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FAQ: How to find out if car has been in an accident Canada
Car Accident in Canada: How to Know if a Car Has Run into Accidents?
A car accident or traffic collision can be defined as any incident involving a motor vehicle that results in property damage, bodily injury, or death. These incidents can be caused by negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongdoing on the part of one or more drivers. At other times, it can be caused by vehicular defects or road hazards beyond the control of the operator. In most cases, the driver who caused the accident is held liable for any resulting damages or injuries, and may be required to provide compensation to the victims.
How to Know if a Car Has Been in an Accident?
There are many ways to know if a car has been in a serious vehicular accident in Canada.
- Check vehicle history report: You can order a Canada vehicle history report online which will tell you if the car has ever been in an accident, the severity of the damage(s) resulting from an accident, the timeline of the accident, and if there were any repairs made. Click here if you want to see a sample VinAudit car report.
- Check the VIN number: Every car has a unique vehicle identification number (VIN) which can be used on a VIN lookup or VIN decoder tool to search for accident reports and other data.
- Check with local dealerships or DMV agencies: Contact these Canada-based agencies and ask if they have any information on the car in question. They may have some information about the previous owners or any accidents.
- Check with insurance companies: Contact the insurance companies which may have been involved in any previous accidents to obtain more information.
- Look for physical damage: If the car has undergone repairs for physical damage like dents, scratches, or a new paint job, it’s possible that the car experienced an accident somewhere in Canada.
- Visible deformities or misalignment of the car’s frame or structure.
- Uneven gaps between body panels or doors.
- Misaligned wheels or tires.
- Cracks, chips, and other blemishes on the windshield or windows.
- Squeaking or rattling noise while driving or braking.
- Difficulty steering or maneuvering the car.
- Unusual vibrations or shakes.
- Fluid leaks underneath the car.
- Malfunctioning or non-responsive dashboard lights or features.
- Unusual smells coming from the car.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection: Before buying the car, have it inspected by an independent Canadian mechanic. They can tell you if there are any signs of previous accidents or damage.
The Advantages of Background Checking Canada Vehicle History
Digging up a car’s past, especially its accident history in Canada, can serve the buyer in many ways, including:
- Ensuring Safety: Knowing the accident or damage history of a car can help a buyer determine if the vehicle is safe to drive. If the car has been in multiple accidents, it could indicate that there is a problem with the car’s mechanics or that the driver was reckless.
- Cost Saving: If the car has been in an accident or has had significant repairs done, it could lead to more frequent maintenance, which could be costly for the buyer. With that in mind, you will know the reasonable pricing range and which cars to avoid.
- Negotiating: Knowing the accident history of a car can be advantageous when negotiating the price. A buyer can use the information to lower the price of the vehicle, knowing it has been damaged in the past.
- Checking Salvage Title: If the car was in an accident and was declared a total loss by an insurance company, it may have a salvage title, and this information can be helpful in determining if the car is worth buying.
In summary, background checking the accident history of a car is essential for buyers, as it provides valuable information that can aid in making an informed decision about purchasing a vehicle.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
According to the Canada MVT Collision Statistics, there were 1,630 fatal crashes and 77,933 injury-inducing accidents in Canada in 2021. More than 100,000 injuries can be attributed to car accidents. Here are some of the most common factors found in serious car crashes.
- Distracted driving: This includes using a cell phone, eating, applying makeup, and other activities that take a driver’s attention off the road.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions.
- Drunk/Impaired driving: Alcohol or drugs can impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction times.
- Reckless driving: This includes running red lights, changing lanes without signaling, tailgating, and other dangerous driving behaviors.
- Weather conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and other adverse weather conditions can make driving more challenging and increase the risk of accidents.
- Vehicle malfunctions: Problems with brakes, steering, tires, and other parts of a vehicle can cause accidents.
- Inexperienced drivers: New drivers or those without much experience behind the wheel may be more prone to accidents.
Signs of Flooded Cars
Based on the data gathered by Consumer Reports from Carfax, there were 378,000 flooded cars that resumed operations all over the US in 2021. If you are buying a used car, there is a chance that they might end up in Canada.
Besides consulting a VIN check tool, here are other ways to know if a car has flood damage:
- Foul Odor: One of the most evident signs of flood damage is the presence of a musty or damp smell inside the car.
- Corrosion: Corrosion on the car’s metal surfaces is an obvious sign of long-term exposure to water damage.
- Water lines: Check for visible water lines or stains at the bottom of the car door or in the trunk.
- Rusty screws and bolts: Look for evidence of rust on the car’s screws, bolts, and metal parts.
- Electrical problems: Electrical issues like malfunctioning headlights, windshield wipers, and other electrical components could indicate water damage.
- Mold or Mildew: Look for mold or mildew on the car’s fabric, seats, or carpets.
- Discolorations: Discolorations, fading, or splotches in the interior or exterior of a vehicle could indicate water damage.
- Strange noises: A flooded car may create unusual sounds, such as grinding or squeaking while in motion.
- Dashboard warning lights: Check if the car’s dashboard warning lights are working properly, as a damaged electrical system could impact it.
- Recent repairs and/or new parts: Be wary of cars that have recently replaced parts or repaired, as this could be a sign that the vehicle has undergone flood restoration.
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