Help & Knowledge Base
Car History Check FAQs
Got questions about vehicle history checks, official DVLA data, write-off categories, or finance records? We've got you covered.
Car history checks and reports
What is a car history check?
A car history check searches a used vehicle's registration or VIN against UK records to show what a seller may not tell you: outstanding finance, insurance write-offs (Cat S and N), police stolen markers, mileage anomalies, previous keepers and number plate changes. A free check covers the DVLA record and MOT history; a full report adds 150+ data points.
Why should I get a car history check?
Getting a car history check can give you peace of mind when purchasing a used car. It can help you avoid buying a vehicle with hidden problems or a questionable history, and can also provide valuable information for negotiating the price.
What information is included in a car history check report?
The full report covers outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, police stolen and high-risk markers, mileage records and anomalies, the full MOT history, previous keepers, plate and colour changes, log book (V5C) dates, import, export and scrap status, an ex-taxi check, previous searches and the full specification. See every section in our sample report.
How do I order a car history check?
Enter the registration or VIN for a free check, choose the full report, add your email and pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal or card. The report opens on screen as soon as the payment is confirmed, and a copy is emailed to you.
How much does a car history check cost?
The free check costs nothing. A full report is £11.99, and bundles bring it down to £3.99 per report, all including VAT, with no subscription; unused reports never expire. See the prices page for the current prices and our Price Match Promise.
How long does it take to receive my report?
Straight away. The full report opens on screen as soon as your payment is confirmed, and a copy is emailed to you within a few minutes. If the email doesn't arrive, check your spam folder or contact us.
Do you offer bulk discounts?
Yes. Bundles of 3 and 5 reports cost less per report and never expire, so you can use them as you view cars. For larger trade volumes, contact us. With our Price Match Promise, if you find the same full check cheaper, we refund the difference.
Can I get a refund on a report?
No. Full reports are non-refundable digital products: a report is shown on screen straight after payment and cannot be cancelled or refunded once delivered. The free check and our sample report show what you get before you buy. If a report could not be delivered or is faulty, contact us and we will put it right. Your statutory rights are not affected. See our Refund Policy for details.
How accurate are the reports?
Our reports use data from the DVLA, the DVSA MOT database, Experian and the Police National Computer, shown as those sources hold it. Records can only be as complete as the sources, so always inspect the car and its paperwork too. More on where our data comes from.
How long does a vehicle history check report remain valid?
A vehicle history check report is typically valid at the time of purchase or assessment. As the information provided may change over time, it's advisable to obtain the most recent report possible to ensure accuracy and up-to-date information.
Can I get a vehicle history check for a vehicle I already own?
Yes, you can obtain a vehicle history check for a vehicle you already own. It can be useful to have a comprehensive report that summarizes your vehicle's history, including mileage, previous owners, and any recorded incidents or outstanding finance and more. It can also be helpful when selling the vehicle to provide potential buyers with transparency and confidence.
Are vehicle history checks legally required when buying a used vehicle?
Vehicle history checks are not legally required when purchasing a used vehicle in the UK. However, they are highly recommended to uncover any potential issues or discrepancies in a vehicle's history and make an informed decision before making a purchase.
Can I perform a car history check on a vehicle that is not registered in the UK?
Our checks cover vehicles registered in the UK, by registration or VIN. A UK car exported or taken abroad (for example to Cyprus or Malta) can still be checked by its UK registration or VIN. For a car never registered in the UK, our free VIN decoder reads the maker, country and model year from its VIN.
Can I use the car history check application for commercial vehicles or motorcycles?
Yes, our car history check application provides information for various types of vehicles, including cars, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles. You can perform a history check on any vehicle registered in the UK.
More: See a sample full report
Outstanding finance
What does "outstanding finance" mean for a vehicle?
"Outstanding finance" refers to a situation where the current owner of a vehicle has used a financing option, such as a loan or hire purchase agreement, to purchase the vehicle, but they have not yet fully repaid the finance company. It means there is still money owed on the vehicle.
How can I check if a vehicle has outstanding finance?
Run a full car history check with the registration or VIN. It searches the finance agreements lenders record with Experian, such as hire purchase and PCP, and shows any agreement still recorded against the car. More in our outstanding finance check guide.
Can outstanding finance be transferred to a new owner?
Not usually. A hire purchase or PCP agreement belongs to the person who took it out, and the lender owns the car until it is paid off, so it can't simply pass to a buyer with the debt. Ask the seller to settle it first and get written confirmation from the lender before you pay.
What should I do if a vehicle I'm interested in has outstanding finance?
If a vehicle has outstanding finance, it's essential to proceed with caution. Contact the finance company to verify the status of the finance and discuss the situation. It's generally advisable to avoid purchasing a vehicle with outstanding finance unless the finance is settled or transferred before the sale.
Write-offs
What does it mean for a vehicle to be "written off"?
When a vehicle is "written off," it means that an insurance company has deemed it uneconomical or unsafe to repair after an accident, theft, or other incident. The vehicle is typically classified into different categories based on the extent of the damage.
What are the different categories of vehicle write-offs in the UK?
