Accidents, recalls, salvage, thefts, market value…

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When purchasing a used car, getting a vehicle history report is an essential step. Bumper and Carfax are two popular providers of vehicle history reports. While they offer similar services, there are differences between the two that may make one a better choice over the other.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive overview of these two providers, and assist you in selecting the one that best fits your needs.

Founded in 1984, Carfax is the most well-known name in the vehicle history report industry. However, it’s also the most expensive: a single Carfax report will cost you $44.99.

Thinking Carfax is a bit too steep in price? You’re not alone. Many used car buyers are grumbling about the cost and exploring more budget-friendly options, just like this budget-conscious buyer who “would never agree to pay the $30+” to see the report¹ (which was still cheaper than the current price). The good news is, there are actually plenty of Carfax alternatives waiting to give you the dirt on any vehicle’s past without breaking the bank, with Bumper standing out as one of the best.

Is Bumper as good as Carfax

Since its inception in 1996, Bumper has gained quite a reputation in the world of vehicle history reports. It’s become a favorite among car buyers who value reliability and affordability. You might be wondering, how does Bumper stack up against the giant in the industry, Carfax? Well, the good news is, Bumper holds its ground exceptionally well. Let’s talk about thefive primary advantagesthat make Bumper a solid choice for anyone in the market for a vehicle history report.

1. Bumper vs Carfax: a more cost-effective choice

One of the most significant differences between Bumper and Carfax is the cost of their reports. Carfax charges $44.99 for a single report. 3 reports will cost you $64.99, and 5 sell for $99.99.

In comparison, Bumper offers a membership at a monthly fee of just $19.99. With this subscription, you can generate up to 50 reports, making it an incredibly budget-friendly choice. It’s important to highlight that Bumper truly shines in terms of cost-effectiveness, particularly if you find yourself needing numerous reports and using the service on a regular basis.

Carfax Pricing:

Bumper Pricing:

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2. NMVTIS-approved data provider

NMVTIS is the only government-approved provider of vehicle history information, and it is required by law to provide accurate and complete information. As a result, vehicle history reports obtained from NMVTIS-approved providers are considered to be more reliable and trustworthy than reports obtained from other sources.

Quality of data: accurate, reliable and up-to-date

As a NMVTIS-approved data provider, Bumper obtains its data from a multitude of industry leaders such as NMVTIS, JD Power, and NHTSA, as well as other reputable government agencies, insurance providers, and car industry partners. This ensures that the information presented in Bumper reports is both reliable and frequently updated.

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Carfax, on the other hand, is not an NMVTIS-approved data provider. Consequently, while Carfax collects and reports data from many sources, including some that may overlap with NMVTIS, it does not have direct access to the NMVTIS database.

3. Full history report with 15 categories of information

To assess whether Bumper would be a suitable alternative to Carfax, the most straightforward approach would be to examine the level of information provided.

The Bumper vehicle history report displays an extensive range of information across 15 different categories. It coversall major events related to a vehicle, such as accidents, salvage records, recalls, and thefts. Furthermore, the report includes details on the car’s sales history and estimated market value, enabling buyers to better understand the car’s worth and negotiate a fair price.

4. Offering 3 different search types

Bumper offers more than just VIN lookup for researching a vehicle’s history. If you have a car’s license plate number or Year, Make & Model information, you can also perform a search to obtain a detailed vehicle history report.

5. Providing a convenient mobile app

Another advantage of Bumper is that it offers a mobile app. This can be a convenient option for buyers who are on-the-go or who don’t have access to a computer. With the Bumper apps for iOS and Android you’ll have easy access to everything Bumper offers right from your phone or tablet.

The Bumper app also provides other great features. For example, you can use your phone camera to scan VINs on your car to help simplify your search. It can also help you monitor a vehicle that you want to buy, sell or own, so that you can stay up to date on the information you need!

