Rated 4.9 / 5 on Trustpilot • 780,000+ vehicle checks run

Free Car Check & Full Car History Check

Check any UK vehicle by registration or VIN: 150+ data points across 24+ checks, from full DVLA vehicle details and MOT history to outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, police stolen markers, mileage, previous keepers and plate changes. Start with a free car check.

  • Free car check: MOT history & mileage anomaly check
  • 150+ data points from DVLA, DVSA & Experian
  • Instant report, no subscription
Example: AB12 CDE (Free instant lookup)

Free car check: DVLA details, MOT history & mileage anomaly check · Full car history check £11.99 (across 24+ checks, inc. VAT)

New research 16.7% of cars checked with a full report had outstanding finance. Read the report on 4,390 full checks and 491,789 MOT histories

Verified Data Sources • Official UK Government & Police Records

  • DVLA Vehicle & Road Tax Records
  • DVSA MOT History & Test Advisories
  • Finance & High-Risk Register
  • Police PNC Stolen Markers & Theft Database
780,000+ Vehicle checks run on CarCheckUp
£11.99 Full report inc. VAT
150+ Data points across 24+ vehicle checks

1 in 3 vehicles checked by our customers had a recorded risk

Based on 4,553 full reports run between March 2023 and September 2026, 1 in 3 vehicles had outstanding finance, an insurance write-off, a stolen marker or a high-risk record. (Note: These figures describe vehicles our customers chose to check, not a sample of all UK vehicles.) Here’s what to look out for.

Read the full UK Used Car Risk Report: by age, make and model

1 in 6 reports

Outstanding finance

The car may still be owned by a finance company. Buying it can lead to a dispute over who owns it, and the lender may try to recover the car or the money owed.

1 in 6 reports

Insurance write-off

An insurer has declared the car a total loss. Category S and N cars can be repaired and sold again, but the record lowers the value and can affect insurance.

1 in 3 reports

Number plate changes

Usually just a private plate, but a change can separate a car from its history. Check that the plate history matches the V5C log book.

Free in every check

Mileage anomalies

Our mileage anomaly check compares every recorded reading, free on MOT readings and with dealer and insurer records in the full report. A reading lower than an earlier one can mean an error, a replaced dashboard or a clocked car.

3 in 100 reports

Imported vehicles

Imported cars can have history from outside the UK that UK records don’t show. Ask for the import paperwork and service history.

1 in 30 reports

Colour changes

A respray can be harmless, or it can hide accident repairs or a disguised identity. Compare the colour on the V5C with the car in front of you.

Rare, but serious

Police stolen marker

Recorded on 17 of the 4,553 reports we looked at. A stolen car can be taken back by the police or the rightful owner, leaving you without the car or your money.

Rare, but serious

High risk register

A finance company, insurer or the police has registered an interest in the car. Contact them before you buy to find out if that interest is still active.

Source: CarCheckUp full reports, March 2023 to September 2026 (4,553 reports). Figures describe vehicles our customers chose to check, not every car in the UK.

Check a vehicle now

What Our Car History Check Covers

The free car check covers the DVLA record and MOT history. The full car history check adds the records that decide whether a used car is safe to buy: every check below appears in the same report as our sample.

CarCheckUp full report £11.99
Other leading full history checks £14.99 – £19.99
You save up to £8.00

Single full report with finance, write-off, stolen and mileage checks, including VAT. Other providers’ published prices, checked September 2026.

What the free check and the full report include
Check Free check 150+ data points Full report (24+ checks)
Risk checks
Outstanding finance Not included Included
Insurance write-off & damage (Cat S, N, C, D) Not included Included
Police stolen marker Not included Included
High risk register Not included Included
Scrapped & certificate of destruction Not included Included
Salvage auction records Not included Included
Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) Not included Included
History
MOT history with advisories & failures Included Included
Mileage history & anomaly check MOT readings Included
Mileage recorded by dealers & insurers Not included Included
Previous keepers Not included Included
Number plate changes Not included Included
Colour changes & DVLA colour codes Not included Included
Log book (V5C) issue dates Latest date Included
Imported, exported & pre-registration use Export marker Included
Previous searches on the vehicle Not included Included
Vehicle data
Make, model, colour, fuel & engine size Included Included
Tax status, MOT status & expiry dates Included Included
CO2 emissions & tax band Included Included
Registration & status details Not included Included
Manufacturer (SMMT) model details Not included Included
Engine, performance & technical specification Not included Included
Weights, dimensions & towing Revenue weight Included
Fuel economy & noise Not included Included
Road tax cost (6 and 12 months) Estimate Included
EV battery, charging & range (electric vehicles) Not included Included
Motorcycle (MCIA) details (motorcycles) Not included Included
Voucher codes never expire
Use bundle reports whenever you need them
Not applicable Included
Price Free £11.99 per report
from £8.39 with bundles

See a sample full report

Car History Check Prices: Pay Once, No Subscription

Every package gives you the same full car history check. Bundles cost less per report, so they suit you if you're checking several cars. The free car check stays free.

