Carfax shows accident. How to get more info?
 

looking at a car that has been in an accident. It was a couple of owners ago so I can't talk to the person who owned it when it hapened. Is there anyway to look it up in some kind of database in the state where it happened? I'd like to know if it was a slight bumper issue or something major. It was in Cal.

Is there an accident report number on the Carfax? If there is you can call the local police dept and see if they will provide that info. Generally with major accidents where the title is branded you can get info from the state's DMV but they don't keep a record of any other accidents.

Any good body shop can tell you what panels were repaired, replaced or just painted. Access of information varies from state to state.

Ask your insurance agent if he can run a "clue report" (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) it is a central computer where insurance co's share info on accidents and claims.

Good luck trying to get any information from a state agency or an insurance company. Privacy laws are very strict these days, and risk of liability is going to keep every private company tight-lipped.

If you ask the seller to recheck his service records he may be able to find contact info for the owner at the time of the accident (or any previous owners that might have 2nd hand info). Otherwise, advice above are good routes to try as well.

I will try my insurance guy, but like 911 Dave said, i bet it will be hard to get any info. I guess the auto body shop is the best bet. It would just be nice to know all the specifics.

2 words: Paint meter