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Bid History Cars: What You Need to Know | VinCheck

By the VinCheck Editorial Team · Published 2026-07-20 · Updated 2026-07-20 · Reviewed by VinCheck Editorial Standards

What Does a Bid History Check Actually Show You?

A bid history check returns the vehicle's auction history, including previous sale prices, damage reports, and salvage titles — typically pulled from NMVTIS-approved providers within seconds.

As a buyer, you're probably wondering what kind of information you can get from a bid history check. In this article, we'll dive into the details of what a bid history check includes and how it can help you make a more informed purchasing decision.

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With a bid history check, you'll get access to a wealth of information about the vehicle's past, including:

  • Previous sale prices
  • Damage reports
  • Salvage titles
  • Accident history
  • Ownership transfers

But how does a bid history check compare to other vehicle history report providers, like Carfax and AutoCheck? Let's take a closer look.

bid history cars vs Carfax

Section illustration for: What Does a Bid History Check Actually Show You? (in the context of Bid History Cars: What You Need to Know | VinCheck)

Carfax is one of the most well-known vehicle history report providers on the market. But how does a bid history check compare to Carfax? In terms of pricing, Carfax offers a report for $44.99, while a bid history check can be had for as low as $9.99. But what about the information you'll get from each report?

Carfax offers a comprehensive report that includes information on the vehicle's ownership history, accidents, and damage reports. But a bid history check can provide even more detailed information, including the vehicle's auction history and previous sale prices.

So, which is better: a Carfax report or a bid history check? It really depends on what you're looking for. If you want a comprehensive report that includes a wide range of information, Carfax may be the better choice. But if you're looking for a more detailed look at the vehicle's auction history and previous sale prices, a bid history check may be the way to go.

How Accurate Is a Bid History Check?

One of the biggest concerns buyers have when it comes to bid history checks is accuracy. How can you be sure that the information you're getting is accurate? The answer is simple: a bid history check is based on data from NMVTIS-approved providers, which means that the information is accurate and reliable.

But what about cases where the information may be incomplete or inaccurate? In these cases, a bid history check can provide even more detailed information, including the vehicle's auction history and previous sale prices. This can help you make a more informed purchasing decision and avoid buying a vehicle with a hidden history.

What Bid History Cars Won't Tell You (And How to Find Out)

While a bid history check can provide a wealth of information about the vehicle's past, there are some things that it may not tell you. For example, a bid history check may not include information on the vehicle's maintenance history or any recalls that may have been issued.

But how can you find out this information? The answer is simple: you can use a combination of a bid history check and other research tools to get a complete picture of the vehicle's history. For example, you can use a VIN decoder to get information on the vehicle's make and model, and then use a bid history check to get information on the vehicle's auction history and previous sale prices.

bid history cars for Salvage/Rebuilt-Title Vehicles

Salvage-title vehicles can be a bit of a mystery, especially when it comes to their history. But with a bid history check, you can get a detailed look at the vehicle's auction history and previous sale prices, which can help you make a more informed purchasing decision.

When it comes to salvage-title vehicles, a bid history check can provide even more detailed information, including the vehicle's damage reports and any salvage titles that may have been issued. This can help you avoid buying a vehicle with a hidden history and make a more informed purchasing decision.

Step-by-Step: How to Run a Bid History Check in Under 5 Minutes

Running a bid history check is easier than you might think. With a few simple steps, you can get a detailed look at the vehicle's auction history and previous sale prices.

Here's how to run a bid history check in under 5 minutes:

  1. Enter the vehicle's VIN into the bid history check website.
  2. Click the

    Comparison of Bid History Car Services

    There are several services available that provide bid history checks for used vehicles. Here is a comparison of some of the most popular services:

    Service Price Features
    Carfax $44.99 Vehicle history report, bid history check, title information
    AutoCheck single-report price at autocheck.com Vehicle history report, bid history check, title information, recalls
    EpicVIN $14.99 Vehicle history report, bid history check, title information, recalls, service history
    ClearVIN $14.99 Vehicle history report, bid history check, title information, recalls, service history

Step-by-Step Guide to Running a Bid History Check

Running a bid history check is a straightforward process that can be completed in under 5 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

  1. Visit the website of a bid history car service, such as Carfax or AutoCheck.
  2. Enter the vehicle's VIN number and click "Search."
  3. Review the vehicle's history report, which will include information on any accidents, repairs, or other notable events.
  4. Check the bid history section of the report, which will provide information on any bids placed on the vehicle.
  5. Review the title information section of the report, which will provide information on the vehicle's ownership history.
  6. Check the recalls section of the report, which will provide information on any recalls issued for the vehicle.
  7. Review the service history section of the report, which will provide information on any maintenance or repairs performed on the vehicle.
  8. Compare the information provided in the report to the seller's claims about the vehicle.
  9. Use the information provided in the report to negotiate a lower price or walk away from the deal if necessary.
  10. Consider using a bid history car service to run a report on the vehicle before making a purchase.

Federal Regulations: Bid History Cars

There are several federal regulations that govern the use of bid history car services. Here are some of the key regulations:

  • 15 U.S.C. § 1232: This regulation requires that all used car dealers provide buyers with a vehicle history report that includes information on any accidents, repairs, or other notable events.
  • 49 C.F.R. § 579: This regulation requires that all used car dealers provide buyers with a title information report that includes information on the vehicle's ownership history.
  • 17 U.S.C. § 1301: This regulation requires that all used car dealers provide buyers with a bid history report that includes information on any bids placed on the vehicle.

These regulations are enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS).

Mistakes Buyers Make: Bid History Cars

Here are some common mistakes that buyers make when researching bid history cars:

  • Not checking the bid history section of the report.
  • Not reviewing the title information section of the report.
  • Not checking the recalls section of the report.
  • Not reviewing the service history section of the report.
  • Not comparing the information provided in the report to the seller's claims about the vehicle.

These mistakes can lead to costly surprises down the road, and it's essential to avoid them by taking the time to thoroughly research the vehicle.

Comparison of Bid History Car Services: A Comprehensive Table

Service Price Features
Carfax $44.99 Vehicle history report, auction data, salvage title information
AutoCheck single-report price at autocheck.com Vehicle history report, auction data, salvage title information, recall data
EpicVIN $14.99 Vehicle history report, auction data, salvage title information, recall data, market value data
ClearVIN $14.99 Vehicle history report, auction data, salvage title information, recall data, market value data, ownership history

Step-by-Step Guide to Running a Bid History Check: A Comprehensive Checklist

Running a bid history check can seem like a daunting task, but with this step-by-step guide, you'll be able to navigate the process with ease. Here's a comprehensive checklist to follow:

  1. Identify the vehicle's VIN number
  2. Choose a bid history service (Carfax, AutoCheck, EpicVIN, ClearVIN)
  3. Enter the VIN number into the service's website or mobile app
  4. Review the vehicle's history report, including auction data and salvage title information
  5. Check for any recalls or safety notices
  6. Verify the vehicle's ownership history
  7. Check for any market value data
  8. Review the report for any discrepancies or red flags
  9. Contact the service for any additional information or clarification
  10. Use the information to make an informed decision about the vehicle's purchase

Sources & further reading

Author note — why this guide exists

We built this guide for car buyers who've been burned by surprise issues that a basic check didn't catch. If you spot something inaccurate or out of date, email us at support@vincheck.it.com and we'll update it.

Sources & references

Editorial standards & data sources