrolet and other manufacturers, along with Certified Pre-Owned options.
Whether you’re looking for a dependable daily driver, a spacious family SUV, or a capable pre-owned Chevy truck, we’re here to help you explore your options.
Ready to start shopping?
- Browse our used vehicle inventory.
- Explore used Chevrolet vehicles.
- Visit us at 945 SE Oldham Parkway, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081.
- Call our sales team at 816-200-0908.