When do accidents get reported to CArfax?
 

Got rear ended in my 4 runner today. Fwy was dead stop and I felt this shove from a lil' Nissan. She was hit from behind by a Dodge Ram. That poor Nissan's hatch back was crushed. My rear hatch is pushed in and I think my tow bar (no hitch) took all the force because I saw a big sq hole in her bumper. My damage is simply bent up sheet metal and I really don't want carfax to know that it was involved in an accident in case I ever sell, it leaves a black mark on the report. What do you think?

When insurance is involved.

Yep. Since Dodge Boy is on the hook for the Nissan as well, I don't see him paying you cash. You need to weigh the value of having your 4Runner fixed with a smallish reduction in its value vs leaving it as-is. Maybe you'll get lucky and it won't show up on the Carfax. Or maybe you can hammer Dodge Boy's insurance for diminished value.

I am pretty sure when the PD enters the accident information into the data base is when carfax would be able to pick up information? You can go after diminished value.

Insurance and body shops report. Take pics and be prepared to document when you sell.

It is best to look at the Carfax to make sure the information id correct. It takes some time to correct the incorrect. Someone highjacked the VIN of my car and it took months to get the information corrected. Having good records helped me.

I may be wrong with my answer. I know the body shop owner where my car is, and the insurance company (at fault party) is so incompetent it may never get recorded. We shall see.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/1097951-what-bummer.html

Where would I start with diminished value? Adjuster may likely ask me to go pound sand?

Looks can be deceiving (ala its just bent sheet metal). Especially since you mentioned the hitch is involved. Energy is energy so if you didn't really feel it, well, some other part of your 4runner did!

The insurance will very much likely tell you to pound sand. This is where a lawyer might come in handy. It is also a great time to *coughe* take full stock of your health too.

PS - We will all crown you California King for a week if you manage to get your pic up on a LA billboard with something of the sort: "I was in a terrible freeway pile-up and Jackie Chiles got me $xxxx! Thanks Jackie!"

I personally use a 20% diminished value when arguing with a company. Here is a link to carfax on diminished value it will give you some insight.

https://www.carfax.com/blog/understanding-diminished-car-value-after-an-accident