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.
Rated 4.9 / 5 on Trustpilot • 780,000+ vehicle checks run
DVLA Certificate of Destruction Check
Has this car been scrapped? What a certificate of destruction means and how to check
- Free car check: MOT history & mileage anomaly check
- 150+ data points from DVLA, DVSA & Experian
- Instant report, no subscription
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
Expert Guide
Official UK Vehicle Advice
Certificate of Destruction Check
Our premium report includes a comprehensive Certificate of Destruction (CoD) check, ensuring you have all the critical information needed when purchasing a used vehicle. This service is vital for verifying a vehicle's history and legality, helping you avoid potential issues related to vehicles that have been declared as destroyed. This guide explains the importance of a Certificate of Destruction check and how our service provides the most detailed and reliable information available.
Why a Certificate of Destruction Check is Important
A Certificate of Destruction is issued when a vehicle is officially scrapped and taken off the road. Knowing whether a vehicle has a CoD is crucial for several reasons, including verifying the vehicle’s legitimacy, avoiding legal issues, and ensuring the vehicle’s history is transparent. Here are some key reasons why a CoD check is essential:
1. Verifying Vehicle Legitimacy
A CoD check helps confirm that the vehicle you are interested in has not been legally scrapped. This verification is crucial to avoid purchasing a vehicle that should not be on the road.
2. Avoiding Legal Issues
Driving a vehicle that has been issued a CoD can lead to significant legal issues, including fines and penalties. A CoD check ensures that you are compliant with all legal requirements and helps you avoid any legal complications.
3. Ensuring Transparency in Vehicle History
A CoD check provides a transparent view of the vehicle's history, ensuring that there are no hidden issues. This transparency is crucial for making informed decisions when purchasing a used vehicle.
4. Protecting Your Investment
Purchasing a vehicle with a questionable history can lead to significant financial loss. A CoD check helps protect your investment by ensuring the vehicle is legitimate and not previously declared as destroyed.
What is a Certificate of Destruction?
A Certificate of Destruction is an official document issued by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) in the UK when a vehicle is scrapped. This certificate confirms that the vehicle has been dismantled and is no longer legally allowed to be on the road. The CoD is part of the End of Life Vehicles (ELV) directive, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of scrapped vehicles.
How to Perform a Certificate of Destruction Check
Performing a Certificate of Destruction check is straightforward with our premium report. By entering the vehicle's registration number into our system, you can quickly access detailed information about its destruction status. Here’s how our service works:
- Enter your car's registration number into our system.
- Our system retrieves the CoD status from official databases.
- Receive a detailed report on the vehicle's destruction history.
Our service ensures that you get precise and reliable information, helping you make informed decisions when purchasing a used vehicle. The Certificate of Destruction check is available in our premium report, providing you with the most comprehensive vehicle history available.
Frequently Asked Questions about Certificate of Destruction Checks
What is a Certificate of Destruction (CoD)?
A Certificate of Destruction is an official document issued when a vehicle is scrapped. It confirms that the vehicle has been dismantled and is no longer legally allowed to be on the road.
Why do I need to check for a Certificate of Destruction?
Checking for a CoD is crucial to ensure that the vehicle you are purchasing has not been legally scrapped. It helps you avoid legal issues and ensures the vehicle's history is transparent and legitimate.
How can I find out if a vehicle has a Certificate of Destruction?
You can find out if a vehicle has a CoD by using our premium report service. By entering the vehicle's registration number, our system retrieves the CoD status from official databases.
Is the Certificate of Destruction check included in the free report?
No, the Certificate of Destruction check is available in our premium report. This premium service provides the most comprehensive and detailed vehicle history, including the CoD status.
What should I do if a vehicle has a Certificate of Destruction?
If a vehicle has a CoD, it means it has been legally scrapped and is no longer allowed on the road. You should avoid purchasing such a vehicle and report any discrepancies to the relevant authorities.
How accurate is the information provided in the CoD check?
The information provided in our CoD check is sourced from official databases and records, ensuring its accuracy and reliability.
Can I drive a vehicle that has a Certificate of Destruction?
No, a vehicle with a CoD has been legally scrapped and is no longer allowed to be driven on public roads. Driving such a vehicle can result in significant legal penalties.
What other information is included in the premium report?
Our premium report includes a wide range of details about the vehicle, such as outstanding finance checks, condition records, write-off status, police stolen records, mileage anomalies, and more.
How do I access the premium report?
You can access the premium report by entering the vehicle's registration number into our system and selecting the premium report option. The report will be generated and available for you to review.
Conducting a Certificate of Destruction check is a vital step in the process of buying, selling, or owning a vehicle in the UK. It provides peace of mind by ensuring that the vehicle is legitimate and free of any hidden issues. Our premium report offers detailed CoD checks, helping you make informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls in the vehicle market.
780,000+
Vehicle checks run on CarCheckUp
£11.99
Full report inc. VAT
150+
Data points across 24+ vehicle checks
4.9 / 5
Rating on Trustpilot
Don't Get Caught Out
1 in 6 reports
1 in 6 reports
1 in 3 reports
Free in every check
3 in 100 reports
1 in 30 reports
Rare, but serious
Rare, but serious
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Free check vs full report
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.
| 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) | Not included | Included |
| EV battery, charging & range (electric vehicles) | Not included | Included |
| Motorcycle (MCIA) details (motorcycles) | Not included | Included |
| Price | Free | £11.99 per report from £8.39 with bundles |
Simple & Transparent
Buy 1 Report for £11.99
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)
Most Popular • Save 10%
Buy 3 Reports for £32.36
3 Full Reports
£32.36 inc. VAT
£10.79 per report
- 3 full reports, for any 3 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)
Best Value • Save 20%
Buy 5 Reports for £47.95
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)
All prices include VAT. Unused reports have no expiry date. See all prices and larger bundles · See a sample report
Trusted By Thousands
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."
"Identified that a Nissan Qashqai had been rolled back by 42,000 miles between its 2022 and 2023 MOTs. Walked away immediately."
"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."
Why CarCheckUp?
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.
Objective Comparison
Compare UK Car History Check Providers
How our car check compares with other UK vehicle history check services on data coverage, sources and price.
| 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 |
Expert Guidance
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
View 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.
Finance Check
Read guide
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.
Write-Off Check
Read guide
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.
Mileage Check
Read guide
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.
DVLA Check
Read guide
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.
Registration Check
Read guide
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.
Keepers History
Read guide
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.
Buying Guides
Explore all articles
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.
MOT & mileage stats
MOT & Mileage Statistics by Make and Model
MOT pass rates, common MOT failures and typical mileage for the cars UK buyers check most. Choose a make, or go straight to a model.
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Ford
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Volkswagen
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Vauxhall
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BMW
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Audi
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Mercedes-Benz
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Toyota
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Peugeot
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Nissan
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Renault
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Citroen
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Honda
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Land Rover
Popular Land Rover models: Range Rover SportRange Rover EvoqueRange Rover
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SEAT
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Skoda
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Volvo
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Hyundai
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Kia
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Fiat
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MINI
Popular MINI models: CooperCooper SCountryman
Got Questions?
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.