Help Me Hank: Car Background Report

Paul Somerson knew it would happen...when you could still see his green grass, when you could still see his driveway pavement, Paul knew soon - this would happen.

And he wanted to be ready for the road.

Paul Somerson
"I didn’t want to go slipping and sliding in the snow the way I did last year. And a four-wheel drive car just made a lot more sense."

So although he loved his sporty silver car, it was time to trade. He'd kept it pristine and perfect from day one, so he knew the blue book value was terrific.

But then he got breaking news from the car salesman.

Paul Somerson
"We're going to slash the trade in value of your car because it’s been in an accident."

The salesman then pulled out this report from CARFAX, and sure enough, it said October 2001, Lowell, Mass. - accident reported - vehicle involved in crash. Paul was astonished.

Paul Somerson
"I said there has to be a mistake."

Paul was certain his car had no hidden history, he bought it new!

Paul Somerson
"But that didn’t cut the mustard, and that was that."

The car deal went down the drain and Paul instantly went online, asking CARFAX to zap the bad rap from his car's report card.

Paul Somerson
"At one point they asked for documentation the car had not been in an accident."

Documentation the car had not been in an accident?

Paul Somerson
"Well, how in the world are you supposed to do something like that?"

Paul called the Lowell Police, they had no records of whose car really was involved.

Paul Somerson
"It was like pulling teeth."

It was like identity theft - this car was being blamed for another car’s accident.

Paul Somerson
"I called Help Me Hank."

We knew CARFAX relies on the registry for its info, and after we called, it turned out this was a case of garbage in, garbage out.

The RMV admitted someone there hit one wrong number on an accident report, turning Paul’s CARFAX into carfiction. One quick computer fix and Paul's car was itself again.

This brand new CARFAX arrrived, proving it’s accident free.

Paul Somerson
"It was great."

Now as Paul's weather forecast continues to be on the money - so is the price he got for his now-exonerated car. He's four-wheel driving through winter...in his brand new snow-worthy purchase.

Paul Somerson
"This winter I'll feel a lot safer on the roads."

These problems are rare, but if you are planning to sell or trade, experts say it’s a good idea to first get a copy of your car’s history. CARFAX and other such reports can be free--or very low cost.

For more information:

Here are links to some of the vehicle history services:
http://www.carfax.com/cfm/purchase_options.cfm?partner=PRL_C
(make sure you check the pricing options!)

http://www.autocheck.com/consumers/gatewayAction.do?siteID=706