Best Car History Check UK 2025: 12 Providers Compared (Prices, Guarantees & Reviews)
Complete comparison of UK car history check services. Compare prices, data guarantees, features and reviews of HPI, AA, RAC, Car Sorted and 9 other providers to find the best value.
Choosing the right car history check can save you thousands. With 12+ providers in the UK charging £0.99 to £30 for similar-sounding services, how do you know which offers best value?
This comprehensive comparison reviews every major UK car history check provider, comparing prices, data guarantees, features, and real customer reviews to help you make an informed choice.
Quick Summary:
- Best overall: Car Sorted (highest guarantee £10k-£50k)
- Best brand trust: HPI Check (original provider, £30k guarantee)
- Best budget: Total Car Check (£3.99, covers essentials)
- Best value: CarAnalytics (£0.99 basic, good upgrade path)
Reading Time: 11 minutes | Last Updated: November 2025
Quick Comparison: All 12 Providers at-a-Glance
| Provider | Basic Check | Full Check | Data Guarantee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car Sorted | £10 | £20-30 | £10,000-£50,000 ⭐ | Cars over £10k, maximum protection |
| HPI Check | £9.99 | £19.99 | £30,000 | Brand recognition, comprehensive data |
| AA Car History | £14.99 | £14.99 | Not specified | Trust in AA brand |
| RAC Car Data Check | £9.98 | £14.99 | Not specified | RAC members, voucher value |
| Experian AutoCheck | £9.99 | £19.99 | Not specified | Experian data access |
| Auto Trader Check | £8.99 | £14.99 | £30,000 | Buying from Auto Trader |
| CarAnalytics | £0.99 | £9.99 | £10,000 | Budget-conscious, good value |
| Total Car Check | £3.99 | £8.99 | £5,000 | Cheapest full check |
| MyCarCheck | £4.99 | £9.99 | £30,000 | Mid-range budget option |
| VCheck | £7.99 | £12.99 | £10,000 | Balanced price/features |
| CarVertical | - | £19.99 | Not specified | Blockchain, photo history |
| Motors.co.uk | £9.99 | £14.99 | £25,000 | Buying from Motors.co.uk |
What Every Car History Check Should Include
Before comparing providers, understand what a comprehensive check covers:
Essential Features (All Providers Should Have):
1. Outstanding Finance Check
- Active HP, PCP, or loan agreements
- Finance company details
- Confirms legal ownership
- Critical: 1 in 3 used cars has outstanding finance
2. Stolen Vehicle Check
- Police National Database
- Insurance theft records
- MIAFTR (Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud and Theft Register)
- Recovery markers
3. Written-Off History
- Insurance write-off categories (A, B, S, N)
- Date and type of incident
- Severity assessment
- Important: 1 in 5 used cars has write-off history
Additional Features (Better Providers Include):
4. Mileage Verification
- Cross-references MOT, finance, insurance databases
- Detects mileage discrepancies
- National Mileage Register access
- Warning: 1 in 14 cars has clocked mileage
5. Number Plate Changes
- Previous registrations
- Plate transfer history
- Potential cloning indicators
6. Specification Verification
- Engine size matches DVLA
- Fuel type correct
- Colour verification
- VIN confirmation
7. Previous Keepers
- Number of previous owners
- Rapid ownership changes (red flag)
- Keeper duration
8. DVLA Status
- Scrapped status
- Export markers
- Import records
- Should-not-exist flags
Detailed Provider Reviews
1. Car Sorted ⭐ BEST OVERALL
Website: getcarsorted.com
Pricing:
- Free basic check: getcarsorted.com/free-car-history-check
- Full check: Check website for current pricing
- Multi-check bundles: Available
Data Guarantee: £10,000 to £50,000 (highest in UK)
What's Included:
- ✅ Outstanding finance check (all finance types)
- ✅ Stolen vehicle database (police + insurance)
