Free Car Check  

What’s Included in a Car History Check?

A car history check gives you verified insights into the legal, financial, and technical status of a used vehicle. It helps answer crucial buyer questions such as:

• Is the car stolen or written off?
• Does it have outstanding finance?
• Are the mileage and registration records genuine?

We retrieve data from authoritative sources like the DVLA, PNC, insurance underwriters, finance providers, and trade-exclusive platforms, giving you the confidence to make a safe, legal, and informed purchase.

1. Is This Car Legally Safe to Buy?

These checks reveal any legal or ownership issues that could make the car unsafe to buy or legally undrivable.

✅ Stolen Vehicle

Matches the registration to police databases (PNC, MIAFTR).

⟶ If flagged, the vehicle can be seized at any time, and you lose both the car and your money.

✅ Outstanding Finance

Detects unresolved finance or hire purchase agreements.

⟶ The car may legally belong to the lender until the finance is cleared.

✅ Insurance Write-Offs

Confirms if the car was declared a total loss (Cat A, B, S, N) with damage codes.

⟶ Written-off vehicles may have safety or structural issues and impact resale value.

✅ Salvage Auction History

Retrieves past auction listings, images, and damage details.

⟶ Reveals if the car was sold as damaged or salvaged, even if repaired since.

✅ DVLA Scrapped Status

Shows if the vehicle is registered as scrapped and removed from UK road use.

⟶ A scrapped car is illegal to drive, even if it's been repaired.

2. Does It Meet Legal Road Requirements?

These checks confirm whether the vehicle is currently roadworthy and legally compliant.

✅ MOT History

Lists MOT pass/fail results, mileage at test, advisories, and expiry.

⟶ Inconsistent mileage or frequent failures may indicate poor maintenance or odometer fraud.

✅ Road Tax Status

Confirms tax band, expiry date, and renewal status.

⟶ Driving without tax is illegal and can result in fines or seizure.

✅ SORN Declaration

Checks if the vehicle is declared off-road (Statutory Off Road Notification).

⟶ A car under SORN can't be driven or parked on public roads.

✅ Recall Alerts

Flags unresolved manufacturer or DVSA recalls.

⟶ Active recalls may affect safety systems like brakes or airbags and require urgent attention.

3. Can You Trust the Vehicle’s Identity?

These checks help verify that the car’s identity hasn’t been tampered with, preventing fraud and identity cloning.

✅ VRM (Reg Plate) Check

Matches the number plate to official DVLA records.

⟶ Helps prevent vehicle cloning and ensures you're buying the right car.

✅ VIN, Engine and Chassis Match

Cross-references unique vehicle identifiers with DVLA/manufacturer data.

⟶ Mismatches may signal identity fraud or parts swapping.

✅ Keeper History

Lists previous owners and how long they kept the car.

⟶ High turnover may suggest reliability issues or commercial use.

✅ Plate change history

Tracks all number plate changes and dates.

⟶ Frequent plate changes may be used to mask a car’s history.

✅ Import & Export Data

Shows if the car was registered abroad or exported from the UK.

⟶ Imported vehicles may differ in spec and be harder to insure or service.

4. What Are the Car’s Real Specs and Usage History?

These technical checks help you evaluate if the vehicle meets your performance expectations and environmental needs.

✅ Mileage Validation

Compares mileage from MOT, trade logs, and BVRLA data.

⟶ Confirms odometer accuracy and helps spot clocking or rollback fraud.

✅ Technical specification

Lists brand, model, engine size CC, fuel type, emissions, trim, weight, etc.

⟶ Essential for comparing models or verifying seller claims.

✅ Performance data

Shows BHP, top speed, torque, and 0–60 acceleration.

⟶ Useful for assessing power output, especially for specific driving needs.

✅ Fuel Economy

Displays MPG for urban, extra-urban, and combined driving.

⟶ Helps estimate running costs and eco-efficiency.

✅ ULEZ and Congestion Compliance

Verifies if the car meets Euro 4, 5, or 6 emissions standards.

⟶ Required for driving in London’s ULEZ or Congestion Charge zones.