General FAQs
General information regarding databases, sources, buyback guarantees, and support glossary terms.
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Where does CARFAX get its information?
CARFAX has built a database containing billions of records from over **139,000 data sources** across the U.S. and Canada. Our data providers include: - Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) and provincial ministries - Auto auctions and salvage auctions - Collision repair facilities - Service and maintenance shops - Police departments and law enforcement agencies - Insurance companies - Fire departments - Car dealerships and manufacturers By collecting data from diverse sources, we are able to build a comprehensive timeline of events throughout a vehicle's lifetime.
What is the CARFAX Buyback Guarantee?
The **CARFAX Buyback Guarantee** is our promise of confidence to used car buyers. We will buy back a vehicle if it turns out to have a severe title brand that was not reported on the CARFAX report. **Terms and Eligibility:** - Covers branded titles including: Salvage, Junk, Rebuilt, Flood, Fire, Lemon, or Odometer fraud. - The title brand must have been reported by a DMV *before* the date of the CARFAX report, but failed to show up on the report. - You must register the vehicle and activate the Buyback Guarantee within 90 days of purchase. - If eligible, CARFAX will buy back the vehicle for the full purchase price plus taxes, up to 110% of the NADA clean retail value. To learn more or activate your guarantee, visit our Buyback Guarantee page in the support menu.
Does CARFAX have a Glossary of Terms?
Yes, we maintain a complete Glossary of Terms to help you understand all symbols, records, and terms used on a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. **Common Terms Explained:** - **Branded Title**: A permanent designation on a DMV title indicating a major event, such as Salvage, Junk, or Rebuilt. - **Odometer Discrepancy**: A warning triggered when a newer mileage reading is lower than a previous reading on record. - **Lemon Title**: A vehicle bought back by the manufacturer due to recurring, unfixable mechanical problems. - **Failed Emissions**: A vehicle that did not pass its mandatory state smog or safety inspection. Refer to the glossary page within the help index for full descriptions of all terms.