Carfax alternatives compared
Prices and how you pay, checked Nov 2, 2026. Start with the free VIN check below, then pick a report that fits how many cars you're checking.
Step 1: free VIN check
VIN
Every option at a glance
| Service | Price | How you pay | NMVTIS for consumers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carfax | $44.99 for 1 | One time | No |
| AutoCheck | About $25 to $30 for 1 | One time, 21 days | No |
| Bumper | Trial, then from $27.99 a month | Membership | Yes |
| GoodCar | $1.95 for 7 days, then $29.95 a month | Subscription | Yes |
| EpicVIN | $1 for 3 days, then $49.99 a month | Subscription or pack | Yes |
| VinAudit | $9.99 for 1 | One time | Yes |
| ClearVin | About $15 to $20 for 1 (third-party figures) | One time | Yes |
| NICB VINCheck | Free, 5 a day | Free | No (insurer records) |
| Us, by text | $9.99 for 1 | One time | Yes, through an approved provider |
How to choose
- One or two private-seller cars: a one-time NMVTIS title check (ours is $9.99, VinAudit is $9.99).
- A dealer car: ask the dealer for the Carfax or AutoCheck first. It's often free.
- Ten or more cars this month: a pack or a membership can cost less per car. Cancel on time.
- Before you pay for anything: the free NICB VINCheck and the NHTSA recall lookup.
How our title check works
Enter the VIN
Type the 17 characters from the windshield, the door sticker or the title.
Get the free basics
Year, make, model, engine, where it was built, and safety recalls for that model.
Text us for the full title check
We text you a payment link. Your report comes back in the same chat.
It comes from NMVTIS, the national title database that states, insurers and salvage yards report to. We get it through an approved provider.
Sources
Prices and features from each company's own site and public sources, checked Nov 2, 2026. We have not bought their reports. Check their site before you buy.
- NMVTIS consumer access list
- Bumper
- GoodCar terms
- EpicVIN price page
- VinAudit
- ClearVin (one time fee, no recurring charges)
- CarWhere: Carfax prices, Sep 30, 2026
- NICB VINCheck
Not affiliated with Carfax, AutoCheck, Experian or any other company named here.
More comparisons
Questions
What is the best Carfax alternative?
For a private-seller car, an NMVTIS title check from an approved provider: it shows title brands, odometer readings at title changes and total losses for about $10 to $20 one time. It does not show service records.
Which ones are subscriptions?
Bumper, GoodCar and EpicVIN start with a $1 to $2 trial that renews monthly unless you cancel. Carfax, AutoCheck, VinAudit, ClearVin and our check are one time.
Which ones use NMVTIS?
Bumper, GoodCar, EpicVIN, VinAudit and ClearVin are on the NMVTIS consumer list, and we get our reports through an approved provider. The list says consumers can't get NMVTIS reports from Carfax or Experian, which runs AutoCheck.
Is there a free Carfax alternative?
NICB VINCheck (theft and insurer salvage records) and the NHTSA recall lookup are free. Neither shows state title brands or odometer readings.
Check a car now
Type the VIN for the free details and recalls, then text us for the title check.
Check a VINNMVTIS does not have every car, and some states report late. A clean report is not a clean car. Have a mechanic look at it before you pay.