A Vehicle History Report (VHR) is a detailed document containing information about a vehicle's past. It is compiled based on data from insurance companies, government registries, car dealerships, and service centers. In Calgary, where climate and road conditions can affect the condition of a vehicle, this report is an indispensable tool for used car buyers. Let's take a look at what a VHR includes and why it is critically important for city residents.
What does a Vehicle History Report contain?
- Accident history:
- Dates and severity of accidents.
- Repair information (e.g., replacement of airbags or body damage).
- Sources: insurance claims, police reports.
- Liens and debts:
- Presence of financial encumbrances (e.g., outstanding loans). A car with a lien can be confiscated even after purchase.
- Safety reviews and recalls:
- Unresolved manufacturer recalls (e.g., faulty brakes).
- Service history:
- Regular maintenance, oil changes, repairs.
- Data from dealership services and independent repair shops.
- Number of owners:
- Frequent changes of ownership may indicate hidden problems.
- License status:
- Does the car have “salvage” or “rebuilt” status.
- Odometer readings:
- Detection of mileage adjustments.
Why is VHR important in Calgary?
1. Harsh climate conditions
- Winter challenges: Snow, ice, and salt on the roads accelerate corrosion. The report helps identify body damage that may have occurred due to harsh winters.
- Flooding: The Bow and Elbow rivers sometimes overflow their banks. VHR records whether a car has been in contact with water.
2. Risk of buying a stolen car
- Alberta has a Personal Property Registry system that tracks vehicle identification numbers. The report will show whether the car is listed as stolen.
3. Insurance requirements
- Insurance companies (such as AMA) may refuse coverage if the car has a “dark” history. For example, after a serious accident.
4. Savings on repairs
- Example: Purchase of a 2015 Honda Civic without VHR. It later turns out that the car was in an accident with frame damage. Repair costs - $5,000+ CAD.
How to get VHR in Calgary?
- Carfax Canada:
- Cost: $54.95 (full report + lien check).
- Data from 30+ sources, including insurance companies and auctions.
- VinAudit:
- Cheaper alternative ($12.99), but with limited data.
- Alberta Registration Centres:
- Vehicle Information Report (VIR): Free basic information (vehicle condition, mileage, Alberta lien).
- Detailed report: Through Registry Agent (cost - $20–50 CAD).
- Free checks:
- ICBC: For cars from British Columbia.
- Recall Check: On the Transport Canada website.
Real cases from Calgary
- Case 1: A resident bought a 2018 Ford F-150. VHR found that the car had been damaged by hail in Texas in 2020. This allowed the price to be reduced by $3,000 CAD.
- Case 2: A woman avoided buying a Toyota Camry that had a “restored” title after the 2013 Calgary floods.
Conclusion
Vehicle History Report is not just a formality, but a necessary step for a safe car purchase in Calgary. It helps you avoid financial losses, legal problems, and danger on the road. The $50–60 CAD cost of a report is nothing compared to the risk of buying a “lemon.” Before signing a contract, make sure you know the car's entire history!