Help and contact

Write to help@carhenry.com. Include the report number if you have one. A person answers.

Questions buyers ask

What does a VIN check show?

The VIN itself encodes the manufacturer, model, engine, model year, plant and serial. A CarHenry report adds the recalls, owner complaints and crash-test ratings published for the vehicle, plus the current market price range. It does not include title brands, accidents or odometer history.

Is this the same as CARFAX?

No. CARFAX and AutoCheck hold accident, title and service records collected under contract. CarHenry is a single-purchase report at a fraction of the price that identifies the car precisely and shows the official safety records and a fair price. See the comparison.

Does it work on every car?

Cars and light trucks sold in the US or Canada from model year 1981, when the 17-character VIN became standard. Imported vehicles decode partially, and the free step tells you so before you pay.

Where is the VIN?

At the base of the windshield on the driver's side, on the driver's door-jamb sticker, and on the title, registration and insurance card. Photos and tips.

How long does it take?

About 40 seconds after payment. The report opens in your browser and a PDF copy is e-mailed to you. The link stays valid for 12 months.

Who runs CarHenry?

CarHenry is an independent service. We are not affiliated with any manufacturer, dealer group, CARFAX, AutoCheck, NHTSA or any state DMV. About CarHenry.

Can I look a car up by license plate?

Not yet. Here is how to get the VIN instead.

I lost the link to my report.

E-mail us from the address you used at purchase and we will resend it. Links stay valid for 12 months.

Report return policy in short

If the report identifies the wrong vehicle, or fails to open, we refund the purchase. E-mail the report number. Full policy.