carVertical is a European vehicle history company that has sold reports in the US since 2019, and it often shows up as a cheaper alternative to Carfax. The two are built on different data: Carfax on a large network of US sources, including dealers and repair shops, and carVertical on registries and databases across dozens of countries. That difference decides which one you should buy. Here’s the comparison, with 2026 prices.
The short answer
For a car that has spent its whole life in the US, Carfax is usually the deeper report, mainly because of its US service records and detailed accident history. carVertical is worth a look for cars with a history abroad, such as imports or cars that came over from Europe, where its international sources can fill gaps a US-focused report can’t. Both are legitimate, and both check US title brands.
2026 prices at a glance: Carfax is $44.99 per report. carVertical lists one report at $34.99, two for $49.98 or three for $59.97. Through CarfaxDeals, a low-cost Carfax report is $5.
What is carVertical?
carVertical was founded in 2017 in Lithuania and launched US reports in 2019. It gathers records from state registries, law enforcement databases, repair shops, inspection centers, financial institutions and connected-car fleets in 40+ countries, then organizes them into one report. In the US, it’s on the Justice Department’s list of approved NMVTIS data providers. It checks motorcycles and trucks as well as cars, and its reports can include damage records, mileage history, photos, theft checks, a timeline of events and a market-value estimate.
Carfax vs carVertical: side by side
| Factor | Carfax | carVertical |
|---|---|---|
| Based in | United States | Lithuania; US reports since 2019 |
| Price | $44.99 for one; $64.99 for 3; $99.99 for 6 | $34.99 for one; $49.98 for 2; $59.97 for 3 |
| Data network | US-focused: DMVs, police, insurers, auctions, dealers and repair shops | Registries, police, repair shops, inspection centers and more in 40+ countries |
| US service history | Its signature strength | Varies by car |
| History outside North America | Limited | Its signature strength |
| Title brands (NMVTIS) | Yes | Yes, approved NMVTIS data provider |
| Guarantee | Buyback Guarantee on qualifying reports | Report return guarantee |
| Best for | Cars that have always been in the US | Imports and cars with a history abroad |
Where Carfax is stronger
For a typical US car, Carfax’s advantage is its network. Carfax says its reports draw on more than 35 billion records from over 150,000 sources, including dealers and repair shops across the country, which is why its reports so often show a car’s maintenance visit by visit. That service history, plus detailed accident entries and title data, is what you want when you’re deciding on one car. Carfax also backs qualifying reports with its Buyback Guarantee for missed DMV title brands, and US dealers and buyers recognize its reports.
Where carVertical is stronger
carVertical’s advantage is reach outside North America. If you’re looking at an imported car, or one that spent part of its life in Europe, a US-focused report may have gaps for those years, and carVertical’s sources in 40+ countries may fill them. Its reports also include photos when they’re available, a mileage history that can reveal a rollback that happened abroad, and a market-value estimate. And its single report costs less than Carfax’s retail price.
Is carVertical legit?
Yes. carVertical is an established company, founded in 2017 and selling US reports since 2019, and it’s an approved NMVTIS data provider. Like every provider, it can only report what its sources recorded, so the real question is fit. For a car with a history abroad it can add real value, and for a car that has always been in the US, Carfax’s US records usually go deeper. It sells one-off reports and packs, not a subscription, and its pricing page advertises a report return guarantee.
The cheaper way to get the deeper US report
carVertical costs less than Carfax at retail, but not less than a $5 Carfax report. CarfaxDeals sells the same official Carfax report for $5, and bundles bring it to $3.20 per report. For a car with a history abroad, you can even run both, a $5 Carfax report for the US years and carVertical for the rest, and still pay less than one Carfax report at retail.
Bottom line
- A car that has always been in the US? Carfax. Its US service and accident records go deepest.
- An import, or a car with years abroad? Add carVertical to cover the history outside the US.
- Want Carfax for less than carVertical? Get the official Carfax report for $5.
Carfax vs carVertical FAQ
Is carVertical legit?
Yes. carVertical was founded in 2017 in Lithuania, has sold US reports since 2019, and is an approved NMVTIS data provider. It sells one-off reports and packs rather than a subscription.
Is carVertical accurate for US cars?
carVertical uses US registry and title data, but its biggest strength is international coverage. For a car that has only ever been in the US, Carfax’s network of US dealers and repair shops usually gives a fuller service and accident history.
How much does carVertical cost?
carVertical’s US pricing page lists one report at $34.99, two for $49.98 and three for $59.97.
Should I use carVertical for an imported car?
It’s a good idea. A US-focused report may have gaps for the years a car spent abroad, and carVertical’s sources in 40+ countries can help fill them. Run a Carfax report as well to cover the car’s US history.
Does carVertical check motorcycles?
Yes. carVertical says it can check motorcycles and trucks as well as cars.
Wondering how a Carfax report can cost $5? We explain it here: Is a cheap Carfax report legit?