1 Full Report

£11.99 inc. VAT

Single vehicle

  • 1 full report
  • Outstanding finance
  • Insurance write-off & damage (Cat S, N, C, D)
  • Police stolen marker
  • High risk register
  • Mileage history & anomaly check
  • MOT history with advisories & failures
  • Previous keepers
  • Number plate changes
Show all 24 checks includedShow less
  • More risk checks
  • Scrapped & certificate of destruction
  • Salvage auction records
  • Vehicle Identity Check (VIC)
  • More history
  • Mileage recorded by dealers & insurers
  • Colour changes & DVLA colour codes
  • Log book (V5C) issue dates
  • Imported, exported & pre-registration use
  • Previous searches on the vehicle
  • Vehicle data
  • Registration & status details
  • Manufacturer (SMMT) model details
  • Engine, performance & technical specification
  • Weights, dimensions & towing
  • Fuel economy, emissions & noise
  • Road tax band & 6/12-month cost
  • EV battery, charging & range (electric vehicles)
  • Motorcycle (MCIA) details (motorcycles)
Buy 1 Report for £11.99
Best Value • Save 20%

5 Full Reports

£47.95 inc. VAT

£9.59 per report

  • 5 full reports, for any 5 vehicles
  • Outstanding finance
  • Insurance write-off & damage (Cat S, N, C, D)
  • Police stolen marker
  • High risk register
  • Mileage history & anomaly check
  • MOT history with advisories & failures
  • Previous keepers
  • Number plate changes
Show all 24 checks includedShow less
  • More risk checks
  • Scrapped & certificate of destruction
  • Salvage auction records
  • Vehicle Identity Check (VIC)
  • More history
  • Mileage recorded by dealers & insurers
  • Colour changes & DVLA colour codes
  • Log book (V5C) issue dates
  • Imported, exported & pre-registration use
  • Previous searches on the vehicle
  • Vehicle data
  • Registration & status details
  • Manufacturer (SMMT) model details
  • Engine, performance & technical specification
  • Weights, dimensions & towing
  • Fuel economy, emissions & noise
  • Road tax band & 6/12-month cost
  • EV battery, charging & range (electric vehicles)
  • Motorcycle (MCIA) details (motorcycles)
Buy 5 Reports for £47.95

All prices include VAT. Unused reports have no expiry date. See all prices and larger bundles · See a sample report

What UK Drivers Say About CarCheckUp

Over 780,000+ vehicle checks completed. Read genuine feedback from buyers who avoided costly mistakes.

"Saved me £6,200 on an Audi A3! The seller claimed the car was clear, but the CarCheckUp report immediately showed £5,400 in outstanding Black Horse finance. Lifesaver."

Marcus D., Birmingham Verified Buyer

"Identified that a Nissan Qashqai had been rolled back by 42,000 miles between its 2022 and 2023 MOTs. Walked away immediately."

Sarah H., Manchester Verified Buyer

"Instant download and looks much cleaner than standard vehicle check reports. Showed the complete keeper history, MOT advisories and road tax status. 10/10 recommend."

David K., London Verified Buyer

Why Run Your Car Check with CarCheckUp

One reg check gives you the free vehicle check, and one payment the full car history check: 150+ data points across 24+ checks, with no subscription.

Official UK Government Data

Direct real-time queries with DVLA, DVSA, Experian Automotive, and the Police National Computer (PNC) theft database.

150+ Points across 24+ Checks

Comprehensive vehicle verification covering finance, write-offs (Cat S/N), mileage rollback, keeper history, plate changes and salvage history.

Free Instant Baseline Check

Instant access to complete MOT test history, mileage anomaly analysis, test failure advisories and road tax status at zero cost.

Pay Once • No Subscriptions

Transparent pricing with no hidden recurring monthly fees or surprise renewals. Full reports cost £11.99 with multi-check discounts from £9.59.

Reg Plate or 17-Digit VIN

Check any UK car, van or motorbike using its registration plate number or the 17-digit chassis VIN from the log book or windscreen.

Instant On-Screen & PDF Report

Clean, mobile-friendly report generated in seconds, with downloadable PDF proof and immediate copy emailed to your inbox.

See a Full Sample History Report

Compare UK Car History Check Providers

How our car check compares with other UK vehicle history check services on data coverage, sources and price.

UK car history check comparison table
Feature & Coverage CarCheckUp HPI Check® AutoCheck (Experian) Total Car Check
Outstanding Finance Check Included Included Included Included (£9.99+)
Insurance Write-Off (Cat S, N, C, D) Included Included Included Included
Police Stolen Status (PNC) Included Included Included Included
Mileage Anomaly Check Free & Full Included Included Included
MOT History & Test Advisories Free & Full Included Included Included
Previous Keepers & Plate Changes Included Included Included Included
Free VIN Lookup Free Not offered Not offered Not offered
Previous Searches on the Vehicle Included Not offered Not offered Not offered
Free Mileage Anomaly Check Free Not offered Not offered Not offered
Verified Data Sources DVLA, DVSA, Experian, PNC DVLA, DVSA, HPI, Police DVLA, DVSA, Experian, Police DVLA, DVSA, Police
No Recurring Subscription Yes (Pay once) Yes (Pay once) Yes (Pay once) Yes (Pay once)
Single Full Report Price £11.99 £19.99 – £29.99 £14.99+ £9.99 – £14.99

View Full Report Features & Pricing

UK Car History & Buying Guides

Guides to checking a used car: what a car history check shows, how to read an MOT history and what to ask the seller.

