Buy safe with a car history check

Get a car history check with vehicle check

1. Subject to outstanding finance

If a car has outstanding finance it's legally still owned by the finance company. But it's not necessarily bad news – you can still come to an agreement with the finance company, and end up owning the car.

2. Reported as stolen

Cars taken without the owner’s consent are listed on the Police National Computer. Getting an history check (also known as a ‘vehicle check’ or ‘data check’) will find out if the car is listed as stolen – and potentially save you thousands of pounds.

3. Write-off

There are five different categories as to how badly a car has been written off by an insurance company in the UK. An history check will tell you if the car has been written off, and which category it falls into.

4. Recorded as scrapped

A data check will find out if a vehicle has been recorded as 'scrapped,' by the DVLA, which has somehow returned to market. Another money-saver.

View more ways to stay safe when buying and selling:

The vehicle check promise

If a check finds a car is written off (as category A or B), scrapped or stolen, you’ll get another vehicle check free.

5. Altered mileage

If the car has had its mileage altered, a vehicle check may show up the discrepancy immediately. If the information is available, a vehicle check will reveal if the mileage has been wound back.

6. Green credentials

Vehicle Check will display the car’s CO2 emissions. This lets you know how much it’ll cost to tax and how harmful its emissions are to the environment.

7. VIN number

The car's vehicle identification number (VIN) – otherwise known as the chassis number – should match the one on the V5C registration document and the markings on the vehicle (commonly found on the windscreen or on the floor by the driver's seat).

A vehicle check will confirm the car’s correct VIN, which you can check with the ones stamped on the car.

8. Vehicle specs

You’ll see the specifications of the vehicle you're about to buy, including make, model, date of first registration, engine number and transmission. If there are any major differences between the spec and what’s been advertised – walk away.

9. Previous owners

The check will tell you how many previous owners the car has had. If the seller is advertising 'one previous owner' and the history check tells you there have been more, it should set alarm bells ringing.

10. Free insurance if the check fails

If data in the report turns out to be incorrect, vehicle check offers up to £30,000 insurance cover for specific financial loss. It also offers a free check if the report says the vehicle is stolen, written off (as category A or B) or scrapped.

Get a car history check with vehicle check

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For more extensive checks view our car buyer’s checklist.

Vehicle Check is a brand of and is provided by Experian Ltd. Experian is an appointed representative of Motorfile Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Motorfile Ltd, Talbot House, Talbot Street, Nottingham, NG80 1TH. Registered in England Company No. 3009493. VAT No. 887133593.