What are damage records in a vehicle history report?

Damage records in a vehicle history report are documented events that caused physical harm to the vehicle and may have impacted its structural integrity or functionality.

If a car has sustained damage and this information is available in our partners’ databases, it will be displayed in the Damage section of the carVertical report.

While many entries are related to traffic accidents, this section includes a much wider range of events to give you a full overview. A damage record can be created for various reasons, including:

• Inspections and repairs: The vehicle was inspected at an authorized service center for diagnostics, warranty service, or even corrections of previous repairs.
• Valuations: The vehicle's condition was assessed for auction or insurance purposes.
• Legal or administrative events: An entry was made due to legal requirements, manufacturer notices, or write-offs at national registries.
• Non-accident damage: The record may relate to events not caused by a traffic collision, such as theft or mechanical failure.

These entries don't always point to a negative event. Often, they are part of a vehicle's normal history of maintenance and operation, helping you build a complete and transparent picture of its past.

What you can learn from the Damage section

The Damage section in carVertical reports is structured to provide a clear and concise overview of the damage history. Damage records are listed chronologically, starting from the oldest event to the most recent one. This section also includes a 2D car model that illustrates areas impacted during the accident.

Typically, a record field includes the following information:

• The date and location of the accident
• Estimated repair cost
• Possible damage cause
• Damage groups (impacted areas)

If available, we can also match vehicle photos with damage records, which makes it possible to better understand the impact of a specific accident.

Understanding "Assessments"

An Assessment record refers to the formal evaluation of a vehicle's condition. During an assessment, a professional inspects the vehicle to estimate its value, determine repair costs, or appraise it for insurance or other purposes.

While an assessment might be performed because of damage from an accident, it can also be part of a routine inspection or valuation. We list assessments and damage events separately to provide a clear and transparent timeline of the vehicle's history.

Can a vehicle have sustained damage even if there’s no record in the report?

carVertical reports show damage records that have been documented and are available in our partners' databases. However, not all accidents and repairs are reported to insurance companies or authorities. If that is the case, this information will not appear in the carVertical report.

If you suspect a vehicle may have been in an accident but it's not reflected in the report, don’t proceed with the purchase without having a trusted mechanic inspect it for signs of past damage or repairs, especially in critical areas like the frame, suspension, or bodywork.

AI Damage feature

AI Damage feature was created to reduce the chances of missing important accident information. Sometimes, damage records are not available, but we may have photos of a vehicle with visible damages.

If our AI damage feature spots damage from the Photo section, the record will appear in the Damage section of the report, even if there’s no official record of past accidents.

Why it is important to learn a vehicle’s damage history

Learning a vehicle’s damage history is crucial because it helps you to:

• Spot accident history. You can make more informed purchasing decisions when you know what the car has been through. Moreover, this knowledge lets you assess the vehicle’s value better and provides a negotiating advantage.
• Prevent future problems. Damages the car has sustained can help you evaluate its overall condition or identify potential weak spots and maintenance needs.
• Avoid undisclosed damage. Undisclosed damage poses significant safety risks and potential financial burdens, making it essential to uncover this information before purchasing a vehicle.