- ✅ Insurance write-off history (all categories)
- ✅ Comprehensive mileage verification
- ✅ Number plate change history
- ✅ Spec verification
- ✅ Previous keeper information
- ✅ DVLA scrap/export markers
- ✅ Expert UK-based support
Data Guarantee Coverage: If Car Sorted's database misses outstanding finance, theft, or write-off status and you suffer financial loss, you're covered for:
- £10,000 for basic data errors
- Up to £50,000 for comprehensive coverage
Pros:
- ⭐ Highest data guarantee in UK (up to £50k vs £30k for HPI)
- ⭐ Comprehensive database access
- ⭐ Free basic check available
- ⭐ UK-based customer support
- ⭐ Quick online reports (2-5 minutes)
Cons:
- Mid-range pricing (not the cheapest)
- Less brand recognition than HPI/AA/RAC
Trustpilot Rating: Check current rating on Trustpilot
Best For:
- Cars valued over £10,000
- Expensive/luxury vehicles (£20k+)
- Buyers wanting maximum financial protection
- Anyone who values comprehensive guarantees
Why Recommended: The £10k-£50k guarantee is the highest in the industry. For a £20,000 car, the difference between Car Sorted's £50k guarantee and competitors' £5-10k coverage could save you significant loss if something is missed.
2. HPI Check MOST ESTABLISHED
Website: hpicheck.com
Pricing:
- Basic check: £9.99
- Full check: £19.99
- Multi-check bundles: £49.99 for 3 checks
Data Guarantee: £30,000
What's Included:
- ✅ Finance check (50+ lenders)
- ✅ Stolen vehicle database
- ✅ Insurance write-off (ABI database)
- ✅ Mileage anomaly detection (National Mileage Register)
- ✅ Plate changes
- ✅ Outstanding keeper changes
- ✅ DataDot registration (theft deterrent)
- ✅ Spec verification
Pros:
- ⭐ Most established brand (80+ years)
- ⭐ Created National Mileage Register (comprehensive mileage data)
- ⭐ Access to 50+ databases
- ⭐ Excellent mileage verification
- ⭐ £30,000 guarantee (second highest)
Cons:
- Most expensive (£19.99 for full check)
- Some user reviews mention outdated data
- Premium pricing doesn't always mean more comprehensive than cheaper alternatives
Trustpilot Rating: 4.5/5 (19,000+ reviews)
Best For:
- Buyers who trust established brands
- Those prioritizing mileage verification
- Cars with complex history
- When peace of mind from brand name matters
Reality Check: HPI is the most expensive single check, and all major providers access the same core databases (DVLA, police, finance companies). You're paying for brand recognition and their proprietary National Mileage Register. Good service, but not necessarily better data than cheaper competitors.
3. AA Car History Check TRUSTED BRAND
Website: theaa.com
Pricing:
- Single check: £14.99
- 5-check bundle: £29.99 (£6 per check)
Data Guarantee: Not specified publicly
What's Included:
- ✅ Outstanding finance
- ✅ Insurance write-offs
- ✅ Stolen vehicle status
- ✅ Mileage discrepancies
- ✅ Number plate changes
- ✅ Previous owners
- ✅ Spec verification
- ✅ Traffic light risk system (easy to understand)
Powered by: Experian AutoCheck
Pros:
- ⭐ Trusted AA brand
- ⭐ Clear traffic light risk system (red/amber/green)
- ⭐ Bundle pricing reduces cost per check
- ⭐ Simple, easy-to-read reports
- ⭐ Good for non-technical buyers
Cons:
- Data guarantee amount not publicly specified
- Actually powered by Experian (not proprietary AA data)
- Mid-range pricing
- No free option
Trustpilot Rating: 4.3/5 (AA overall)
Best For:
- AA members
- Buyers who prefer established brands
- Those who want simple, clear reports
- Buying multiple cars (bundle pricing)
Value Assessment: Decent mid-range option with trusted brand. Traffic light system makes it easy for first-time buyers to understand risk. However, at £14.99 you're paying premium for the AA name when the underlying data is from Experian (which you can get cheaper directly).
