Free Vehicle History: Check Before You Buy

Get the full history of any used car before signing. Accidents, odometer readings, previous owners, maintenance. Everything a basic report won't tell you.

Results are for informational purposes only. Data comes from public government databases and manufacturer records. Always verify critical information independently before making a purchase decision.

100% Free

Basic check

6 points

Verified per vehicle

< 2 min

Full report

A vehicle history report gathers all administrative and technical information since the car's first registration. It tells you whether the car was in an accident, if the odometer reading is consistent, how many previous owners it had, and whether maintenance was kept up.

For a used car buyer, it's the single most important document. It reveals what the seller doesn't always mention: a serious accident, a rolled-back odometer, or missed services. Without it, you're buying blind.

What the history reveals

Declared claims

Accidents, hail, theft

Mileage

Odometer consistency

Owners

Count and duration

Maintenance

Services, inspections

How to use HistoVec

The seller generates a report on histovec.interieur.gouv.fr using their registration document, then shares the link with the buyer. Only the registered keeper can generate the report.

What HistoVec shows

First registration date, ownership changes, administrative status (liens, holds, theft declarations), and recorded technical inspections.

HistoVec limitations

No price estimation, no real mileage verification, no multi-source cross-referencing. HistoVec only covers administrative data.

Our advice

Always ask the seller for the HistoVec report, then complete it with an Automano check to verify the full vehicle history and get a reliable price estimate.

Feature	HistoVec	CarVertical	Automano
Price	Free	14.99€ / report	12.90€ full report
Administrative data	Yes (registration, MOT)	Yes (full history)	Yes (via VIN decode)
History verification	No	No	Yes, official database cross-reference
Mileage verification	No	Yes	Yes
Data verification	No	No	Yes, multi-source
Price estimation	No	No	Yes, market range
Multi-source verification	No	No	Yes, multi-source check

1. Get the VIN or registration number

The VIN is on the registration document or the windshield on the driver's side. The registration number is on the number plate.

2. Ask the seller for the HistoVec report

The seller generates the report on histovec.interieur.gouv.fr and sends you the link. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

3. Complete with an Automano scan

Enter the VIN on Automano. Our system cross-references official databases, accident history, and market data to give you a complete verification with a price estimate.

Check a vehicle

Accidents and claims

An accident-damaged vehicle loses value and may have hidden structural issues. Check whether any claims were filed with insurers.

Mileage consistency

Odometer fraud is still the most common scam. Cross-check the displayed mileage with MOT records and service invoices.

Number of owners

A car that changes hands often may be hiding a recurring problem. On the other hand, a single owner is generally a good sign.

Service history

Timely servicing extends a vehicle's lifespan. Ask for the service book and check the regularity of maintenance.

Liens and holds

A vehicle with an outstanding lien can't be sold legally. HistoVec shows whether any hold or lien is registered against the registration certificate.

Theft declaration

Make sure the vehicle isn't reported stolen. This information is available for free through HistoVec or the stolen vehicles database. Always check before buying.

What is HistoVec and how does it work?

HistoVec is the free service from the French Ministry of the Interior that lets you check a vehicle's administrative history. The seller generates a report with their registration number and certificate formula, then shares the link with the buyer.

Is HistoVec really free?

Yes, HistoVec is 100% free. It's a public service from the French government. Watch out for websites that charge for HistoVec access, as they're unofficial intermediaries.

What are HistoVec's limitations?

HistoVec only covers administrative data: ownership changes, registration certificate status, and technical inspections. It doesn't verify actual mileage or provide a price estimate.

Can I get a vehicle history without the VIN?

HistoVec works with the registration number and the certificate formula. With Automano, you can also search by registration number to access the vehicle's history.

How do I check if the odometer has been tampered with?

Compare the displayed mileage with MOT records (available on HistoVec) and service invoices. A significant gap is suspicious. Automano also cross-references this data automatically in its report.

How do I find out if a car has been in an accident?

HistoVec shows whether the vehicle was subject to a VE (damaged vehicle) procedure. To spot undeclared repairs, Automano cross-references multiple official databases and flags inconsistencies in the vehicle's recorded history.

How do I verify a vehicle isn't stolen?

HistoVec shows whether a theft hold is registered on the registration certificate. You can also contact the prefecture or check the stolen vehicles database. Do this check before any purchase.

How do I find out how many owners a car has had?

The HistoVec report shows changes of registered keeper. The registration document also mentions the first registration date. For a deeper analysis, Automano integrates this data into its multi-source verification.

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