How to Get Car History Check & History Report in WA

May 4, 2024

Do you wonder about the secrets hidden under the shiny exterior of that used car you’ve been eyeing? Car history check can reveal where every vehicle holds a story waiting to be unveiled. In today’s bustling used car market, avoiding inheriting a heap of troubles with your new wheels is crucial.

A car history check is simple. Able to dig up important info, from past accidents to outstanding finances, and help you feel confident about making the right choices. But how does it all work?

And what crucial details can you uncover? Join us on a journey through the ins and outs of car history checks, where transparency meets peace of mind.

A Brief Overview Of The Importance Of Car History Checks

A car history report tells you how often your car has been in accidents. It describes how and where they usually happen each year. It shows what damage the vehicle received and how many fixes it needed afterwards.

Significance Of Obtaining A Car History Report In Western Australia

Why It’s Important to Check a Car’s History

1. Finding Hidden Problems

When you’re buying a used car, it’s crucial to know if there are any hidden issues. Sometimes, a car might have been in a significant accident, even if it looks okay from the outside. This Could Lead To Expensive Repairs Down The Road.

2. Checking The Mileage

Some people try to trick buyers by changing a car’s odometer mileage to make it seem like it has been driven less. A car history check can help you avoid this trick by showing the car’s mileage.

3. Looking For A Salvage Title

If a car has been badly damaged in an accident, it might have a salvage title. This means an insurance company has declared a total loss. Some salvage cars can be fixed safely. However, others might have hidden problems that make driving unsafe.

4. Checking For Recalls

Automobile manufacturers occasionally need to retrieve cars because of safety issues or flaws. A car history check can tell you if the vehicle you’re interested in has any outstanding recalls that need to be fixed.

5. Knowing The Ownership History

The report will also tell you how many owners the car has had and how it was used. For example, if used as a rental or a fleet vehicle, it might have more wear and tear than a car owned privately.

Why You Need a Car History Check

Safety Concerns

Importance of knowing a vehicle’s past for safety reasons

1. Safety Boost

They make the roads safer for everyone. Knowing if a car has been in an accident helps prevent future ones, keeping drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe.

2. Eco-Friendly Cars

Checking a car’s history helps ensure it’s running smoothly. When cars run well, they emit fewer harmful emissions. This is great for the environment.

3. Saving money

Nobody likes unexpected car troubles. History checks can catch problems early, stop breakdowns, and save us from costly repairs.

4. Remember to abide by the rules. When buying or selling a car, you must follow local laws. History checks help us ensure everything’s legal, keeping us on the right side of the law.

Legal Aspects

How A Car History Check Can Protect You Legally

Here’s why car history checks are vital. This is especially true when you’re thinking about buying a used car.

1. Spot Hidden Accidents

Accidents can cause severe damage to a car, even if it looks fine outside. A car history check helps find past accidents. It shows if hidden problems could affect safety.

2. Check the Mileage

Some try to trick buyers by turning back the car’s odometer to make it seem like it’s been driven less. History checks can show if the mileage has been tampered with. They ensure you’re paying the right price for the car’s condition.

3. Verify Ownership

Knowing if the seller owns the car and if there are any debts. History checks can provide this information. They prevent ownership troubles and unexpected costs.

4. Avoid Flood Damage

Cars in floods might look okay outside but have significant mechanical issues inside. History checks can reveal if a vehicle has been in a flood, saving you from buying a potential disaster.

5. Avoid Stolen Cars

Nobody wants to buy a car with stolen status. Don’t forget this: Check reports are essential because they help you ensure the vehicle you want to buy isn’t stolen, avoid legal problems, and save you from losing money.

6. Know the Maintenance History

A car that’s been cared for will likely run better and last longer. History checks can show if the vehicle has been regularly maintained and how well it’s been looked after.

7. Stay Safe with Recalls

Sometimes, car manufacturers recall vehicles because of safety concerns. History checks can tell you if the car you’re eyeing has any open recalls that need to be fixed to keep you safe on the road.

8. Get a Fair Deal

Knowing a car’s history helps determine its worth. This information lets you negotiate a fair price with the seller, ensuring you’re not overpaying for the vehicle.

9. Feel Confident in Your Choice

Buying a car is a significant financial commitment, and feeling confident about it is crucial. History checks give you peace of mind to be sure you’re making the right choice.

10. Avoid Costly repairs

Know a car’s history to dodge surprises and save money. It is all about making intelligent decisions that fit your budget and plans.

Types of Car History Checks Available

Checking a car’s history is crucial when considering buying one. Here are some essential things to consider:

1. Financial History

If you buy the car, you may have to pay off any unpaid finance owed to the vehicle. HPI can help you determine if there are any money problems with the car.