In the UK, written-off vehicles are typically categorized as follows:
Category A: Scrap - The vehicle is to be completely destroyed and cannot be repaired.
Category B: Break - The vehicle is to be broken for parts. It is not roadworthy.
Category S: Structurally damaged repairable - The vehicle has suffered structural damage but is deemed repairable.
Category N: Non-structurally damaged repairable - The vehicle has non-structural damage that can be repaired.
Can a written-off vehicle be repaired and put back on the road?
Yes, written-off vehicles can be repaired and put back on the road. However, it's important to ensure that the repairs have been conducted by qualified professionals and that the vehicle has passed all necessary safety inspections to ensure it is roadworthy.
Can you drive a written-off car?
It depends on the category. Cat S and Cat N cars (and the older Cat C and D) can be repaired and driven again once they are roadworthy, taxed and insured; tell your insurer about the write-off. Cat A and Cat B cars must never go back on the road. See what Cat S means and what Cat N means.
Do I need to let DVLA know if my car is written off?
Your insurer reports the write-off and its category. If the insurer takes the car, they'll ask for the V5C log book. If you keep it, the category stays on its record and shows in history checks, and the car must be roadworthy, taxed and insured before you drive it.
What does "VIC inspected" mean?
A Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) was an inspection DVLA required before some written-off cars could return to the road, to make sure a repaired car was not a stolen one with a new identity. The scheme ended in October 2015, but older cars can still carry a VIC marker on their record, and the full report shows it.
More: Written off car check
Stolen and high risk records
What does it mean for a vehicle to have a "stolen" record?
A "stolen" record indicates that a vehicle has been reported as stolen to the authorities. It means that the vehicle's ownership has been unlawfully transferred, and it is being sought by the police or relevant law enforcement agencies.
How can I check if a vehicle has a stolen record?
A full car history check shows whether the police have recorded the vehicle as stolen on the Police National Computer, and whether it was later recovered. More in our stolen car check.
What should I do if a vehicle I'm interested in has a stolen record?
If a vehicle has a stolen record, you should immediately report it to the police and provide them with any information you have. It is illegal to possess or buy a stolen vehicle knowingly. Avoid purchasing or getting involved with a vehicle that has a stolen record.
What are High Risk Record Details?
The high risk register flags a vehicle that a police force, finance company or insurer has registered an interest in, for example during a theft or fraud investigation or a dispute over who owns it. It is not a damage record: write-offs and mileage problems are separate checks. More in our guide to the high risk register.
Can High Risk Record Details be removed from a vehicle's history?
Only the organisation that registered the interest can remove it, once it no longer applies. If a seller says the marker is out of date, ask them for written confirmation from that organisation.
More: Stolen car check
Mileage
How do I fix mileage discrepancy in the UK?
Mileage discrepancies can occur due to various reasons. To fix a mileage discrepancy, you should consult a professional mechanic or authorized service center. They can investigate the issue, determine the cause, and rectify it accordingly.
Is mileage correction legal in the UK?
Changing a car's recorded mileage (clocking) is not illegal in itself, but selling a car without telling the buyer the mileage is wrong is a criminal offence under consumer protection law. A garage can lawfully set a replacement instrument cluster to the car's true mileage. Our mileage check compares every recorded reading.
Does mileage discrepancy affect car value?
Yes, mileage discrepancy can significantly impact the value of a car. When buying or selling a vehicle, potential buyers consider accurate mileage as a crucial factor in determining its worth. A mileage discrepancy may raise concerns about the vehicle's condition, maintenance history, and overall reliability.
What is considered a good mileage for a used car in the UK?
The average UK car now covers about 7,000 miles a year, so a used car close to that for its age is normal; 10,000 to 12,000 a year is high but common for motorway cars. More important than the total is a steady, recorded history: our mileage check shows every MOT reading.
More: Car mileage check
Previous owners and the V5C
How do I find out how many previous owners a car has had?
carcheckup.co.uk enables you to discover the number of previous owners a car has had. Simply input the vehicle's registration number into the application, and it will display the ownership history, including the count of previous owners.
Does V5C show previous owners?
The V5C log book shows the number of former keepers, not their names, and the current registered keeper. The full report lists each keeper change by date; see our previous owners check.
More: Previous owners check
Number plates
What does it mean if a car has had a plate change?
If a car has had a plate change, it means that the original registration number assigned to the vehicle has been replaced with a different one. This can happen due to various reasons, such as personalization, transfer, or replacement due to damage or loss.
How can I check the plate change history of a vehicle?
A full car history check lists the vehicle's previous registrations with the dates they changed, so you can see whether it has carried other plates. More in our number plate change check.
Can I transfer a private/personalized plate to another vehicle?
Yes, it is possible to transfer a private/personalized plate from one vehicle to another. The DVLA provides a process for transferring registration numbers, subject to certain rules and requirements. There may be fees associated with the transfer.
Can a plate change be used to hide a vehicle's history?
No, a plate change cannot be used to hide a vehicle's history. Comprehensive vehicle history checks consider various aspects, including previous registration numbers. These checks provide a transparent overview of a vehicle's past, including any recorded incidents or issues.