Ultimately, the choice between Bumper and Carfax will depend on individual circumstances and preferences, but Bumper is definitely worth considering for those looking for a reliable, cost-effective and convenient vehicle history report.

How reliable are Carfax & Bumper? Can you trust their data?

You may have seen users on some forums complain about the accuracy of reports provided by Carfax or Bumper. Does this mean that these reports are a waste of time? Can we trust them at all?

While both Bumper and Carfax are committed to ensuring the accuracy of their data, the ability to find specific vehicle data for a specific vehicle and its comprehensiveness depends on multiple factors.

Note that their vehicle records are sourced from official government records, insurance data, and industry sources like manufacturers and service centers. Essentially, they’re only as good as the information they’re fed. That’s to say, they only have what is reported to them, a fact often mentioned in their website disclaimers.

Not all relevant parties provide information to them, so don’t be surprised if their reports don’t show work done at certain independent mechanics and body shops that are not in their network. Services like Carfax also gets a lot of their accident reports from insurance companies or state insurance bureau, but in many states this information isn’t permitted to be shared with third parties.

You also probably won’t see any DIY work listed on a vehicle’s Carfax or Bumper report, such as maintenance or repairs you’ve done yourself. Case in point: a mechanic-minded driver changes his own oil every 5,000 miles, he won’t report it to Carfax, so his car might appear like it’s never been serviced². The same applies to any accidents that were paid for out-of-pocket and not reported to insurance companies.

So what I’m trying to say here is, Carfax and Bumper are valuable tools, but not infallible oracles. Plenty of folks on car forums like CarTalk wouldn’t base their entire decision solely on them³. And here’s what savvy car buyers do:

• Drive the car yourself: Get a feel for it, listen to its whispers.
• Inspect it thoroughly: Check under the hood, kick the tires, be your own detective.
• Get a pre-purchase inspection: With a trusted independent mechanic, not the dealership’s “friend”. If they say no? Walk away, there are plenty of fish in the sea (or rather, cars on the lot).

What are the best Carfax alternatives

Aside from Bumper, there’re other alternatives to Carfax that provides high-quality vehicle history report at an affordable cost.

BeenVerified

Run by the same company that operates Bumper, BeenVerified actually shares a database with Bumper. BeenVerified stands out from the crowd due to its wide scope of services. Not only does it offer access to its vast vehicle information database, but it also provides the ability to conduct further searches on individuals of interest such as contact info of previous owners.

1. Go to the BeenVerified vehicle research page.
2. Enter the VIN number and click SEARCH. If you only have a license plate number, you can try that too.
   
3. Wait a few seconds while BeenVerified searches through its database. Then it will show you a full report with all the available information about that particular car.
   

EPICVIN

EPICVIN is another NMVTIS-approved data provider of vehicle history reports. With EPICVIN, you’ll receive more than just basic information about a vehicle such as specs and manufacturing details. EPICVIN can reveal any underlying problems that a dishonest seller may try to hide, such as safety recalls, hidden damages, theft records, previous sales photos, alterations, and warranty issues.

1. Go to the EPICVIN official website.
2. Type the VIN number as suggested, then click Check VIN.
   
3. EPICVIN will start scouring its database for matching records. Once done, it will build a report based on the records it’s found. 
   

Are there free Carfax alternatives?

Looking for a free alternative to CARFAX? Well, you’re in for a bit of a twist: there is a free service offered by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) that can provide some basic information. It will let you know if a car has been reported stolen or salvaged. However, it’s not the whole enchilada when it comes to vehicle history. You might come across websites that claim to provide free reports, but here’s the catch: they essentially repackage the same NICB data, embellishing it with standard vehicle specifications to create the illusion of a more detailed report.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is there a free trial available for Bumper and Carfax?

