What the free car check shows
- Full MOT historyEvery test, pass or fail, with advisories.
- Mileage timelineEach MOT reading on a chart, with drops flagged.
- Tax and MOT statusStraight from the DVLA.
- EV battery guidanceTypical battery health and range for the model and age.
What the full history check adds, for £9.99
The free check tells you how the car has been looked after. The full check tells you whether it's safe to buy: the things a seller might not mention. It's £9.99, about half what HPI charge for a single check (£19.99 at the time of writing).
- Outstanding financeWhether a finance company still owns the car.
- Insurance write-offCategory A, B, S or N, and when the loss happened.
- StolenChecked against the Police National Computer.
- Scrapped or exportedFrom the DVLA record.
- Previous keepersHow many, and when it last changed hands.
- Plate and colour changesSo you can match the V5C to the car.
Buying an electric car? Check the battery too
On a used EV the battery is most of the car's value. Our report shows the typical battery health and real-world range for that model at its age, so you know what a fair figure looks like before you see a battery report from the seller.
If the numbers matter to you (they should), we'll match you with a local EV specialist who can test the battery in under an hour.
How it works
- 1Enter the registration and run the free check. No account, no card.
- 2If you're buying, add the full history check for £9.99. You pay by card and the report opens straight away.
- 3We email you the link, so you can open it again or send it to someone at any point.
| Free check | Full check, £9.99 coming soon | |
|---|---|---|
| MOT history and advisories | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mileage timeline with drops flagged | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tax and MOT status | ✓ | ✓ |
| EV battery health and range guidance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Outstanding finance | – | ✓ |
| Insurance write-off (Cat A, B, S, N) | – | ✓ |
| Stolen (Police National Computer) | – | ✓ |
| Scrapped or exported | – | ✓ |
| Previous keepers, plate and colour changes | – | ✓ |
Questions
Is the car check really free?
Yes. The MOT history, mileage record, tax and MOT status and the EV battery guidance are free, with no account and no card. Only the full history check (finance, write-off, stolen) costs £9.99.
Where does the data come from?
MOT and mileage come from the DVSA's MOT history service and tax status from the DVLA. The full check uses Experian's AutoCheck data, which covers outstanding finance, the insurers' write-off register and the Police National Computer.
How is this different from an HPI check?
It covers the same main risks (finance, write-off, stolen) at about half the price: £9.99 against £19.99 for a single HPI check at the time of writing. It also includes the free MOT and mileage history and, for electric cars, what to expect from the battery.
What should I do if the check finds outstanding finance?
Don't pay the seller until it's settled. Ask for a settlement letter from the finance company and pay them directly, or walk away. Until the finance is cleared, the finance company may still own the car.
Can I check a car I already own?
Yes. The free check is useful for owners too: it shows your MOT advisories and when your MOT and tax are due, and you can add both to your calendar.
Do I need an account?
No. The free check needs nothing. For the full check you pay by card and we email the report link to the address you give at checkout.
More checks before you buy
Check a car now
The MOT and mileage check is free and takes seconds.