AutoCheck Review

AutoCheck Overview

AutoCheck is a vehicle history report provider that was launched in 1996 by Experian Automotive, a subsidiary of the credit reporting giant Experian. Based in Schaumburg, Illinois, AutoCheck is one of the most trusted sources for obtaining detailed and accurate information on a vehicle’s past. By using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of a car, truck, or motorcycle, AutoCheck provides potential buyers and sellers with crucial data, such as accident history, title information, and odometer readings. This information helps consumers make more informed decisions when buying or selling a used vehicle.

AutoCheck Pros

• Comprehensive Vehicle History Reports: AutoCheck reports provide a wealth of information, including accident history, title details, odometer readings, and more. These reports help buyers and sellers make informed decisions based on the vehicle’s past.
• AutoCheck Score: AutoCheck offers a unique scoring system that compares a specific vehicle’s history to other vehicles of the same make and model. This score helps users understand how a particular vehicle stacks up against its peers, providing a quick and easy way to assess its desirability.
• Buyback Protection: AutoCheck offers a buyback protection program for qualified vehicles. If a vehicle report contains inaccurate information that results in a financial loss, AutoCheck may buy back the vehicle, providing peace of mind for buyers.
• Wide Acceptance: AutoCheck is widely accepted and used by car dealerships, auction houses, and individual sellers. This wide acceptance means that the AutoCheck report is a reliable and respected source of information for most used car transactions.
• User-friendly Interface: AutoCheck’s website is easy to navigate, making it simple for users to obtain vehicle history reports quickly and efficiently.

AutoCheck Cons

• Limited Free Services: Unlike some competitors, AutoCheck does not offer a completely free vehicle history report. Users can get a free basic report, which provides limited information, but they must pay for a full report to access all the details.
• No Photos or Service Records: AutoCheck reports do not include photos or service records, which may be important for some buyers. These additional details can help paint a more complete picture of a vehicle’s history.
• Incomplete Data: Although AutoCheck has a vast database, there may be instances where some information is missing or not up-to-date. This is a limitation that all vehicle history report providers face, as they rely on third-party sources for data.
• Cost: Some users may find AutoCheck’s pricing structure to be relatively expensive, especially when compared to other options in the market.

How to Decode Your VIN Number using AutoCheck

Decoding your VIN number with AutoCheck is a simple and straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial to help you through it:

• Locate the VIN number: The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle. You can find the VIN on various parts of the vehicle, such as:

• • a. The driver’s side dashboard, visible through the windshield.
  • b. The driver’s side door jamb.
  • c. The vehicle registration or insurance documents.
• Visit the AutoCheck website: Go to the AutoCheck website (www.autocheck.com) and enter the VIN number in the search box provided.
• Choose your report: AutoCheck offers two types of reports – Single Report and Bundle of Five Reports. Select the option that best suits your needs.
• Create an account or sign in: If you are a new user, you will need to create an AutoCheck account. If you already have an account, simply sign in.
• Complete the payment process: Choose your preferred payment method and complete the transaction.
• Access your report: Once the payment is processed, you will be able to access your detailed AutoCheck vehicle history report.

AutoCheck Report Details

An AutoCheck vehicle history report contains a wealth of information to help you make an informed decision about a used vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of the details included in a typical AutoCheck report:

• Vehicle Overview: Basic information about the vehicle, such as make, model, year, body type, and engine details.
• Title Information: Details about the vehicle’s title, including any title brands (e.g., salvage, rebuilt, flood damage) and the date and location of each title event.
• Accident History: Information on reported accidents, including the date and severity of each incident.
• Odometer Readings: A history of odometer readings to help identify potential odometer rollback or tampering.
• Previous Owners: The number of previous owners, the type of owner (e.g., private, commercial, rental), and the length of ownership.
• Lien/Lease Information: Data on any liens or lease agreements tied to the vehicle.
• AutoCheck Score: A numerical score that compares the vehicle’s history to other similar vehicles, providing a quick assessment of its desirability.
• Buyback Protection: Eligible vehicles include information about AutoCheck’s buyback protection program.

Pricing

AutoCheck offers two pricing options for obtaining vehicle history reports:

• Single Report: If you only need a report for one vehicle, the Single Report option is available for $24.99. This report provides a comprehensive history of the specific vehicle tied to the VIN entered.
• Bundle of Five Reports: For those who want to research multiple vehicles or run multiple reports, AutoCheck offers a Bundle of Five Reports for $49.99. This plan allows you to access as many reports as you need within a 21-day period.

Payment Options

AutoCheck accepts various payment methods, including major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Users can also pay via PayPal for added convenience and security.

How does AutoCheck stack up against the competition?