Unfortunately, neither Bumper nor Carfax offers a free trial. Both services provide valuable vehicle history reports, but they require payment to access their reports. This is because gathering and maintaining comprehensive and accurate vehicle data involves significant costs, and these services invest in obtaining and organizing this information to provide it to users. While they may not offer free trials, they aim to deliver reliable and detailed vehicle history reports to assist buyers in making informed decisions about used cars.

However, note that there are some methods through which car buyers may access a free report. For example, some car dealerships, especially larger ones, provide free Carfax reports for the used cars they have listed for sale on their websites.

2. Why is Carfax much more expensive than Bumper?

It’s natural to wonder why Carfax reports cost much more than Bumper, especially when they both offer similar information (and Carfax isn’t even an NMVTIS-approved data provider!) In my opinion, the following factors may explain the price gap:

First of all, Carfax has been around much longer than Bumper and has established a strong brand reputation as the leading provider of vehicle history reports. Its decades of experience and brand recognition translate into a premium cost for its reports. On top of that, Carfax’s hefty investment in marketing and advertising also contributes to its higher price point, ensuring their costs are covered.

While the price of Carfax reports might raise an eyebrow, it’s important to acknowledge the unique value they offer. Carfax boasts an unparalleled depth and breadth of data sources, drawing information from over 139,000 different channels. This includes every US and Canadian motor vehicle agency, alongside numerous police and fire departments, collision repair facilities, auto auctions, and more. Their website even features a comprehensive list showcasing the diverse range of data sources contributing to Carfax reports.

3. What other resources can I use to research a used car?

Bumper and Carfax are reliable sidekicks in your used car quest, but their paid reports aren’t the only way to unearth a vehicle’s history. There are some alternative resources that can help you peel back the layers and make an informed decision:

1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Information provided:
  • Safety recall information: Check if the car has any outstanding recalls that need to be addressed.
  • Crash test ratings: See how the car performed in government crash tests.
  • Vehicle safety complaints: Read about other owners’ experiences with the car’s safety features and potential problems.
• Benefits:
  • Official government source for safety information.
  • Reliable and accurate data.

2. National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB):

• Information provided:
  • Vehicle theft history: Check if the car has ever been reported stolen.
  • Salvage title information: See if the car has been declared a total loss by an insurance company.
• Benefits:
  • Helps to avoid buying a stolen car.
• Limitations:
  • Free VIN check offers limited information. Information such as accident history is not available.

3. Consumer reports:

• Information provided:
  • Expert car reviews and ratings
  • Used car buying guides, including common problems specific to the car model you’re considering.
  • Compare prices of similar vehicles in your area.
• Benefits:
  • Trusted source for car reviews and ratings.
• Limitations:
  • Requires a subscription to get access to all ratings and test results.
  • Reviews may not be available for older or less popular car models.

4. Independent mechanics:

• Benefits:
  • Personalized inspection for the specific car you’re interested in.
  • Can identify potential problems that may not be apparent in a visual inspection.
  • Can provide valuable insights into the car’s condition and maintenance needs.
• Limitations:
  • Requires additional cost for the inspection.
  • Finding a qualified and trustworthy mechanic can be challenging.

1. General Discussion [bcohen2010]. (Dec 10, 2019). The problem with sites like Carfax is that the cost to run a single report is so absurdly expensive that [Comment on the online forum post Can someone run a car fax for me please]. CarTalk. https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-someone-run-a-car-fax-for-me-please/154367/4 ↩︎
2. Maintenance/Repairs [bing]. (May 8, 2023). I change oil every 5000 miles and trans every 30,000, but my carfax would be blank.
   [Comment on the online forum post Using carfax or other data system to find maintenance history before purchase]. CarTalk. https://community.cartalk.com/t/using-carfax-or-other-data-system-to-find-maintenance-history-before-purchase/190477/5 ↩︎
3. Buying/Selling [jtsanders]. (Aug 22, 2022). How accurate is Carfax reports? [Online forum post]. CarTalk. https://community.cartalk.com/t/how-accurate-is-carfax-reports/185946 ↩︎