4. RAC Car Data Check VALUE FOR MEMBERS
Website: rac.co.uk
Pricing:
- Basic check: £9.98
- Full check: £14.99
Data Guarantee: Not specified publicly
What's Included:
- ✅ Outstanding finance check
- ✅ Stolen records
- ✅ Write-off history
- ✅ Mileage verification
- ✅ Number plate changes
- ✅ Previous keepers
- ✅ Common MOT failures for specific car
- ✅ Common breakdown reasons for model
- ✅ RAC Shop vouchers (up to £55 value)
Powered by: HPI data
Pros:
- ⭐ RAC brand trust
- ⭐ Additional value: £55 RAC Shop vouchers included
- ⭐ Model-specific breakdown/MOT failure info (unique feature)
- ⭐ Competitive pricing
- ⭐ Uses HPI data (comprehensive)
Cons:
- Guarantee amount not clear
- Added features (vouchers, breakdown info) may not be valuable to everyone
- Essentially rebranded HPI check
Trustpilot Rating: 4.2/5 (RAC overall)
Best For:
- RAC members
- Buyers who value added extras (vouchers, model info)
- Those wanting HPI data at lower price
- UK motorists already using RAC services
Value Assessment: Interesting option if you value the RAC Shop vouchers (car accessories, tools, etc.). The model-specific breakdown and MOT failure information is genuinely useful. Essentially HPI data with RAC branding and extras at competitive price.
5. Experian AutoCheck ESTABLISHED DATA PROVIDER
Website: Experian AutoCheck
Pricing:
- Basic check: £9.99
- Full check: £19.99
Data Guarantee: Not clearly specified
What's Included:
- ✅ Outstanding finance
- ✅ Stolen vehicle check
- ✅ Insurance write-offs
- ✅ Mileage anomaly detection
- ✅ Plate changes
- ✅ Scrapped/exported status
- ✅ Spec verification
- ✅ Previous keepers
Pros:
- ⭐ Experian is major credit reference agency (huge data access)
- ⭐ Comprehensive mileage verification
- ✅ Detailed, professional reports
- ⭐ Same data powers AA checks
Cons:
- Mid-to-high pricing
- Less well-known for car checks than HPI
- Guarantee terms not as clear as competitors
Best For:
- Those who prefer established financial data companies
- Comprehensive mileage verification needs
- Professional/business users
6. Auto Trader Car Check INTEGRATED BUYING
Website: autotrader.co.uk
Pricing:
- Basic check: £8.99
- Full check: £14.99
Data Guarantee: £30,000
What's Included:
- ✅ Finance check
- ✅ Stolen status
- ✅ Write-off history
- ✅ Mileage check
- ✅ Plate changes
- ✅ Previous keepers
- ✅ Spec verification
Pros:
- ⭐ Integrated with Auto Trader listings (convenient)
- ⭐ £30,000 guarantee (matches HPI)
- ⭐ Competitive pricing
- ⭐ Easy to check cars while browsing listings
Cons:
- Less comprehensive than dedicated check services
- Limited unique features
- Best value if already using Auto Trader
Best For:
- Buyers shopping on Auto Trader
- Convenient integrated checking while browsing
- Mid-range budget
Value Assessment: Convenient if you're buying from Auto Trader. The £30k guarantee is competitive, and pricing is reasonable. However, no particular advantage over standalone check services unless you value the integrated experience.
