CarVertical vs. Carfax (2025): Which VIN Check is Best for You?

Carfax is the established U.S. market leader with extensive domestic data, while CarVertical is a global challenger known for its international vehicle data and modern features. Your choice depends on the vehicle's origin and your budget, with Carfax being ideal for U.S.-only cars and CarVertical offering an edge for imports.

Buying a used car is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make, and it's filled with uncertainty. Is the seller honest? Does the car have a hidden, problematic past? A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check is your single most powerful tool for uncovering the truth. For years, Carfax has been the go-to name, but a formidable competitor, CarVertical, has emerged. So, in 2025, which one should you trust?

Let's break down CarVertical vs. Carfax to help you make an informed, confident decision.

What is a Vehicle History Report, Anyway?

Before we compare the giants, let's cover the basics. A vehicle history report (VHR) is a detailed summary of a car's life story, compiled from a variety of data sources. By simply entering the car's 17-digit VIN, you can unlock critical information, including:

Title History: Checks for salvage, rebuilt, flood, or junk titles.
Accident Records: Details on reported accidents, from minor fender-benders to major collisions.
Odometer Readings: A timeline of mileage recordings to spot potential odometer rollback fraud.
Service and Maintenance History: Records of oil changes, tire rotations, and other repairs.
Number of Previous Owners: See how many times the car has changed hands.
Open Recalls: Information on safety recalls from the manufacturer, which you can verify on the NHTSA website.

Carfax: The Established Industry Giant

Carfax has been around since 1984 and has built a brand synonymous with vehicle history reports in the United States. Their "Show me the Carfax" slogan is iconic for a reason. They boast a massive database with over 28 billion records sourced from more than 131,000 entities across the U.S. and Canada.

Strengths of Carfax:

Unmatched U.S. Data: If a car has spent its entire life in North America, Carfax likely has the most comprehensive data on it. Their network of DMVs, service shops, and insurance companies is unparalleled.
Brand Recognition and Trust: Dealerships and private sellers often provide a Carfax report proactively because buyers know and trust the name.
Carfax Buyback Guarantee: If the report misses a major title issue (like a salvage or flood brand), Carfax may buy the vehicle back from you, offering a layer of consumer protection.

Weaknesses of Carfax:

High Price Point: A single Carfax report typically costs $44.99, making it one of the most expensive options on the market.
Limited International Data: Carfax's primary focus is North America. For vehicles imported from Europe or Asia, its data can be sparse or nonexistent.

A clean professional screenshot of a sample Carfax report highlighting the title history and accident sections

Photo by Ivan Catus on Unsplash

CarVertical: The Data-Driven Global Challenger

CarVertical is a newer, European-based company that has rapidly expanded its presence, including into the U.S. market. They position themselves as a more modern, tech-focused alternative, leveraging different data sources and presenting information in a user-friendly way.

Strengths of CarVertical:

Strong International Data: CarVertical's biggest advantage is its access to global databases. This is crucial if you're considering a vehicle that was imported, such as a BMW, Audi, or Volvo.
Advanced Features: They often include unique data points like archival photos of the vehicle from previous sale listings, which can help you spot undisclosed damage or cosmetic changes.
Competitive Pricing: CarVertical reports are generally more affordable than Carfax, often priced around $25-$30, with discounts for multiple reports.

Weaknesses of CarVertical:

Less Comprehensive U.S. Service History: While their U.S. database is growing, it may not have the same depth of service records from smaller, independent repair shops that Carfax has cultivated over decades.
Less Brand Recognition: A private seller is less likely to have heard of or offer a CarVertical report compared to a Carfax.

Head-to-Head Comparison: CarVertical vs. Carfax

Let's put them side-by-side on the factors that matter most to a car buyer.

Data Sources and Accuracy

Both services pull data from the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), a reliable source for title and brand information. The difference lies in their proprietary networks.

Carfax excels with its deep network of U.S.-based auto auctions, repair shops, and dealerships. CarVertical shines by integrating data from central vehicle registries across Europe and other international sources.

Winner: It's a tie, depending on the car. For a Ford F-150 that's only been registered in Texas, Carfax has the edge. For a Mercedes-Benz G-Class imported from Germany, CarVertical is the clear choice.

Pricing and Value

This is where the difference is stark. A single Carfax report costs nearly double what a single CarVertical report often does. While Carfax offers package deals, they remain the premium-priced option.

Carfax Single Report: ~$44.99
CarVertical Single Report: ~$29.99

When you're looking at multiple cars, the cost of running a report on each one can add up quickly. This high cost can discourage buyers from checking every potential vehicle, which is a risky gamble.

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Report Content and Readability

Both reports are generally easy to read. Carfax uses a simple, clean layout with green checkmarks and red exclamation points to highlight key findings. CarVertical offers a more modern, visually engaging interface with timelines and photo galleries.

A unique feature of CarVertical is its "theft check," which scans databases to see if the vehicle has been reported stolen in various countries—a valuable tool for high-end or imported cars.

A side by side comparison graphic showing the user interface of a CarVertical report next to a Carfax report

Photo by Ivan Catus on Unsplash

The Verdict: Which VIN Check Should You Choose in 2025?

The best choice depends entirely on your specific situation.

For a purely domestic vehicle (Ford, Chevy, Toyota Camry built in the USA): Carfax's deep U.S. records give it a slight edge, but its high price is a major drawback.
For an imported vehicle (BMW, Audi, Volvo, Land Rover): CarVertical is the superior choice. Its ability to pull records from the car's country of origin can reveal history that Carfax would miss.
For the budget-conscious buyer: Neither Carfax nor CarVertical is the most cost-effective option. If you're comparing several vehicles, you need an affordable way to check them all. This is where a Carfax alternative like Carvia provides the best value.

Ultimately, running any reputable VIN check is better than running none. The cost of a report is a tiny fraction of the potential repair bills for a car with a hidden salvage title or odometer fraud. Don't let a few dollars today cost you thousands tomorrow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is CarVertical a legitimate service?

Yes, CarVertical is a legitimate and well-regarded company that provides accurate vehicle history reports. They are particularly strong in sourcing data for vehicles from Europe and have a growing presence in the U.S. market.

Is Carfax always 100% accurate?

No report is infallible. Carfax is highly accurate but depends on data being reported to its network. If an accident was never reported to insurance or a police department, or if a repair was done at a shop that doesn't partner with Carfax, it won't appear on the report. Always supplement a VHR with a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic.

What is the cheapest way to get a vehicle history report?

The most affordable way to get a comprehensive vehicle history report is to use a service like Carvia, which offers reports for $9.99. While some free VIN checks exist, they typically provide very limited information and are used to upsell a full report.

Can a VIN check tell me everything about a car's condition?

No. A VIN check tells you about a car's reported history, not its current mechanical condition. It won't tell you about brake pad wear, tire life, or the state of the engine oil. It is an essential tool for screening cars, but it is not a substitute for a hands-on, pre-purchase mechanical inspection.