Vehicle Histories Dug Deeper

Experian Automotive is enhancing information on its AutoCheck vehicle-history reports.

The added information draws from new and expanded accident data resources, increasing Experian's current data sets by tens of millions of records.

AutoCheck's data now includes severity of a collision, where the collision occurred, the areas of the vehicle that were damaged and whether air bags were deployed.

Included within the new records are exclusive frame-damage records gathered from physical inspections at vehicle auctions.

Consumer demand for vehicle history information has skyrocketed, with 75% percent of consumers citing whether a vehicle has been in an accident or collision as the most important piece of information in a used vehicle's history.

Experian says providing such information is part of an effort to meet industry needs and build used-vehicle buyer confidence.

It helps the sales process, says George McClean, general manager of used-car operations at Mclaughlin Cadillac Volvo in Moline, IL.

“Whether or not a vehicle has been in an accident is usually the first thing that comes to mind when making a purchasing decision, and actually knowing that accident history is one of the more important factors in securing a sale,” McClean says.

He calls such a report “an invaluable tool in instilling confidence around a vehicle's accident history for our customers.”

Such knowledge helps consumers and dealers “make the best decisions possible,” says Experian Automotive President Scott Waldron.

“Having information on a vehicle's accident history is critical when purchasing a used car, and the more information you have available, the more educated your buying decision will be,” Waldron says.

Experian last year introduced police-reported accident information on vehicles nationwide. AutoCheck customers get key information, including accident and frame-damage data, some of which is exclusive to AutoCheck, from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

AutoCheck information on an automobile also includes possible undisclosed or unknown problems such as salvage and flood-damage history that can affect an automobile's safety and resale value.

The vehicle-history reports leverage Experian's database of more than 500 million vehicles nationwide.

AutoCheck includes a protection plan in which vehicles are bought back if a major hidden title brand is found.