7. CarAnalytics ⭐ BEST BUDGET
Website: caranalytics.co.uk
Pricing:
- Basic check: £0.99 (cheapest)
- Standard check: £4.99
- Full check: £9.99
- Premium check: £14.99
Data Guarantee: £10,000
What's Included:
- ✅ Finance check (paid tiers)
- ✅ Stolen status (paid tiers)
- ✅ Write-off history (paid tiers)
- ✅ Mileage verification
- ✅ MOT history
- ✅ Spec verification
- ✅ Free basic vehicle information
Pros:
- ⭐ Cheapest paid checks (£0.99 basic)
- ⭐ Good upgrade path (start cheap, upgrade if serious)
- ⭐ £10,000 guarantee on full checks
- ⭐ 400+ million checks delivered (established)
- ⭐ Transparent pricing tiers
Cons:
- Basic £0.99 check limited (upgrade needed for finance/stolen)
- Lower guarantee than premium providers (£10k vs £50k)
- Less comprehensive than top-tier services
Trustpilot Rating: 4.4/5
Best For:
- Initial screening of multiple cars
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Cars under £5,000
- Testing interest before full check
Value Assessment: Excellent value. The £0.99 basic check is perfect for initial screening, then upgrade to £9.99 full check (with £10k guarantee) if serious about the car. Smart budget approach.
8. Total Car Check CHEAPEST FULL CHECK
Website: totalcarcheck.co.uk
Pricing:
- Silver check: £3.99 (cheapest full check)
- Gold check: £6.99
- Platinum check: £8.99
Data Guarantee: £5,000
What's Included:
- ✅ Police stolen markers
- ✅ MIAFTR written-off status
- ✅ Plate changes
- ✅ Ex-salvage records
- ✅ Keeper duration data
- ✅ VCA safety recall notices
- ✅ Finance check (higher tiers)
Pros:
- ⭐ Cheapest full check (£3.99 silver)
- ⭐ Covers essential checks even at lowest tier
- ⭐ £5,000 guarantee
- ⭐ Good value for low-value cars
- ⭐ Quick reports
Cons:
- Lower guarantee (£5k vs £10-50k)
- Finance check only on higher tiers
- Less comprehensive than premium services
Trustpilot Rating: 4.1/5
Best For:
- Cars under £3,000
- Tight budgets
- Essential checks only
- First-time buyers on limited funds
Value Assessment: Outstanding value for cheap cars. If you're buying a £2,000 car, spending £20 on a check doesn't make sense. Total Car Check's £3.99 option covers the essentials with £5k guarantee—perfectly adequate for low-value vehicles.
9. MyCarCheck MID-RANGE VALUE
Website: mycarcheck.com
Pricing:
- Basic check: £4.99
- Full check: £9.99
Data Guarantee: £30,000
What's Included:
- ✅ Finance check
- ✅ Stolen records
- ✅ Write-off history
- ✅ Mileage verification
- ✅ Plate changes
- ✅ Spec verification
- ✅ Previous keepers
Pros:
- ⭐ £30,000 guarantee (matches HPI)
- ⭐ Competitive pricing (£9.99 full check)
- ⭐ Good middle-ground option
- ⭐ Comprehensive features at reasonable price
Cons:
- Less brand recognition than HPI/AA/RAC
- No unique features
- Similar offerings to many competitors
Best For:
- Mid-range budgets
- Cars £5,000-£15,000
- Balance of price and guarantee
Value Assessment: Solid mid-range option. £9.99 for full check with £30k guarantee is competitive. Not the cheapest, not the most comprehensive, but good value overall.
10. VCheck BALANCED OPTION
Website: vcheck.uk
Pricing:
- Basic check: £7.99
- Full check: £12.99
Data Guarantee: £10,000
What's Included:
- ✅ Finance check
- ✅ Stolen status
- ✅ Write-offs
- ✅ Mileage verification
- ✅ Plate changes
- ✅ Taxi/private hire history (unique feature)
- ✅ Previous keepers
- ✅ Import/export markers
Pros:
- ⭐ Includes taxi/private hire check (many don't)
- ⭐ Balanced pricing
- ⭐ £10,000 guarantee
- ⭐ Good user reviews
Cons:
- Mid-range pricing without standout features
- £10k guarantee lower than top providers
- Less well-known brand
Best For:
- Checking for ex-taxi/Uber vehicles
- Balanced features and price
- Cars £8,000-£15,000
Value Assessment: The ex-taxi check is genuinely useful (ex-taxis have heavy wear). Otherwise, standard offering at reasonable price.
