What’s in a full vehicle history report?
PPSR certificate
The official search showing finance owing, written-off and stolen status, the vehicle description on record and a time-stamped certificate number. More about the PPSR.
Odometer check
Past odometer readings compared to flag possible rollback, when odometer data is available for the VIN. How the odometer check works.
ANCAP safety rating
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) crash-tests new vehicles and gives them a star rating. Ratings are useful when you’re choosing between models, for example when buying a first car for a young driver.
Emissions rating
How the model performs on emissions and fuel use, useful for comparing running costs.
Insurance claim warnings
Records that can flag past hail, flood or collision damage, even when a respray or new carpet has hidden it.
Registration details
The state of registration, its status and expiry on record, so you can match them to the seller’s paperwork.
When is a full report worth it?
- You’re spending more than a few thousand dollars.
- You’re comparing two or three similar cars and want safety ratings side by side.
- The car comes from an area hit by hail or floods, or the price seems too good.
- You’re buying interstate or sight-unseen.
Not sure which report you need? The PPSR Certificate covers the legal risks: finance owing, write-offs and theft. The full report adds the history that affects value and safety. Compare all three reports.
What no report can tell you
A history report can’t assess mechanical condition, rust or wear, and it only shows damage that was recorded. For any significant purchase, book an independent pre-purchase inspection too. Our buying checklist walks through every step.