Carfax vs. EpicVIN/NMVTIS/NICB VINCheck: Detailed Comparisons
CheapVHR Team
1/7/2026
7 min read
When you decide to buy a used car, checking its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can never go wrong. In fact, a survey revealed that one-third of recent used-car buyers got their vehicle history reports, and 71% of future buyers plan to do so.
After all, title issues and hidden damage are a real risk with more than 284 million cars in the United States. And in this vast market, a single overlooked point can cost you thousands of bucks without you realizing it.
While Carfax is a trusted and famous brand to obtain reliable history reports, EpicVIN, NMVTIS, and NICB VINCheck are also gaining importance. So today, we’ll compare them all to help you decide which one’s better according to your current situation.
Comparison Table: Carfax vs. EpicVIN/NMVTIS/NICB VINCheck
To understand the vehicle history report (Carfax vs. EpicVIN/NMVTIS/NICB VINCheck) that allows VIN checking, let’s take a glance at our comparison table:
Key Features
Cheap Carfax by CheapVHR
EpicVIN
NMVTIS
NICB VINCheck
Price
$4.49
Around ~$24.99 per report
Around ~$10–$15
Free
Accident History
Yes
Yes
No
No
Title Brands
Yes
Yes
Yes
Limited
Service and Maintenance Records
Yes
No
No
No
Odometer Rollback Check
Yes
Yes
yes (latest reading only)
No
Theft History
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Data Depth
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐
⭐
Best For
Dealerships, Buyers, and Sellers
Budget buyers & auction vehicles
Verifying title legitimacy
Quick free theft check
Key Differences Between Carfax, EpicVIN, NMVTIS, and NICB VINCheck
Carfax reports can be a bit expensive and charge you around $45, or less, depending on the platform you choose. So, if you want to get multiple reports, this option isn’t reasonable. However, we offer you the same report for only $4.49 each. Check out our pricing.
EpicVIN
In contrast, EpicVIN is affordable compared to Carfax. Its single report costs approximately $25. But you can also avail of its $1 trial for three days.
NMVTIS
NMVTIS reports are usually assessed through approved providers and may charge $10 to $15. While the price looks pretty cheap, it gives limited information about the history.
NICB VINCheck
If you’re looking for a free option, NICB VINCheck can serve the purpose, as it allows 5 VIN searches per day, but with expected data limits.
(Winner: In terms of affordability and reliability, CheapVHR balances all the factors.)
2) Data Depth & Report Completeness
Carfax
Carfax provides the most comprehensive reports in the market so far. Many people trust it, as it pulls data from thousands of resources, including NMVTIS, for utmost reliability.
EpicVIN
In terms of data depth, EpicVIN also offers solid accident data and title information. It also involves photos and auction listings in the reports that are helpful.
NMVTIS
NMVTIS primarily focuses on title-related information (theft records, salvage status, branded titles, etc.), while overlooking ownership count, accident details, and maintenance history.
NICB VINCheck
Lastly, NICB reports only about salvage title and theft claims from participating insurers. And that means you won’t be getting service history, accident details, or ownership data.
(Winner: Carfax is the clear winner when it comes to historical coverage and completeness)
3) Reliability & Data Authority
Carfax
When we talk about data authority and reliability for both dealerships and consumers, Carfax never stays behind. It collects data from over 140,000 service centers and provides databases.
EpicVIN
EpicVIN heavily relies on insurance data and NMVTIS. While accurate for auction and title history, it lacks the depth of dealer records and independent service that Carfax offers.
NMVTIS
As NMVTIS is a federal government system, all the insurers are required to report to it legally. And that makes it a highly authoritative source for total-loss records & title brands.
NICB VINCheck
NICB information is also reliable, mostly for salvage and theft claims. However, its coverage depends on whether an insurer is willing to participate in the NICB network.
(Winner: Carfax is the most suitable for reliability, as it combines both government data and several private sources)
4) Accident, Damage & Title History
Carfax
Carfax offers in-depth accident reporting, including the severity (moderate, minor, or severe), along with points like airbag deployment, title branding, and flood damage.
EpicVIN
EpicVIN has title brands and accident records, but it somehow lacks extensive details. Its biggest perk is its auction photos, which can confirm the damage visually.
NMVTIS
On the contrary, NMVTIS doesn’t really list car accidents. Instead, it highlights whether the car has a branded title because of flood, salvage, or any junk designation.
NICB VINCheck
NICB confirms if the vehicle was declared salvage or reported stolen in the past. But remember that it lacks accidental details.
(Winner: Carfax stands out in all these points, as it gives the most detailed reports)
##Which VIN Check Should You Choose?
With the detailed comparison of Carfax vs. EpicVIN/NMVTIS/NICB VINCheck, it is evident that Carfax stays ahead of the competition in almost every sector. But the reason many people still hesitate to choose this is its hefty price.
Of course, why would anyone want to spend $45 on a vehicle history report(s), right? Well, that’s where CheapVHR comes in. Now, smart buyers can get instant access to the same reliable report for only $4.49. Yes, that’s absolutely true!
This all-inclusive platform provides all the crucial details, including
1.Accident history
2.Odometer readings
3.Ownership history
4.Functional damage
5.Title information
6.Service & maintenance records
7.Recall information
And much more
Still confused about whether this tool can suffice for all your vehicle report needs? Trust CheapVHR once, and you’re never going to regret this decision!
How to Interpret the Details in a Carfax Report for Used Car Buying?
