How to Get a Free Car History Report

An automobile is perhaps one of the largest investments anyone can make, and sometimes, a used car that looks great on the outside can be a real "lemon." Knowing how to get a free car history report will help you protect yourself from less-than-honest dealers or owners before you buy as well as save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches.

Things You'll Need

• The vehicle's vehicle identification number (VIN)

Instructions

Lemon or Peach?

1. Write down the vehicle's VIN. The VIN, or "Vehicle Identification Number," is like a fingerprint for the car. It is located on the driver's side of the windshield, near the hood of the car.

2. Verify the VIN. Double-check the number from Step 1 by looking for the VIN on the driver's side door, either on the door itself or on the car's frame. These two numbers should match; if they don't, you are probably being scammed or ripped off.

3. Enter the number online. There are a number of free car report services online (see Resources) that will give you a history of the vehicle with that VIN, including if it has ever been declared a wreck, if it is stolen and if the vehicle has ever been part of a recall notice or class-action lawsuit.

Resources

• Autocheck Free Car Report
• Is it a Lemon