Does Carfax always show accidents?

The resale value of the car definitely takes a hit when it meets with an accident, given the fact that the car loses out on the aspect of its originality. The resale value is inversely proportional to the magnitude of the accident more the damage, lesser is the resale value of the car.
Almost every insurance provider will have a clause in their policy requiring you to declare any incidents you’ve been involved in while driving in the past 5 years. If you don’t report something and your insurance provider finds out about it later, they could invalidate your policy.

In most cases, accidents are reported to Carfax through police reports. It does not matter the severity. Anytime the event is reported, it will appear on the vehicle history report.

If your vehicle has suffered major structural damage—such as a bent frame—that makes it unsafe or impossible to drive, it is defined as severe. In many cases, you might assume that a vehicle that has suffered severe damage is totaled and beyond repair.

We just need to know your license plate, where the vehicle is registered, and your zip code. From there, we may ask to see your car in person to make the final offer. Alternatively, you can also bring your car to CarMax for an in-store appraisal.
Don’t say “I’m sorry”
DON’T! A simple “I’m sorry” can be used to show that you admitted guilt and responsibility for the accident. Even if you mean “I’m sorry you’re late for work” or “I’m sorry you are hurt” – try to avoid using the words “I’m sorry”.

Minor: Generally, minor damage is cosmetic (including dents or scratches), may only require reconditioning, and typically does not compromise a vehicle’s operation and/or safety. Moderate: Moderate damage may affect multiple components of the vehicle and may impair the vehicle’s operation and/or safety.
CARFAX compiles the CARFAX Vehicle History Report from information it receives from thousands of sources. As extensive as our database is, we do not have all accidents as many have never been reported, or may only have been reported to a source to which CARFAX does not have access.

The main reason why you should be concerned if a used car has been in an accident is that accidents can cause long-lasting damage — which, in some cases, can persist or continue to cause problems long after the car has been repaired.

A clean Carfax report means that there haven’t been any major problems reported. If you’re selling your vehicle and have properly maintained it without getting involved in any serious accidents, you should be in the clear.
According to Carfax data, damage can have a big impact on the price of a used car. The average hit to the retail price is about $500. That average impact on retail value jumps to $2,100 for a vehicle with severe damage in its past.

Another related red flag, especially in older cars, is the lack of repairs. It could mean that the repairs weren’t reported to CARFAX or that the owner didn’t get regular repairs done. If there are multiple ownership changes in a short period, it means that the car has a major or an expensive repair issue.

Carfax only knows if a car has been in an accident if an insurance company discloses the information. Thousands of accidents happen every day that never show up on Carfax reports. Even if an accident is reported, the extent of the damage will not be revealed.

Vehicle history reports detail a car’s ownership, title status, accident history, and more.
CARFAX receives accident information from thousands of sources, but not every accident or damage event is reported and not all reported are provided to CARFAX.

All of CarMax’s vehicles come with AutoCheck reports (click under Free Vehicle History on individual vehicle pages), so you can be aware of reported accidents, title issues, and odometer verification.

Your vehicle will first lose value immediately after an accident and before any repairs are done. If you fail to make repairs or the repairs are low quality, your vehicle’s value will also suffer. However, even if you have your car fully repaired after a crash, it will still lose value.

Yes — CarMax does buy damaged cars. In order to sell a vehicle to CarMax for cash, you typically have to bring the car in to get it appraised.

No. Not unless they are specifically asked.
After an accident, your car’s market value will decrease even if it goes through all of the necessary procedures to restore it back to its prior condition. Diminished value is the difference in your car’s market value before and after an accident.

Accident-Damaged Cars & Trucks. Every year car dealers sell tens of thousands of accident-damaged cars and trucks to unsuspecting consumers. California isn’t immune to this problem.

Among the risks is that a vehicle was in an accident that wasn’t reported to an insurance company. That fender-bender won’t show up on a Carfax Vehicle History Report because there is no official record.

Fender benders affect the value of your vehicle, but not as much as more significant damage. However, if your auto technician can repair minor damage with factory-replacement parts, buyers may not know that your vehicle was damaged in a wreck, since it will show less evidence of repairs.