How can I check how old my car number plate is in the UK?
On plates issued since September 2001, the two numbers are the age identifier: 22 means March to August 2022, and 72 means September 2022 to February 2023. Older plates use a single letter at the start (1983 to 2001) or the end (1963 to 1983). Our free car check shows the exact date of first registration.
MOT
How can I check the MOT history of a vehicle?
You can check the MOT history of a vehicle by using our car history check application. Simply enter the vehicle's registration number, and you will be provided with a comprehensive report including all the MOT test results and relevant information as free
How far back does the MOT history go?
The MOT history available for a vehicle typically goes back to 2005 when the current digital system was introduced. However, in some cases, limited information may be available for tests conducted prior to that date.
Is the MOT history check free?
Yes. Our free car check shows the full MOT history: every pass and fail, advisories and defects, and the mileage at each test. Our mileage anomaly check is in the full report. More in our free MOT check.
Can I drive with a failed MOT but not expired?
Yes, in two cases: if your current MOT certificate has not yet run out and the test found no dangerous defects, you can still drive the car, but you must fix the faults, and the police can fine you if it is not roadworthy. With a dangerous defect you must not drive it until it is repaired. After the old certificate runs out you can only drive to a booked MOT or to have the faults repaired.
What is the penalty for not having a valid MOT?
Driving without a valid MOT can lead to a fine of up to £1,000. Driving a vehicle with a dangerous defect can mean a fine of up to £2,500, a driving ban and 3 penalty points, and your insurance may be invalid. You can only drive without a valid MOT to a booked MOT test or to have defects repaired.
More: Free MOT history check
Car tax and SORN
Do electric cars pay road tax?
Yes. Since 1 April 2025 electric cars pay vehicle tax (VED) like other cars. An electric car registered on or after 1 April 2025 pays the lowest rate in its first year and then the standard rate; electric cars registered earlier pay the standard rate for their registration date. Zero-emission cars registered from 1 April 2025 with a list price over £50,000 also pay the expensive car supplement for five years, starting from the second year of tax. Check the current rates on GOV.UK.
Can I transfer the VED Tax when buying or selling a vehicle?
No, VED Tax is not transferable between vehicle owners. When selling a vehicle, the seller must notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and receive a refund for any remaining tax. The buyer is then responsible for registering and paying the appropriate VED Tax.
Can I buy a vehicle and drive it without road tax?
No, you cannot legally drive a car on public roads in the UK without valid road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty or VED), unless the vehicle is exempt from road tax. When you purchase a car, it is your responsibility to ensure that it is properly registered in your name and that you have valid road tax before driving it on public roads.
To tax a vehicle, you need to register it in your name with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and pay the appropriate road tax based on the vehicle's CO2 emissions, fuel type, and other factors. You can typically tax a vehicle online, by phone, or at a post office branch.
If you are buying a used car, the previous owner's road tax does not automatically transfer to you. You must tax the vehicle in your name before driving it. It's important to note that driving without valid road tax can result in penalties, fines, and potentially having your vehicle clamped or impounded.
Therefore, always ensure that you have arranged road tax for the vehicle before driving it home or on public roads.
Can I pay the VED Tax in installments?
Yes. You can pay by Direct Debit monthly, every six months or yearly; paying monthly or six-monthly costs a little more than paying for 12 months at once.
What is a SORN?
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. It is a legal requirement in the UK that must be fulfilled if you want to keep your vehicle off public roads and not pay vehicle tax.
Can I legally drive a vehicle with a SORN?
No, you cannot drive a vehicle on public roads if it has a SORN record. The vehicle must be kept off-road at all times, unless you tax it and ensure it has valid insurance.
More: Car tax check
Other records
What is a scrapped vehicle ?
When a vehicle is scrapped, it means that it has reached the end of its useful life and is no longer roadworthy or repairable. Scrapping involves dismantling the vehicle and selling its parts for salvage or recycling. This typically occurs when a vehicle is severely damaged, has major mechanical issues, or is considered uneconomical to repair. Scrapped vehicles are often taken to specialized scrapyards or recycling facilities.
What is meant by a Certificate of Destruction?
Certificate of Destruction, also known as a CoD, is an official document that signifies the permanent destruction of a vehicle. It is issued when a vehicle is dismantled, scrapped, or destroyed beyond repair. The certificate serves as proof that the vehicle will no longer be used on the road and provides assurance that it has been disposed of properly.
What does "Used Before First Reg" mean?
"Used Before First Reg" or "Used Before First Registration" refers to a situation where a vehicle has been used or driven before it was officially registered for the first time. This can occur in various circumstances, such as vehicles used for testing, demonstration purposes, or vehicles that were imported and used in another country before being registered in the current jurisdiction.
Do I need to notify DVLA if I change the colour of my car?
Yes. Update the colour in the vehicle details section of your V5C log book, sign it and send it to DVLA. It's free, and DVLA sends you a new V5C. Tell your insurer too.
More: Scrapped car check
Still Have a Question?
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