As car shopping surges, vehicle history report company expects to double revenue in 2021

Used auto report company on track to double revenue as demand for cars surges.  (iStock)

Drivers are becoming more interested in seeing car history reports – which can help them spot mechanical problems, allow them to view performance records and also see accident history – amid a swell in demand for vehicles, new data suggests.

Car history reporting platform carVertical announced that it expects to double its revenue from 2020 while expanding across multiple continents. This comes as auto research and shopping website CarGurus reports that prices for used vehicles have been surging, up 17% so far in 2021.

If you're in the market for a car and want to see how much you can save, consider lowering the cost of your auto insurance. Visit Credible to compare multiple providers at once and choose the one with the best rate for you.

CAR INSURANCE 'AGE TAX' COULD IMPACT TWO GENERATIONS, STUDY FINDS

Demand for cars remains high

The rise car prices are due, in part, to a shortage of semiconductor chips keeping automakers from creating enough new vehicles to meet rising demand. Auto dealers in the used car market are also seeing an increase in activity due to pent-up demand from the coronavirus pandemic and an increase in cash flow from government stimulus checks. 

Some buyers, though, saw relief late in the late summer. Used car prices dropped in August – the first time in seven months, decreasing 1.4% from the month before, according to the Labor Department.

Other ways to reduce your automotive costs include switching your car insurance. In the auto insurance industry, loyalty doesn’t often pay. Visit Credible to compare multiple lenders and see which one has the best monthly premiums for you.

AUTO INSURANCE SHOPPING SURGES AS YOUNGER GENERATIONS RETURN TO WORK

How to lower your auto costs

There are several ways to ensure car shoppers can keep their costs low when buying a vehicle amid chip shortages and high demand. As car prices grow and demand remains strong, here are some tips to keep costs down:

Consider new versus used

Car sales and prices are continuing to increase across all vehicle types. A new car is not only more expensive upfront, but it also costs more to repair and maintain. Additionally, car insurance becomes less expensive for every year the automobile ages. 

Compare insurance companies

Car insurance companies often give discounts for various reasons. Some companies may have better discounts for teen drivers or younger drivers with good student discounts, while others may have better rates for those with a longer driving history or good driver discounts. Visit Credible to fill out your information once and see premium options from multiple companies.

Working on improving your credit

Better credit scores help car buyers lower auto costs on several fronts. Drivers with a good credit score can obtain a lower interest rate on their car loan and lower their monthly payment. Credit scores also factor into your auto insurance payment, so drivers with a higher score will have lower insurance premiums.

CREDIT SCORE IN NEED OF A BOOST? 3 EXPERT-RECOMMENDED TIPS TO IMPROVE YOURS

If you are looking for ways to lower your auto costs, contact Credible to speak to an auto insurance expert and get all of your questions answered.

Have a finance-related question, but don't know who to ask? Email The Credible Money Expert at moneyexpert@credible.com and your question might be answered by Credible in our Money Expert column.