FREE Car Check

Are Private car buyers getting more than they bargained for?

Any one who thinks that they are getting a bargain should ask questions about the car's authenticity. Why are you getting it so cheap? Does it have a history that you should be investigating? The industry is reporting a dramatic increase in the number of people selling their cars without repaying the loans on them. Will you be left out of pocket because the car still has unpaid finance on it? Or worse still, could it be a car that is actually a write-off and deemed unroadworthy by insurers but sold on fraudulently to you?

The advice from the Home Office is...

"...you should check to make sure that the vehicle you are thinking of buying has not been stolen, seriously damaged or is still subject to finance"

The Chief Executive of Trading Standards Institute said...

“In this age of austerity, it is important for consumers to have the right knowledge when buying a used car. By conducting a HPI check on the car's history, checking the MOT certificate and investigating the seller before making a purchase, consumers can ensure they make the best decision and prevent any nasty surprises cropping up in the future.”

Car Data Check History

A few years ago car background checks were originally only available to the trade but in recent years they have been made available to the public, with most people now having access to the internet the consumer has a choice of vehicle history check services so there's no excuse. In the U.S. it has long since been the case to check the history and vehicle's title deeds before parting with any cash, buyers that didn't then stood a good chance of buying a 'lemon'.

For England, Scotland and Wales HPI or 'Hire Purchase Investigations' was formed in 1938. They were the first to introduce this invaluable service and over many years in the industry have made getting a 'HPI Check' a commonly used phrase. In 1999 HPI Check launched an online vehicle data check service making it easier for the consumer to check a vehicles provenance directly. (HPI and HPI Check are trademarks of HPI Limited). Can I get a free HPI check? No you can't get a HPI check free because you're requesting finance data that costs money to gather.

With well over 1 million UK buyers a year now pre-checking cars before buying make sure you don't get caught out or stuck with someone else's problem, 1 in 3 have some form of hidden history so for the sake of a few pounds don't run the risk of losing your money, your sleep or even your life if you buy a deathtrap. Don't risk it - get it checked first or at least agree the sale is subject to an all clear report before handing over any money, a deposit could be left upon similar terms but seek independent legal advice before entering any transaction, you can print off a used car invoice here. Beware any shipping companies or 401 email scams.

How to Check a Vehicle

Before considering buying the car, van or motorcycle put in the vehicle registration number (vrm or number plate) in the search box at the top of the page. The results if registered at the DVLA and DVSA will show you the basic details, factory re-calls and any mileage and MOT history associated with that number plate for free, then choose one of the companies listed below and once a small fee is paid, they’ll provide details on whether it’s a stolen car, written-off, how many previous owners, a car valuation and much more info besides. If there is finance outstanding, you’ll be given contact details and the finance agreement number for the finance company with instructions of how to settle it if needed. Make sure the car data check is guaranteed to safeguard your purchase.

Note: Please see each respective website for full terms and conditions