To check a used car’s history in the UK, start with the registration number on GOV.UK to view free MOT and tax details. For full protection, run a paid history check (often called an HPI check) to uncover outstanding finance, insurance write-offs (Cat S or Cat N), stolen status, or mileage discrepancies. Always confirm the vehicle’s VIN matches the V5C logbook to avoid identity fraud.
Before spending money on a full report, you can access reliable information directly from official UK sources. These checks won’t tell you everything, but they are a vital first filter.
Using the vehicle’s registration number on GOV.UK, you can view:
This helps you spot patterns like repeated tyre wear, brake issues, or sudden mileage drops.
You can also confirm whether a car is:
A car advertised as “ready to drive” but showing no tax is an immediate red flag.
Free checks also confirm:
Why this matters: These details should always match the seller’s description.
Free checks are useful, but they only tell part of the story.
|
Check Type |
What You'll See |
What You Won't |
|
GOV.UK (Free) |
MOT history, mileage at tests, tax status |
Finance, theft, write-offs |
|
Paid History Check |
Finance, stolen status, write-offs, VIN data |
None of the major risks |
If you’re buying privately or using car finance, a paid check is essential.
A professional history check protects you from the four biggest financial risks when buying used.
If a car still has an active HP or PCP agreement, the finance company legally owns it. If you buy the car without the finance being settled, it can be repossessed… even if you paid in good faith.
If you’re planning to finance your next car, this step is non-negotiable. Lenders will not approve vehicles with unresolved finance.
Paid reports reveal whether a car has been written off by an insurer and later repaired.
Checks cross-reference police databases to ensure the vehicle hasn’t been reported stolen.
By comparing records from multiple databases, history checks can highlight mileage inconsistencies that suggest odometer tampering.
If a car has been involved in a serious incident, insurers categorise the damage.
|
Category |
What It Means |
Impact On Value |
|
Cat S |
Structural damage to chassis or frame |
Significantly lower value |
|
Cat N |
Non-structural damage (electrics, panels) |
Lower value, often repairable |
Tip: If a seller hasn’t disclosed a write-off, walk away or renegotiate. Transparency matters.
Never rely solely on the number plate. Vehicle cloning is a growing issue in the UK.
You’ll usually find the VIN:
The VIN on the car must match:
If the numbers don’t match, the car may be cloned.
Imported vehicles require additional care.
If the car has come from Ireland, Japan, or mainland Europe:
Imported cars are not a problem, but only if the paperwork stacks up.
Most paid checks cost between £10 and £30.
Compared to the risk of buying:
This is one of the cheapest protections you can buy.
Follow this order to protect yourself:
For a broader buyer checklist, see our guide:
👉 Buying A Used Car: What To Check Before You Commit
You should never skip a paid history check if you are:
It’s about protecting your money, not just the car.
No. Finance data is only available through paid checks. Free tools do not access lender databases.
The finance company remains the legal owner and can repossess the vehicle. You may lose both the car and your money.
It can be, if repairs were carried out correctly. Always inspect it professionally and expect a lower resale value.
Most reports are generated instantly once you enter the registration or VIN.
No. Even honest sellers may not know the full history. Always verify independently.
Once you’ve checked a car’s history, you’re in a strong position to buy safely.
If you’re looking for a finance partner who understands real-world buyers, not just credit scores, Marsh Finance is here to help.
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