2. Owner History

Learning about a car’s previous owners can give you insight into its service history. You can ask the seller for this information to help you decide.

3. Criminal History

Thieves or fraudsters can involve cars in theft or fraud. You can check the car’s details with the DVLA to ensure everything matches. The VIN, a unique code for each vehicle, can also help you determine if there’s anything suspicious.

4. MOT History

Every car needs an MOT, and you can find a lot of helpful information in its history. You can use a free tool to check government records. The system will display any advisories about the car’s condition.

5. Accidents/Write-Offs

You need to know if a car has been in an accident or written off by insurers. This information is usually available before you buy the vehicle.

6. Service History

Knowing if a car has been serviced regularly is essential. Sometimes, the car’s documents include this information, but not always. If you’re buying from a dealer, they should tell you if the vehicle has a full-service history.

Steps to Perform a Car History Check

Identifying Vehicle Details

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is like a car’s fingerprint. The manufacturer gives it to the car. It contains critical information such as the brand, model, and manufacturing date.

This number also stores details about the car’s history and technical stuff. Every type of vehicle has one.

When buying a car, it’s wise to check that the VIN the seller gives matches the one on the vehicle. This helps you avoid scams. Some sellers might skip giving the VIN to hide the fact that the car has been salvaged.

Having the VIN in the sales offer makes it more trustworthy. It shows that the seller is serious about selling a good-quality car. So, if you see a VIN in a car ad, it’s a sign that the seller is honest and upfront.

Accessing Databases

Use the NEVDIS database to avoid buying a stolen car. NEVDIS shares details about vehicles and driver licenses between different states.

Its main goal is to stop fraud and theft. It does this by ensuring that each vehicle has only one VIN. And each person has only one driver’s license.

NEVDIS helps road authorities collaborate across state lines. It supports the transport and car industries, collects VINs from vehicle wholesalers, and tracks stolen vehicles with help from the police.

It also shares information with public and private groups. This helps check vehicle histories. It matches license details and sets insurance rates. It also recalls unsafe vehicles.

Interpreting Results

Carefully examine the report for differences or things that seem wrong. These could be signs that someone has messed with the odometer, which measures how far a car has travelled. If you notice any significant gaps or things that don’t match up, it’s essential to note them.

To ensure the report is accurate and dependable, compare it with other records. These can include service records and reports from past inspections.

Doing this lets you double-check the information and ensure you have added everything correctly. This way, you can trust the report. We are helping you make better decisions about buying or selling a car.

Cost of Car History Checks

Government Charges

The cost of car history checks with government charges depends on the type of vehicle. For motor vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes of Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM), the fee is $92.90.

Furthermore, for trailers weighing over 0.75 tonnes up to 4.5 tonnes Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM), the fee is $46.55. For motorcycles, the cost is $59.75. These charges cover the expenses associated with inspecting and providing vehicle safety certificates.

Private Companies Pricing

The pricing for these services can vary depending on the depth of the report and the provider. In short, you can expect to pay less than AUD 50 for a basic report. More detailed reports may cost more than AUD 50.

Essential Information in a Car History Report

Ownership History

Ownership vehicle history includes details about the car’s previous owners, including the number of people who owned it, the duration of ownership, and any updates on the registered owner.

Accident History

Checking for a car accident involves looking at the cars involved. You observe any damage and check if anyone is injured. You also collect information for insurance or legal reasons.

Mileage Verification

There is a way to check if a car’s mileage is incorrect. First, look at the MOT certificates and service records to see if the mileage matches.

You can also contact past owners in the logbook and ask about the mileage when they sold the car. Another option is to use a VIN check to get the mileage information.

Financial Liabilities

With a simple Google search, you can check a car’s history online to determine if it still owes money or has a finance agreement. If it does, and you buy it, you might lose both the car and the money you spent on it.

What to Do If You Find Issues

Negotiating Price

Begin by offering a price lower than the asking price but still reasonable. Use the information you gathered from research and inspection to back up your offer.

Mention any problems you’ve found with the item. Be ready to discuss and find a middle ground, but have a limit to how much you’re willing to spend.

Legal Recourse

If you come across fraud or lies during car history checks, take these steps:

1. Keep records of all communications, documents, and evidence. They should relate to the fraud or misrepresentation.

2. Contact the seller. Tell them about your concerns. Ask for clarification or a solution.

3. Report to Authorities if needed. Report the incident to groups like consumer protection agencies or law enforcement.

4. Seek legal advice. Consider talking to a lawyer. They can help you understand your rights and options for recourse.

5. Review Contracts. Look at any contracts you’ve signed for the vehicle. They explain your rights and duties.

6. Consider Dispute Resolution. If negotiations with the seller fail, explore dispute resolution options, such as mediation or arbitration.

7. Protect yourself. Avoid the seller and take legal action if needed.

Benefits of Regular Car History Checks

Resale Value

Keeping up with regular car servicing is crucial. This is especially true if you plan to sell your car later. When you take good care of your vehicle, it becomes more valuable to potential buyers. They’re willing to pay extra for a vehicle with an entire maintenance history.

However, if you neglect your car or don’t maintain it, it can be hard to find buyers, and you might not get as much money when you sell it.

Staying on top of servicing keeps your car running smoothly. It also protects its resale value.

Peace of Mind

Regularly checking your car for safety can help you feel more at ease when driving. Having a safety net is like having a safety net. Preventing safety issues reduces worry and lets you drive confidently.

You know you’ve done what you can to keep yourself and everyone else safe on the road. Wearing a seatbelt is like… This is a simple precaution that can significantly affect your driving safety.

Avoiding Scams

Before you buy, conduct thorough research to avoid being tricked or purchasing a damaged car. Here’s what you can do:

First, check out the seller and the car. Ensure the seller’s information matches what’s on file at the NEVDIS.

If the seller says they’re selling the car for someone else, they need a letter from that person. It permits them to sell it. It’s like having permission from the owner.

Tips for a Comprehensive Car History Check

Cross-Checking Information

Using different places to get information is essential. It helps ensure it is correct. When you check info from many places, you can compare it to see if it matches up.

This helps lower the chance of using information that might be wrong or biased from just one place. So, it’s like having a bunch of puzzle pieces—if you only have one piece, you might not get the whole picture right!

Professional Inspection

Having a professional check out your car is a smart move to ensure it runs smoothly and safely. They can look at everything closely and catch any minor problems early so they won’t become big headaches.

Also, when your car gets a good check-up, it can keep going for longer. Then, you won’t have to spend as much fixing it up later. You can find your trusted expert to inspect the car and ensure you get a fair deal. It’s like giving your car a health check to keep it going strong!

Continuous Monitoring

Keeping the receipts from when your car gets serviced is crucial. They tell a story about its past. Receiving a substantial bill from the mechanic can be challenging, but challenging receipts contain a wealth of helpful information. They list everything done to your car, like oil changes or repairs.

And guess what! When it’s time to sell your car, having those receipts can make it more attractive to buyers. It shows them that you took good care of the car and kept up with maintenance. So, don’t toss those receipts—they could be worth a lot when it’s time to say goodbye to your car!

FAQs

What information do you need for a car history check?

You’ll need critical documents for a car history check to get a complete picture of the vehicle’s background. One crucial document is the Original Logbook, the Vehicle Registration Booklet.

This booklet contains a lot of important information about the car. It has the car’s registration details.

These include the chassis, engine numbers, and the history of past owners. This document can help you uncover hidden surprises in the car’s past.

How Often Should I Perform A Car History Check?

It is best to have a qualified mechanic inspect your car once a year. This helps catch potential issues early on and keeps your vehicle running smoothly.

Are Online Car History Checks Reliable?

Yes! A report about your car’s history can give you a good idea of its experience. It indicates the level of care it received and whether it has been in accidents. But here’s the thing: sometimes, these reports can have mistakes.

And not just that, there are some tricky scams out there that try to fool people into buying or selling used cars. These reports can help. But it’s wise to double-check and avoid tricking.

What If The Car History Report Shows Conflicting Information?

You can start by talking to the folks who gave you the report and asking them to explain it.

And if you’re still unsure, getting another report from a different place you trust might be a good idea, like a puzzle. Sometimes, you need different views to see the whole picture.

Can I Get A Refund If The Car History Report Is Inaccurate?

Your ability to get a refund for a lousy car history report depends on the company’s policies. It also depends on the service where you got the report. You must review their terms and conditions. You can also contact customer service to ask about their refund policy for mistakes.

Some providers may offer refunds or adjustments if the report is incorrect, while others may not. It’s good to keep records of inaccuracies.

Then, promptly talk to the provider to seek a resolution.

Conclusion

Checking the entire car history in Western Australia is essential. This statement is crucial. These checks are invaluable for buyers. They offer insights into a vehicle’s past and can save you from costly headaches.

Finding details is critical. These include a written-off status, finance owing, or stolen history. They help one make informed decisions and prevent one from inheriting someone else’s problems.

Prioritizing conducting comprehensive car history checks before purchasing a vehicle is essential. We recommend this for all potential buyers.”

When purchasing a car, paying for the vehicle’s history is essential. This expense can be small but can save you money in the long run. You can buy from a dealer or a private seller.

Do not let a shiny exterior blind you. It can hide risks. Empower yourself with the knowledge to stay calm on the road ahead. Your wallet and your safety will thank you.