When comparing AutoCheck to the broader VIN decoder market, there are several notable competitors, such as Carfax, VINCheckPro, and CarVertical. Here’s how AutoCheck fares against these alternatives:

• Data Accuracy: AutoCheck, Carfax, and VINCheckPro all provide accurate and reliable vehicle history data, but AutoCheck is backed by the well-established Experian brand, which lends credibility to its reports. CarVertical also offers reliable data and ensures data integrity by leveraging blockchain technology.
• Pricing: CarVertical and VINCheckPro tend to offer more affordable pricing options compared to AutoCheck and Carfax. While Carfax’s pricing is similar to AutoCheck, CarVertical provides more competitive rates.
• Free Services: AutoCheck offers limited free services, while CarVertical, Carfax, and VINCheckPro provide more information for free, including basic vehicle details and, in some cases, accident history.
• Comprehensive Reports: AutoCheck and Carfax lead the market in terms of the comprehensiveness of their reports. VINCheckPro and CarVertical offer detailed reports, but they may not be as extensive as AutoCheck or Carfax.
• Global Coverage: CarVertical stands out by offering vehicle history reports for vehicles in Europe and some other countries, while AutoCheck, Carfax, and VINCheckPro primarily focus on the United States market.

Based on this comparison, CarVertical emerges as a strong competitor in the VIN decoder market, offering more affordable pricing, leveraging blockchain technology for data integrity, and providing global coverage. While AutoCheck remains a reliable choice with comprehensive data, CarVertical could be a better option for those looking for a cost-effective solution or those seeking vehicle history reports for cars outside the United States.

Customer Support

AutoCheck strives to provide excellent customer support to its users. There are multiple channels available for users to get assistance:

• FAQ Section: The AutoCheck website has an extensive FAQ section that addresses many common questions and concerns related to their services.
• Email Support: Users can reach out to AutoCheck’s customer support team via email for more personalized assistance.
• Phone Support: AutoCheck offers phone support to address urgent issues or more complex inquiries. Their support team can be reached at 1-888-AUTOCHECK (1-888-288-6214).
• Contact Form: The AutoCheck website also features a contact form that allows users to submit inquiries directly through the site.

Overall, AutoCheck’s customer support options are on par with industry standards, ensuring users have access to the help they need when using their services.

Conclusion

AutoCheck is a reputable and reliable vehicle history report provider that offers comprehensive data to help users make informed decisions when buying or selling a used vehicle. With features like the AutoCheck Score and Buyback Protection, users can confidently assess a vehicle’s desirability and potential risks. However, AutoCheck’s pricing may be considered relatively expensive compared to some competitors, and its limited free services may leave some users looking for more cost-effective alternatives.

CarVertical, for instance, stands out as a strong competitor in the VIN decoder market with more affordable pricing, blockchain technology for data integrity, and global coverage. While AutoCheck remains a reliable choice, CarVertical could be a better option for those looking for a cost-effective solution or those seeking vehicle history reports for cars outside the United States.

FAQs

Is AutoCheck reliable?

Yes, AutoCheck is a reliable vehicle history report provider that is backed by the well-established Experian brand. AutoCheck offers comprehensive data to help users make informed decisions when buying or selling used vehicles.

How does AutoCheck get its data?

AutoCheck gathers its data from various sources, including state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs), auctions, insurance companies, salvage yards, and law enforcement agencies.

Can I get a free AutoCheck report?

AutoCheck offers a limited free report that provides basic information about a vehicle. However, to access a full, comprehensive report, users must pay for either a Single Report or a Bundle of Five Reports.

What is the AutoCheck Score?

The AutoCheck Score is a numerical rating that compares a specific vehicle’s history to other vehicles of the same make and model. This score helps users quickly assess a vehicle’s desirability based on its past.

How does AutoCheck compare to Carfax?

AutoCheck and Carfax both provide accurate and comprehensive vehicle history reports. However, AutoCheck is backed by Experian, while Carfax is an independent company. Pricing for both services is relatively similar, but Carfax may offer more free services than AutoCheck.

What is AutoCheck’s Buyback Protection program?

AutoCheck’s Buyback Protection program offers to buy back qualified vehicles if the vehicle history report contains inaccurate information that results in a financial loss for the buyer.

Does AutoCheck offer support for vehicles outside the United States?

AutoCheck primarily focuses on the United States market and may not offer comprehensive support for vehicles outside the country. Competitors like CarVertical provide more global coverage.

Are there any AutoCheck discounts available?

AutoCheck occasionally offers promotions and discounts on its services. To find the latest offers, it’s recommended to check the AutoCheck website or subscribe to their newsletter.

Can I trust the AutoCheck Score?

The AutoCheck Score is a helpful tool for quickly assessing a vehicle’s desirability based on its history. However, it’s essential to review the full report and conduct further research to make a well-informed decision when purchasing a used vehicle.

How do I contact AutoCheck customer support?

Users can contact AutoCheck customer support through multiple channels, including email, phone support, and a contact form on their website. They also have an extensive FAQ section that addresses many common questions and concerns.