Sample Report

Full Vehicle History Report: What's Included

Preview a complete 150+ point vehicle check. See exact report format for outstanding finance, insurance write-off, stolen status, and MOT history.

View sample report
Finance Check

How to Check Outstanding Finance on a Used Car

Buying a vehicle with unpaid hire purchase or PCP can lead to repossession. Learn how lenders record financial interests on the register.

Read guide
Write-Off Check

Category S & Cat N Insurance Write-Offs Explained

The essential difference between structural (Cat S) and non-structural (Cat N) insurance write-offs, safety implications, and resale values.

Read guide
Mileage Check

How to Spot a Clocked Car & Check Mileage Anomaly

How mileage rollback fraud works in the UK and how comparing annual MOT test records with insurer logs reveals clocked odometers.

Read guide
DVLA Check

Official DVLA Vehicle Details & Road Tax Verification

Check official DVLA road tax status, VED rate, MOT expiry date, vehicle registration date, engine size, and fuel type instantly.

Read guide
Registration Check

UK Number Plate & Vehicle Registration History

Learn how number plate checks work in the UK, how previous plate changes are tracked, and how to verify legitimate registration history.

Read guide
Keepers History

Previous Keepers & V5C Logbook History Check

Verify how many registered keepers a vehicle has had, the date of the last V5C logbook issue, and why frequent owner turnover is a red flag.

Read guide
Buying Guides

Used Car Buying Advice & Scam Prevention Guides

Explore expert car buying tips, common used car scams in the UK, inspection checklists, and maintenance insights from our motoring experts.

Explore all articles

Car & Vehicle Check FAQs

Common questions about a free car check, a vehicle check by reg and a full car history check in the UK.

Is the car check free?

Yes. The free car check shows the DVLA record (make, colour, tax and MOT status) and the full MOT history with our mileage anomaly check, for any UK registration. Outstanding finance, write-off and stolen records come from licensed databases, so they are in the full car history check. A single full report costs £11.99 including VAT.

What is the difference between a reg check and a car history check?

A reg check (or number plate check) looks up a vehicle's details from its registration: make, model, colour, tax and MOT. A car history check goes further and searches the records a seller may not mention: outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, stolen markers, plate changes and mileage records.

What does a CarCheckUp full car history report include?

Outstanding finance, insurance write-off records, police stolen markers, high-risk markers, scrapped and certificate of destruction status, salvage auction records, mileage records and anomalies, full MOT history with advisories and failures, previous keepers, number plate and colour changes, V5C log book dates, import and export status, previous searches, and manufacturer specification, performance and emissions data.

Can I check a car by its VIN (chassis number)?

Yes. Choose "VIN / Chassis No." above the search box and enter the 17-character VIN shown on the V5C log book and at the base of the windscreen. We find the vehicle's current registration through the DVSA MOT database and run the check as normal. A vehicle that has never been in the MOT database may need a registration search instead.

Is the free car check really free?

Yes. The free check shows the MOT history with advisories and failures, mileage history with a mileage anomaly check, tax and MOT status and key DVLA vehicle details at no cost. You only pay if you want the full history report.

What is a mileage anomaly check?

It compares every recorded mileage reading for the vehicle in date order. If a reading is lower than an earlier one, we flag it as an anomaly: it can be a typing error at a test, a replaced dashboard or a clocked car. The free check runs it on MOT readings; the full report adds mileage recorded by dealers and insurers. If an anomaly is flagged, ask the seller for service records that show the mileage.

How much does a full car history check cost?

A single full report costs £11.99 including VAT, and multi-check bundles are cheaper per check. There are no subscriptions or hidden fees.

Where does the vehicle data come from?

From official UK sources: the DVLA, the DVSA MOT database, and Experian, which supplies finance, write-off and high-risk records and police stolen markers from the Police National Computer.

How quickly will I get my report?

Instantly. The full report opens on screen as soon as your payment is confirmed, and a copy is sent to your email.

Is CarCheckUp an alternative to an HPI check?

Yes. CarCheckUp covers the key checks buyers look for in an HPI check, including outstanding finance, write-off, stolen and mileage records, using official UK data with no subscription.

What should I do if a car has outstanding finance?

Do not buy it until the finance is settled. The finance company owns the car until the agreement is paid off and can repossess it, even from a new owner. Ask the seller to clear the agreement and get written confirmation from the lender before you pay.

View all car buying FAQs →