Can the DMV Check for Used Car Accidents?

[JuliannaFitz]

The DMV can check vehicle violation information, while accident records can be obtained from insurance companies. Methods to check if a vehicle has been in an accident: Checking vehicle violation information: Visit the traffic department's violation processing center or specialized websites of online traffic management platforms to inquire. Used car accident records: To check accident information, the best approach is to contact the insurance company where the vehicle was insured. Inspecting the hood: Check the front beam and steering connections for cracks or welding marks. If there are signs of severe accidents, repairs would have been made. Inspecting the spare tire: Examine the spare tire compartment for cracks, welding traces, or obvious displacement. Test driving: Personally test drive the vehicle or ask an experienced friend with proficient driving skills to do so. Pay attention to any abnormalities during startup, power issues when accelerating, and steering wheel responsiveness—check if the force is consistent when turning left and right. When steering to extreme positions, watch for frequent tire rubbing against wheel liners, which could threaten driving safety. For manual transmission models, also verify if gear shifting is smooth.

[RuthDella]

Actually, the vehicle management office can access some of a used car's accident history, but there's a key limitation. As someone who frequently buys and sells cars, I know their system primarily relies on insurance claim records and official reports. For example, if your vehicle was involved in an accident reported to traffic police or claimed through insurance, this information gets recorded. Using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), you can check these details at the vehicle management office or via the 12123 traffic app. However, not all accidents are included—minor daily scratches left unrepaired or privately fixed cars won't show up. This creates risks, like unknowingly buying a car with hidden accident damage that could affect driving safety. That's why I strongly recommend, beyond checking official records, using professional platforms to download detailed vehicle condition reports before purchasing—like inspecting chassis or body repair traces—for peace of mind.

[StBethany]

Speaking of this topic, it reminds me of my experience buying a used car last year. At that time, I asked the staff at the vehicle management office, and they confirmed they could retrieve the vehicle's accident records, provided the accidents were officially documented, such as those archived by insurance companies. I checked a car's background through a mobile app and found it had a record of a front bumper collision, but minor scratches were nowhere to be found. This made me uneasy because unreported hidden damages could lead to safety issues later. During the car-buying process, I always reminded myself not to rely solely on official inquiries. It's also important to test-drive the car to check the body's smoothness or bring along a car-savvy friend to inspect the engine bay. Saving a little trouble now ensures the car's condition is truly as advertised.

[LaAva]

As someone who frequently pays attention to traffic regulations, the DMV has certain grounds for accident inquiries, primarily collecting publicly recorded accidents, such as data left from police reports or insurance claims. In reality, if a collision involving your vehicle wasn't reported, the DMV won't have a record of it. This means used car buyers might overlook hidden issues. My personal approach is to check the vehicle's history by entering the VIN before purchasing, while also carefully examining body panel gaps and paint variations, combined with a comprehensive inspection to minimize risks.