Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

About Carvestigate

What is Carvestigate?

Carvestigate is a platform that helps you uncover common issues, defects, and hidden costs of cars before you buy them. Our reports are based on aggregated data from public sources, user submissions, and automotive expertise.

How does Carvestigate work?

Simply enter the make, model, year, and engine of the car you're researching. Carvestigate then generates a detailed report highlighting known issues, severity levels, estimated repair costs, and preventive maintenance tips. You can also access the Paperwork Checklist feature, which guides buyers and sellers through the documents required to complete a vehicle transaction in their country or state.

What paperwork do I need to buy or sell a car?

Carvestigate provides a localized paperwork checklist that helps you understand the documents needed when buying or selling a car. Requirements vary by country, state, or region, so Carvestigate adapts the checklist when you select the country to match the process where the transaction takes place. Carvestigate does not store or manage your personal documents. It simply guides you through what paperwork is required.

What kind of documents are covered by the checklist?

  • Valid ID for buyer and seller
  • Vehicle title or registration certificate
  • Bill of Sale or sales contract
  • Proof of insurance
  • Roadworthiness/inspection certificate
  • Emissions or safety test results (if required)
  • Customs or import papers (for imported vehicles)
  • LPG/CNG conversion certificates (where applicable)
Disclaimer: Carvestigate provides guidance only. This is general, non-legal information and may not reflect current requirements. Laws vary and change. Always confirm with your local authorities or a qualified legal professional before acting. Users are responsible for obtaining, verifying, and securely storing their own documents.

Reports & Accuracy

How accurate are the reports?

Reports are general for the selected make and model, based on a combination of verified data, user submissions, and expert analysis. While we aim to provide reliable insights, actual vehicle condition may vary depending on maintenance history, mileage, and usage.

Can I rely on Carvestigate instead of a mechanic inspection?

Carvestigate is a research and decision-support tool. We strongly recommend using it alongside a professional mechanic and a pre-purchase inspection for the most accurate evaluation of the vehicle you intend to buy.

Pricing & Access

Is Carvestigate free to use?

We offer a free tier with essential information and a premium version that provides detailed deep-dive reports and advanced insights.

What payment methods are accepted?

We accept all major credit/debit cards and popular digital wallets.

Account & Verification

Why do I need to verify my email?

Email verification ensures account security and allows us to deliver personalized reports, updates, and alerts. Registration is needed for the paperwork checklist feature where we can store your checklist progress.

What happens if I click the verification link twice?

If your account is already verified, you'll be redirected to a confirmation page or login screen — no need to worry.

Support & Feedback

What if I find an issue with my report?

You can submit corrections or feedback directly from the app. Our team reviews all submissions to improve accuracy.

How do I contact support?

Reach out anytime at support@carvestigate.com.

Future Features

Will Carvestigate cover more regions and markets?

Yes — we're expanding coverage regularly, adding more vehicle data, and tailoring reports for different countries.

What future features are planned for Carvestigate?

We are currently developing a Carvestigate Marketplace, designed to make buying and selling vehicles more transparent and organized. The marketplace will allow sellers to create detailed vehicle listings that can include:

  • Photos and vehicle specifications
  • Seller disclosure of known issues based on Carvestigate data
  • Seller disclosure rating
  • Integrated booking calendar

Buyers will be able to review this information and schedule a viewing directly through an integrated booking calendar, eliminating the back-and-forth messaging/calling typically required when arranging meetings. Our goal is to create a marketplace where buyers arrive informed and sellers can build trust through transparency.

Will I be able to compare cars side by side?

Car comparison features are on our roadmap and will be included in a future release as a part of a paid tier.