11. CarVertical UNIQUE FEATURES
Website: carvertical.com
Pricing:
- Full check: £19.99
Data Guarantee: Not specified
What's Included:
- ✅ Blockchain verification (unique)
- ✅ Photo history from previous listings (unique)
- ✅ Insurance records from multiple countries
- ✅ Theft check
- ✅ Mileage verification
- ✅ Previous damage photos
- ✅ Equipment changes
- ✅ Timeline visualization
Pros:
- ⭐ Unique: Actual photos from previous sales/insurance
- ⭐ Blockchain verification (tamper-proof records)
- ⭐ International data (good for imports)
- ⭐ Visual timeline of car history
- ⭐ Tech-forward approach
Cons:
- Higher pricing (£19.99)
- Guarantee not clearly specified
- Photo availability varies by vehicle
- Better for imports than UK-only cars
Best For:
- Imported vehicles
- Tech-enthusiast buyers
- Cars with international history
- Visual verification of condition changes
Value Assessment: Genuinely innovative. If photos are available, seeing the actual car in previous listings or insurance assessments is incredibly valuable. Best for imports or when you want visual proof of history.
12. Motors.co.uk Check INTEGRATED PLATFORM
Website: motors.co.uk
Pricing:
- Basic check: £9.99
- Full check: £14.99
Data Guarantee: £25,000
What's Included:
- ✅ Finance check
- ✅ Stolen status
- ✅ Write-off history
- ✅ Mileage verification
- ✅ Plate changes
- ✅ Previous keepers
- ✅ Spec verification
Pros:
- ⭐ Integrated with Motors.co.uk listings
- ⭐ £25,000 guarantee
- ⭐ Convenient if shopping on Motors
- ⭐ Competitive pricing
Cons:
- No unique features
- Only worthwhile if using Motors.co.uk
- Standard offering
Best For:
- Motors.co.uk shoppers
- Integrated buying experience
- Mid-range budget
Detailed Feature Comparison
Price Comparison Table
| Provider | Basic/Entry | Full Check | 3-Check Bundle | Cost Per Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CarAnalytics | £0.99 ⭐ | £9.99 | - | £0.99+ |
| Total Car Check | £3.99 | £8.99 | - | £3.99+ |
| MyCarCheck | £4.99 | £9.99 | - | £4.99+ |
| VCheck | £7.99 | £12.99 | - | £7.99+ |
| Auto Trader | £8.99 | £14.99 | - | £8.99+ |
| HPI Check | £9.99 | £19.99 | £49.99 | £16.66 |
| RAC | £9.98 | £14.99 | - | £9.98+ |
| Car Sorted | Free basic | Check site | Bundles available | Variable |
| AA | £14.99 | £14.99 | £29.99 | £6.00 |
| Motors.co.uk | £9.99 | £14.99 | - | £9.99+ |
| Experian | £9.99 | £19.99 | - | £9.99+ |
| CarVertical | - | £19.99 | - | £19.99 |
Key Takeaway: Price range is £0.99-£19.99. Cheapest doesn't mean bad—all access same core databases.
Data Guarantee Comparison
| Provider | Guarantee Amount | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Car Sorted | £10,000-£50,000 ⭐ | Financial loss if data missed |
| HPI Check | £30,000 | Outstanding finance, stolen, write-off |
| Auto Trader | £30,000 | Financial loss from missed data |
| MyCarCheck | £30,000 | Data accuracy errors |
| Motors.co.uk | £25,000 | Missed information |
| CarAnalytics | £10,000 | Financial loss |
| VCheck | £10,000 | Data errors |
| Total Car Check | £5,000 | Missed finance/stolen/write-off |
| AA | Not specified | - |
| RAC | Not specified | - |
| Experian | Not specified | - |
| CarVertical | Not specified | - |
Key Takeaway: Car Sorted offers highest guarantee (up to £50k). For expensive cars (£20k+), this is significant protection.
What's Included Comparison
| Feature | Car Sorted | HPI | AA | RAC | Cheap Providers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finance Check | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (usually paid tier) |
| Stolen Check | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Write-Off History | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Mileage Verification | ✅ | ✅ (National Mileage Register) | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ Limited |
| Plate Changes | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ Some |
| Previous Keepers | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ Some |
| Spec Verification | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ Limited |
| Data Guarantee | £10k-£50k | £30k | Not specified | Not specified | £5k-£10k |
| Customer Support | UK-based | Phone/email | AA support | RAC support | Email only |
Key Takeaway: All providers cover essentials (finance, stolen, write-off). Differences in mileage depth, guarantees, and support quality.
The Truth About Car History Check Data
Do They All Use the Same Data?
Yes, mostly. Here's the reality:
All providers access:
- DVLA vehicle database (public)
- Police National Computer (stolen vehicles)
- Motor Insurance Database (MID)
- Insurance company databases (write-offs)
- Finance company records (HPI, Experian databases)
- MIAFTR (Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud and Theft Register)
Differences:
- HPI created National Mileage Register (proprietary mileage data)
- CarVertical adds blockchain verification and photos
- RAC/AA add model-specific breakdown/MOT info
- Most differences are in presentation, guarantees, and support
Bottom Line: You're not getting dramatically different data. You're paying for:
- Data guarantee amount
- Report presentation quality
- Customer support
- Brand trust
- Additional features
This means: £0.99 check often has same core data as £19.99 check. The difference is guarantee, support, and extras.
Decision Framework: Which Check Should You Choose?
By Car Value:
Cars Under £3,000
Recommended: Total Car Check (£3.99) or CarAnalytics (£0.99-£4.99)
Why:
- Low car value = lower risk exposure
- Essential checks covered
- £5-10k guarantee adequate for car value
- Spending £20 on check for £2k car doesn't make sense
What you need:
- Finance check ✅
- Stolen check ✅
- Write-off check ✅
- Basic mileage ✅
Total Car Check £3.99 covers this with £5k guarantee.
Cars £3,000-£10,000
Recommended: CarAnalytics (£9.99), MyCarCheck (£9.99), or RAC (£14.99)
Why:
- Mid-range car value needs solid protection
- £10-30k guarantees appropriate
- Good balance of features and cost
- Comprehensive mileage verification important
What you need:
- All essential checks ✅
- Comprehensive mileage verification ✅
- Plate change history ✅
- £10-30k guarantee ✅
MyCarCheck £9.99 with £30k guarantee = excellent value.
Cars £10,000-£20,000
Recommended: Car Sorted or HPI Check
Why:
- Higher car value = higher risk
- Need maximum guarantee protection
- Comprehensive support matters
- Quality over price becomes important
What you need:
- All comprehensive checks ✅
- Maximum mileage verification ✅
- Highest possible guarantee ✅
- Expert support ✅
Car Sorted with up to £50k guarantee = best protection for value.
Cars Over £20,000 (Luxury/Expensive)
Recommended: Car Sorted (£50k guarantee essential)
Why:
- High car value = potential massive loss
- £50k guarantee vs £30k could save £20k
- Premium cars attract more fraud
- Professional support critical
What you need:
- Maximum comprehensive coverage ✅
- Highest guarantee available (£50k) ✅
- Expert UK support ✅
- Complete peace of mind ✅
For a £40,000 car, Car Sorted's £50k guarantee is 125% of car value. HPI's £30k is only 75%. If something major is missed, that £20k difference could be critical.
By Buying Scenario:
Buying from Reputable Dealer
Recommended: Mid-range check (£9.99-£14.99)
Why:
- Dealer has some liability (Consumer Rights Act)
- Lower fraud risk than private sale
- Still need verification (dealers can miss things)
Choose: MyCarCheck (£9.99), Auto Trader (£14.99), or AA (£14.99)
Private Sale (Higher Risk)
Recommended: Premium check with high guarantee
Why:
- No dealer protection
- Higher fraud risk
- Seller has no ongoing liability
- You bear all risk
Choose: Car Sorted (£50k guarantee) or HPI (£30k guarantee)
Imported/Non-UK Vehicle
Recommended: CarVertical (£19.99)
Why:
- International data access
- Photo history valuable for imports
- Timeline shows international journey
Alternative: Car Sorted or HPI for comprehensive UK verification after import
First-Time Buyer (Nervous/Uncertain)
Recommended: AA (£14.99) or Car Sorted
Why:
- AA's traffic light system easy to understand
- Trusted brand reduces anxiety
- Clear reports for non-experts
- Or Car Sorted with expert UK support
Multiple Cars/Dealer (Volume Checking)
Recommended: AA bundle (£6 per check) or CarAnalytics (£0.99 basic)
Why:
- Bundle pricing reduces per-check cost
- Screen multiple cars cheaply
- Upgrade to full check for serious prospects
AA 5-check bundle = £29.99 (£6 each) CarAnalytics basic = £0.99 for initial screening
Common Questions
Are cheap car history checks as good as expensive ones?
Mostly yes. All providers access the same core databases (DVLA, police, finance companies, insurance). The key differences are:
- Data guarantee amount (£5k vs £50k)
- Report presentation (basic vs detailed)
- Customer support (email vs phone)
- Additional features (mileage depth, photos, etc.)
For a £2,000 car, a £3.99 check is perfectly adequate. For a £30,000 car, the £20 difference between cheap and premium check is negligible vs the £50k guarantee difference.
Bottom line: Same core data, different guarantees and support.
When is the extra cost worth it?
Pay for premium checks (Car Sorted, HPI) when:
- Car value over £10,000
- Private sale (higher risk)
- Expensive/luxury vehicle
- You want maximum financial protection
- Expert support important to you
Save with budget checks when:
- Car value under £3,000
- Buying from reputable dealer
- Screening multiple cars
- Tight budget
The guarantee matters: For a £25,000 car, Car Sorted's £50k guarantee vs Total Car Check's £5k guarantee could save you £45,000 if something major is missed.
Can I trust free car checks?
No, not for the critical stuff.
Free checks (DVLA, MOT history) show:
- ✅ Basic vehicle details
- ✅ MOT history and mileage
- ✅ Tax status
- ✅ Specifications
Free checks DON'T show:
- ❌ Outstanding finance (1 in 3 cars)
- ❌ Stolen status
- ❌ Write-off history
- ❌ Comprehensive mileage verification
Use free checks for initial screening, paid checks before buying.
See our guide: Free vs Paid HPI Checks Comparison
What if the check shows problems?
Depends on the issue:
Outstanding finance:
- ❌ Walk away (car isn't seller's to sell)
- ❌ Finance company can repossess from you
- ❌ You lose everything
Stolen status:
- ❌ Walk away immediately
- ❌ Report to police if suspicious
- ❌ Never buy
Category S/N write-off:
- ⚠️ Negotiate price reduction (30-50% less)
- ✅ Can be safe if properly repaired
- ✅ Check repair quality thoroughly
- ⚠️ Consider if acceptable for your needs
Mileage discrepancy:
- ⚠️ Negotiate based on true mileage
- ⚠️ Factor in hidden wear
- ⚠️ Typical £1-3 per mile difference
See our guide: Red Flags When Buying a Car
Do I need a check if buying from a dealer?
YES, always.
Why:
- Dealers can miss things (they sometimes don't check)
- Consumer Rights Act helps but doesn't prevent all issues
- £20 check vs £thousands potential loss
- Independent verification = peace of mind
Even reputable dealers occasionally miss finance, clocking, or write-off history. Your £20 check protects you.
Which provider has the most accurate data?
All major providers are equally accurate because they access the same databases:
- Police National Computer
- DVLA database
- Finance company records
- Insurance databases
The "accuracy" difference is:
- Guarantee amount (how much you're protected if wrong)
- Update frequency (how current the data is)
- Mileage depth (HPI's National Mileage Register is comprehensive)
HPI's mileage verification is most comprehensive (National Mileage Register). Car Sorted's guarantee is highest (up to £50k vs HPI's £30k).
Can I get a refund if I don't buy the car?
Usually no. You're paying for the information, not the outcome.
Some providers offer:
- Multi-check bundles (use credits on other cars)
- Money-back if report shows major issues (rare)
- Transfer to different vehicle (some allow)
Check individual provider refund policies.
Best practice: Do free checks (MOT history, DVLA) first to screen out obvious problems, then pay for full check only on cars you're serious about.
Our Final Recommendations
🏆 Best Overall: Car Sorted
Why: Highest data guarantee in the UK (up to £50,000), comprehensive coverage, UK-based support.
Best for: Cars over £10,000, expensive vehicles, maximum protection.
🥈 Best Brand Trust: HPI Check
Why: Most established (80+ years), created National Mileage Register, £30k guarantee.
Best for: Buyers who value brand recognition, comprehensive mileage verification.
🥉 Best Budget: Total Car Check
Why: Only £3.99 for full check with £5k guarantee, covers all essentials.
Best for: Cars under £3,000, tight budgets, essential checks only.
💰 Best Value: CarAnalytics
Why: £0.99 basic check for screening, £9.99 full check with £10k guarantee.
Best for: Screening multiple cars, budget-conscious buyers, good upgrade path.
🎯 Best for Imports: CarVertical
Why: International data, photo history, blockchain verification.
Best for: Imported vehicles, international history, visual verification.
Summary: How to Choose
Quick Decision Guide:
-
What's your car budget?
- Under £3k → Total Car Check (£3.99)
- £3k-£10k → MyCarCheck or CarAnalytics (£9.99)
- £10k-£20k → Car Sorted or HPI
- Over £20k → Car Sorted (£50k guarantee essential)
-
What's your risk tolerance?
- Low (want maximum protection) → Car Sorted (£50k guarantee)
- Medium (balanced) → HPI, AA, or MyCarCheck
- High (accept some risk) → Budget providers
-
What's your scenario?
- Private sale → Premium check (Car Sorted/HPI)
- Dealer purchase → Mid-range (MyCarCheck, AA, RAC)
- Import vehicle → CarVertical
- Multiple cars → AA bundle or CarAnalytics screening
-
What matters most to you?
- Guarantee amount → Car Sorted (£50k)
- Brand trust → HPI, AA, RAC
- Price → Total Car Check, CarAnalytics
- Features → CarVertical (photos), RAC (vouchers)
Remember: All providers access the same core databases. You're choosing based on guarantee amount, support quality, and price—not dramatically different data.
For most buyers: Car Sorted offers the best protection with the highest guarantee. For budget purchases under £3k, Total Car Check covers essentials at minimal cost.
Related Guides
Before choosing a provider:
- Complete HPI Check Guide - Everything about vehicle history checks
- Free vs Paid HPI Checks - When to use each
- Is a Full Car History Check Worth It? - Value analysis
When checking cars:
- How to Spot Clocked Cars - Mileage fraud detection
- Checking MOT History - Free government check
- Red Flags When Buying - Warning signs
The buying process:
- How to Buy a Car UK Complete Guide - Full process
- First-Time Car Buyer Mistakes - Common errors
- Essential Car Buying Checklist - Don't miss anything
This guide is updated regularly with current pricing and provider information. Last updated: November 2025.