Wheel ScoutWhat a vehicle history report tells you
A car's history follows its VIN. States record every title, insurers report total losses, salvage yards report what they buy, and repair shops and dealers report service. A history report pulls those records together so you can see what the seller's ad leaves out.
How to read a history report
- Start with the title brands. One salvage, flood or rebuilt brand changes what the car is worth, wherever it shows up.
- Line up the odometer readings. Miles should only go up. A drop between two dates means a rollback or a clerical error worth asking about.
- Follow the states. A title that moves between states quickly can be hiding a brand from the first state.
- Match it to the ad. "One owner, clean title" should match the report. If it doesn't, ask why.
What no report can tell you
A history report only knows what was reported. A crash paid in cash or a repair at a shop that doesn't report won't be in it. A clean report plus an inspection by a mechanic you trust is the safe way to buy a used car.
Why it costs less here
Single reports from the big-name brands run about $30 to $45. Wheel Scout's basic report is the same official title record federal law set up for buyers, for $5, and the full report is $10. No subscription, no account needed.
The reports
You see the car before you pay. Pick the report you need.
Basic history report
By VIN or license plate · official NMVTIS record · shows right away
- Salvage, junk, flood and rebuilt title brands
- Title history by state, with dates
- Odometer readings and rollback flags
- Total-loss records from insurers
- Theft check
- Market value for the car
Full vehicle history report
By VIN or license plate · Not instant: emailed or texted to you within two hours
- Every owner, how they used it (personal, lease, rental or fleet) and where
- Accidents and damage reports
- Title brands: salvage, junk, rebuilt, flood, fire, hail, lemon
- Odometer readings over time, checked for rollbacks
- Service and maintenance history
- Open recalls and common owner complaints for the model
Vehicle history report questions
What is a vehicle history report?
A report on everything recorded against a car's VIN: titles and title brands, odometer readings, insurer total losses, theft records and, in the full report, owners, accidents and service history.
How much does a vehicle history report cost?
The basic history report is $5 and the full vehicle history report is $10. Pay once, no membership.
Can I get a vehicle history report by license plate?
Yes. Type the plate and its state. We find the VIN and show you the car before you pay. More on plate lookups.
How fast do I get it?
The $5 report shows on screen right after you pay. The $10 full report is emailed or texted to you within two hours.
Is a clean report a guarantee?
No. A report shows what was reported to the databases behind it. Always have a mechanic inspect a used car before you buy.
What's the difference between the two reports?
The $5 report is the official NMVTIS title record: title brands, title history, odometer readings, total-loss and theft records. The $10 report adds owners, how the car was used, accidents and damage, and service history.
More ways to check a car
Find the deal, then check it.
Wheel Scout alerts you the moment an underpriced car posts on Marketplace, OfferUp or Craigslist near you, and runs the history right in the app.
The basic history report uses NMVTIS data from an approved NMVTIS data provider. NMVTIS records come from states, insurers and salvage yards; not every event is reported to it. Vehicle specs and recalls come from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Wheel Scout is not affiliated with any marketplace or government agency.