Toronto, Ontario -- CARFAX Canada is releasing its 2025 Year in Rear View, highlighting accident trends, weather-related damage and financial risks uncovered through millions of Vehicle History Reports run between September 2024 and October 2025.
“Our data reveals critical issues buyers should be aware of when shopping in the used car market—from accidents and weather damage to money owing and fraud. One of the first things buyers should do is check a vehicle’s history and lien status before purchasing or they could risk ending up with a major headache,” Shawn Vording, president at CARFAX Canada, said.
The report shows one in four vehicles carried accident or damage records in 2025. Total accident claim damage surpassed $9.2 billion, marking a 21 percent increase over 2024, with more than 600,000 vehicles flagged for past collisions. February 18 logged the most accident records of the year, while January 28 ranked as the most expensive day for claims at more than $12.2 million.
Severe weather also contributed to major losses. CARFAX Canada identified more than 50,000 vehicles with weather-related damage. Alberta led the country with more than $454 million in claims, 91 percent tied to hail. Ontario followed at more than $50.3 million, with Quebec at $1.6 million. Alberta also topped wind damage claims at $39.9 million.
Financial risk remains a key concern for used car buyers. 40 percent of lien checks performed this year revealed outstanding money owing.
Other findings include Canadians’ preference for white, black and gray vehicles, and a 2015 GMC Savana recording the year’s highest odometer reading at 995,761 kilometres. Vording also warned that VIN cloning remains a nationwide issue, estimating more than 372,000 potentially cloned vehicles in Canada.
For more information, or to read the full report click here.
