How to Get Mileage from a Broken Odometer – 8 Tricks

If your digital or mechanical odometer stopped working there are numerous ways to retrieve, verify or approximate a mileage reading for your vehicle.

So, how can you get the mileage off of a vehicle with a broken odometer?  There are 8 ways to obtain a vehicle’s mileage reading without an odometer: 

1. Odometer scan tool
2. Online telematics such as OnStar app 
3. Mileage data from vehicle key memory
4. Dealership service department
5. State title and odometer report from DMV
6. Using a vehicle history report
7. Maintenance records
8. Advanced technical measures

1. Odometer Scan Tool / Mileage Scanner 

An odometer scanner can be used to get the mileage from a broken odometer by connecting into the Onboard Diagnostics Port (OBD) and accessing the vehicle’s odometer memory. The mileage is then displayed on the screen of the scan tool. 

The location where the odometer data is stored varies by manufacturer, model and age of the vehicle but can sometimes be accessed by the OBD port under the dashboard.   Some older vehicles store the odometer data in the dashboard gauge cluster or the main computer. More modern vehicles can store mileage data in multiple computers and modules within the vehicle. Some new vehicles with cellular connectivity also store mileage remotely on the manufacturers servers.  

Consumer grade scan tools range in price from $100 to over $400.  Not all years, makes and models are supported by each tool so if you decide on a scan tool make sure it is compatible with your vehicle. Additionally, very few consumer grade scan tools can read odometer memory so make sure the tools features specifically state access to odometer data for your year, make and model.  

2. Online Vehicle Telematics (GM OnStar, Toyota Safety Connect, Honda Link, Hyundai Blue Link, BMW Safety Assist, Tesla etc.)

Telematics systems like OnStar will keep mileage records for your vehicle on the manufacturers servers. You can access this information through your manufacturers phone app or website. You might even be able to call customer service and see if they can connect to your vehicle to obtain a reading.

3. Obtain Mileage from the Memory in your Car Key

Late model vehicles such as Volvo and Mercedes store mileage data on a chip inside the vehicle key.  You can take your key to the dealership and have the service department scan it and print out a mileage report.     

4. Dealership Service Department

A dealership or well equipped independent mechanic will have professional grade computer diagnostic scanners that will be capable of obtaining your odometer information. These scanners cost thousands of dollars to purchase and hundreds of dollars each year just for subscriptions to up to date vehicle data.   I personally prefer the service department from a dealer that sells your vehicle as they have direct support from the manufacturer as well as access to factory technical manuals. 

You would want to obtain a “screen shot” of the mechanics scan tool displaying the odometer reading and have the service writer certify this mileage in their service record.  

5. State Title and Odometer Report from DMV

Most states provide services that will allow you to lookup a vehicles title and odometer history. You can obtain the last known odometer reading and sometimes all of the mileage readings and inspection dates the state has on file. Some of these services can be free where as some states charge to obtain mileage records. A list of contacts for each state is available at the bottom of this page.

6. Obtain Mileage from a Vehicle History Report

A vehicle history report gathers sales, repair and mileage data from repair shops, state inspection centers and motor vehicle department records.  The most popular vehicle history report is from CARFAX™.  

Most estimating systems insurance companies can generate this report based off the VIN number when the vehicle is inspected.  With most popular vehicles, the adjuster will have a last known mileage reading almost instantly. 

7. Obtain Mileage from Maintenance Records

Maintenance records are also a helpful way of approximating a vehicles mileage and can be more accurate than a vehicle history report if they are recent. 

If you do not have your maintenance records, you can always call your repair shop and have them fax or email them directly to your adjuster.  Tire shops also document your vehicle’s mileage so they are a great mileage source as well.

Once the last known mileage reading is obtained, you can approximate the current mileage based on yearly driving habits.  

So if you drive 12000 miles a year and the last reported odometer reading of 30000 miles was 6 months ago, then you can make an educated approximation that the car has 36000 miles on it.

Try the mileage approximation calculator below:

8. Advanced Technical Measures

If the odometer will not illuminate, advanced technical measures can be taken to re-energize the electrical system, even if the vehicle was heavily damaged in an accident.

If your vehicle is a total loss, the insurance company keeps your totaled vehicle and sells it through an auction house to recoup their claims loss. It is in the interest of the auction center and insurance company to obtain the vehicle’s mileage as this can yield a higher sale price at auction.  

Once the vehicle arrives at the auction, the technical staff will take advanced measures to obtain the vehicles mileage as part of the intake process.

Once the technician obtains the mileage, they take a picture of the odometer and upload it to a website with their intake report. The auto damage adjuster can check the auctions website for the odometer picture.  You can also ask the adjuster for a copy of the odometer picture since this website is for insurance company access only.   
 

How to dispute and negotiate an improper mileage reading

Adjusters are usually pressed for time and do not always make an effort to go through all of the above steps to approximate an accurate mileage for your total loss valuation. 

Place the burden on your adjuster to prove they are not making any errors:

• Confirm your vehicle’s mileage via pictures from the adjuster or aforementioned techniques.

• If your mileage was approximated, ask the adjusters how they obtained the mileage, and ask for their calculations.  

• Make sure the driving habits used for the calculation; mileage per day / week / month they are using is accurate.  If you recently started driving less, inform them of this so they reduce your assumed driving habits.
  

List of State DMV Contacts for Odometer and Title Reports: