Complete HPI Check Guide UK: Everything You Need to Know (2025)

An HPI check (or vehicle history check) is one of the most important steps when buying a used car in the UK. It reveals critical information that could save you from buying a stolen, written-off, or financially encumbered vehicle.

This comprehensive guide covers everything from basic HPI checks to advanced verification, how to read your HPI VIN check report, and what to do when problems are found.

Basic HPI Check: Quick Start Guide

If you're new to car buying, start here with the essentials:

What is a Basic HPI Check?

A basic HPI check verifies the three most critical risks when buying a used car:

1. Outstanding Finance - Is there money owed on the car?
2. Stolen Status - Is the car reported stolen?
3. Write-Off History - Has the car been written off by insurance?

Cost: £9.99-£19.99 for basic check Time: 2-5 minutes Information needed: Vehicle registration number (number plate)

Why a Basic Check Matters:

• 1 in 3 used cars has outstanding finance
• £15,000 average amount owed when finance found
• 20,000+ stolen vehicles advertised for sale annually
• If you buy a car with finance, the finance company can repossess it - you lose everything

How to Do a Basic HPI Check:

1. Get the car's registration number
2. Visit a check provider (Car Sorted with £10k-£50k guarantee, HPI, AA, RAC)
3. Enter registration
4. Pay £10-20
5. Review report in 2-5 minutes

Basic vs Full HPI Check:

Check Type	Cost	What's Included	Best For
Basic	£10-15	Finance, Stolen, Write-Off	Quick verification, tight budget
Full	£20-30	Basic + Mileage, Plates, Specs, Export	Serious buyers, higher value cars

When to Use Basic vs Full:

Basic check sufficient if:

• Low value car (under £3,000)
• Buying from reputable dealer
• Quick verification needed
• Budget conscious

Full check recommended if:

• Car value over £5,000
• Private sale
• Any concerns about legitimacy
• Want complete peace of mind

Check Your Car Now - Basic Check from £10 →

What is an HPI Check?

HPI (Hire Purchase Investigation) checks access multiple databases to reveal a vehicle's history. Despite the name, they check far more than just hire purchase agreements.

What HPI Checks Reveal

Outstanding Finance

• Active HP, PCP, or loan agreements
• Amount outstanding
• Finance company details
• Legal ownership status

Stolen Vehicle Records

• Police stolen vehicle database
• Insurance theft records
• Recovery markers
• International stolen register

Insurance Write-Off History

• Category A (Scrap only)
• Category B (Break for parts)
• Category S (Structural damage)
• Category N (Non-structural damage)
• Date of write-off
• Type of incident

Plate Changes

• Number plate changes
• Registration transfers
• Potential cloning indicators

Mileage History

• MOT recorded mileages
• Service history mileage
• Potential clocking detection

Vehicle Specifications

• Engine size
• Fuel type
• Colour
• Manufacturing date
• VIN verification

Scrapped/Exported

• DVLA scrapped status
• Export markers
• Import records

Why You MUST Do an HPI Check

Real-World Risks

Outstanding Finance (Most Common)

• 1 in 3 used cars has outstanding finance
• Finance company legally owns the car
• They can repossess without compensation
• You lose both car AND money paid

Stolen Vehicles

• 20,000+ stolen vehicles for sale annually
• Police will seize car
• You get nothing back
• Potential legal complications

Written-Off Cars

• May be unsafe despite repairs
• Worth 30-70% less than clean car
• Insurance may be refused or expensive
• Difficult to sell later

Clocked Mileage

• 1 in 14 cars has false mileage
• Affects value, warranty, safety
• Higher running costs
• Hides wear and tear

When to Do an HPI Check

Before First Viewing

Pros:

• Don't waste time on dodgy cars
• Filter out obvious problems
• Focus on clean vehicles

Cons:

• Cost adds up viewing multiple cars
• Seller might be honest about issues

After Viewing, Before Buying

Pros:

• Only pay for cars you're serious about
• Can ask seller about issues found
• Final verification before commitment

Cons:

• May find deal-breaker after wasted journey
• Someone else might buy it first

Recommended Approach

Check before viewing if:

• Private sale
• Deal seems too good
• Distant location
• Seller pushy/vague

Check after viewing if:

• Reputable dealer
• Inspection looks good
• Ready to buy immediately

How to Perform an HPI Check

Official HPI Services

1. Car Sorted (getcarsorted.com) ⭐ RECOMMENDED

• £10,000-£50,000 guarantee included
• Comprehensive vehicle history check
• Finance, stolen, written-off, mileage verification
• Expert UK-based support
• Get your Car Sorted vehicle check →

2. HPI Check (www.hpicheck.com)

• Original and most comprehensive
• Access to 50+ databases
• £19.99-£29.99
• Includes DataDot registration (theft deterrent)

3. Experian AutoCheck

• Comprehensive history report
• Mileage anomaly detection
• £9.99-£19.99
• Integration with many dealer sites

4. RAC Vehicle Check

• Full history report
• 30-day screening updates
• £16.99-£19.99
• RAC backed accuracy

5. AA Vehicle History Check

• Extensive database access
• £14.99
• AA brand trust

6. MyCarCheck

• Budget-friendly option
• Basic to comprehensive reports
• £9.99-£19.99
• Good value for money

Free Alternatives (Limited Information)

Car Sorted Free Check ⭐

• getcarsorted.com/free-car-check
• Basic vehicle information
• Quick verification
• Upgrade to full check with guarantee available
• Best free option with upgrade path

DVLA Vehicle Enquiry (Free)

• www.gov.uk/get-vehicle-information-from-dvla
• Tax status
• MOT expiry
• V5C issued dates
• Does NOT check: finance, stolen, write-offs

MOT History (Free)

• www.gov.uk/check-mot-history
• MOT pass/fail history
• Recorded mileage
• Advisory items
• Test dates

What You Need

To perform a check, you need:

• Vehicle Registration (number plate)
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) - optional but recommended

VIN location:

• Bottom of windscreen (driver's side)
• Inside driver's door frame
• Engine bay
• V5C registration document

HPI VIN Check: Why the VIN Matters

What is a VIN?

A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code assigned to every vehicle. It's like a car's fingerprint - no two vehicles share the same VIN.

Example VIN: WVWZZZ1KZBW123456

Why Check Using the VIN?

Using the VIN in your HPI check provides additional verification and protection:

1. Confirms Vehicle Identity

• Registration plates can be changed or cloned
• VIN is permanently stamped into the car
• Harder to tamper with or fake

2. Reveals Cloning

• If registration doesn't match VIN in database, car may be cloned
• Stolen cars often use legitimate plates from similar vehicles
• VIN check exposes this scam

3. Verifies Specifications

• Confirms actual manufacturing date
• Validates engine size matches registration
• Checks colour hasn't been changed
• Ensures model variant is as described

How to Find the VIN:

Location 1: Windscreen (Easiest)

• Bottom left of windscreen (from outside)
• Look through glass from driver's side
• Usually visible without opening car
• Take photo before viewing if possible

Location 2: Driver's Door Frame

• Open driver's door
• Look at door frame pillar (B-pillar)
• Usually a metal plate or sticker
• May include other specs (weight, tyres, etc.)

Location 3: Engine Bay

• Open bonnet
• Look on bulkhead or engine block
• Often stamped into metal
• May require cleaning to read

Location 4: V5C Document

• Section 3 of V5C logbook
• "VIN/Chassis/Serial Number"
• Verify this matches physical VIN on car

Red Flags with VIN:

❌ VIN not visible on windscreen - May be removed (suspicious) ❌ VIN doesn't match V5C - Possible clone or rebuilt car ❌ VIN stamped in different fonts - Suggests tampering ❌ VIN plate looks new on old car - Replacement (why?) ❌ Seller refuses to provide VIN - Major red flag ❌ VIN check shows different specs than advertised - Misrepresentation

How to Do an HPI VIN Check:

1. Get the VIN before viewing - Ask seller for it
2. Verify VIN on car matches - Check windscreen, door, engine
3. Run check with both reg and VIN - Cross-verify information
4. Compare report with physical car - Specs should match exactly
5. Check VIN format - Should be 17 characters, alphanumeric

What Your HPI VIN Check Reveals:

• Manufacturing date and location
• Original spec (engine, transmission, colour)
• Export/import history
• All database information (finance, stolen, etc.)
• Mileage history
• Any discrepancies between VIN and registration

Run HPI VIN Check Now →

How to Read Your HPI Check Report

Your HPI report contains crucial information. Here's how to interpret each section:

Report Structure

A typical HPI report has these sections:

1. Vehicle Identification - Confirms you're checking the right car
2. Finance Check - Outstanding loans, HP, PCP
3. Stolen Vehicle Check - Police and insurance databases
4. Insurance Write-Off Check - Category markers
5. Mileage Verification - MOT and service records
6. Specification Check - Original specs
7. Number Plate Changes - Registration history
8. Export/Scrap Markers - DVLA records

Example Report Summary:

✓ CLEAR - No finance recorded
✓ CLEAR - Not reported stolen
⚠ WARNING - Category S (Structural) write-off recorded
✓ CLEAR - Mileage consistent
⚠ INFORMATION - 2 previous plate changes

Reading Each Section

1. Vehicle Identification Section

Confirms basic vehicle details:

• Registration number
• VIN
• Make and model
• Colour
• First registration date
• Engine size
• Fuel type

What to check:

• Details match the car exactly
• VIN on report matches VIN on car
• Specs match seller's description
• No discrepancies in basic information

2. Finance Check Section

Shows any outstanding finance agreements:

If CLEAR:

✓ No finance recorded
No hire purchase or loan agreements found

Safe to proceed (but verify seller owns car)

If FINANCE FOUND:

⚠ FINANCE RECORDED
Type: Hire Purchase
Started: 15/03/2022
Company: XYZ Finance Ltd
Amount Outstanding: Information not available

What this means:

• Finance company legally owns the car
• Seller cannot sell without clearing finance
• Car could be repossessed after you buy
• DO NOT BUY until finance cleared

What to do:

1. Inform seller you found finance
2. Demand written proof finance is cleared
3. Get settlement letter from finance company
4. Recheck before paying
5. If seller refuses, walk away

3. Stolen Vehicle Check Section

Checks police and insurance theft databases:

If CLEAR:

✓ Not reported stolen
Checked against police database
No theft markers found

If STOLEN:

⚠ STOLEN VEHICLE MARKER
Reported: Police database
Date: 12/08/2023

What to do if stolen:

• DO NOT proceed with purchase
• DO NOT confront seller
• Leave safely
• Contact police (101) with report details
• Provide registration and location

Never buy a stolen car - even if seller seems innocent. Police will seize it.

4. Write-Off Check Section

Shows insurance write-off history:

If CLEAR:

✓ No insurance write-off recorded
Vehicle not categorised

If WRITE-OFF:

⚠ INSURANCE WRITE-OFF RECORDED
Category: S (Structural damage)
Date: 23/05/2021
Insurance Company: ABC Insurance

Understanding categories:

• Cat A/B: Should not exist - illegal to repair
• Cat S: Structural damage - repairable but value reduced 30-50%
• Cat N: Non-structural - cosmetic/electrical - value reduced 20-30%

Questions to ask seller if write-off:

• Was it professionally repaired?
• Do you have repair receipts?
• Engineer's inspection report?
• Why is it priced near market value? (should be 30%+ less)

5. Mileage Verification

Shows recorded mileage from MOT and service history:

Example timeline:

2019: 12,500 miles (MOT)
2020: 24,800 miles (MOT)
2021: 36,200 miles (MOT)
2022: 48,500 miles (MOT)
2023: 52,100 miles (Service)

Green flags:

• ✓ Consistent upward progression
• ✓ Reasonable annual mileage (10,000-15,000)
• ✓ MOT matches service records

Red flags:

• ❌ Mileage goes backwards
• ❌ Unusually low for age
• ❌ Large unexplained gaps
• ❌ Current mileage doesn't match last record

6. Specification Verification

Confirms original factory specification:

Manufacturing Date: March 2018
Original Colour: Black
Engine: 2.0L Diesel
Transmission: Manual
Doors: 5
Seats: 5

What to check:

• Colour matches (if not, has it been repainted? Why?)
• Engine size correct (insurance implications if wrong)
• Manufacturing date makes sense with registration
• Spec matches seller's advert

7. Number Plate Changes

Shows registration changes:

Current: AB12 XYZ (from 15/06/2023)
Previous: YZ62 ABC (01/04/2018 - 14/06/2023)

Legitimate changes:

• One change for personalised plate (normal)
• Updated from old-style to new format

Suspicious changes:

• Multiple changes (2+)
• Recent change on old car (hiding history?)
• Change shortly after write-off (concealing damage?)

What to ask:

• Why was plate changed?
• Do they have original registration documents?
• Any connection to write-off or damage?

Sample Report Analysis

Example 1: SAFE CAR

✓ No finance recorded
✓ Not stolen
✓ No write-off
✓ Mileage consistent (52k miles, 5 years old)
✓ No plate changes
✓ Specs match advert

Action: Safe to proceed with purchase

Example 2: WALK AWAY

⚠ Finance recorded (£8,500 outstanding)
✓ Not stolen
✓ No write-off
⚠ Mileage discrepancy (went backwards)
ℹ 3 plate changes

Action: DO NOT BUY - finance + clocking + suspicious plates

Example 3: NEGOTIATE

✓ No finance
✓ Not stolen
⚠ Category N write-off (2020)
✓ Mileage consistent
✓ No plate changes

Action: If professionally repaired with docs, negotiate 25% off market value

Get Your Full HPI Report Now →

Understanding the Outstanding Finance Section

Outstanding Finance

What it shows:

• Finance agreement type (HP, PCP, loan)
• Finance company name
• Date agreement started
• Approximate amount outstanding (if available)

What to do:

• DO NOT BUY until finance cleared
• Demand seller settles finance before purchase
• Finance company must provide settlement letter
• Verify clearance before paying

Warning: "The seller says they'll pay it off with your money" - NEVER accept this. They must clear finance BEFORE you pay.

Stolen Status

Stolen Record Found:

• DO NOT BUY under any circumstances
• Contact police immediately
• Do not tip off seller
• Walk away from meeting location safely

Even if seller seems genuine:

• They might be innocent but car is still stolen
• Police will seize it
• You'll lose your money
• Legal complications possible

Write-Off Categories

Category A - Scrap Only

• Completely destroyed
• Never returning to road
• Should not exist as functioning car
• DO NOT BUY - illegal

Category B - Break for Parts

• Severe damage
• Body must be crushed
• Parts can be salvaged
• Should not exist as whole car
• DO NOT BUY - illegal

Category S - Structural Damage (formerly Cat C)

• Repairable structural damage
• Frame, chassis, or structural components affected
• Legal to repair and sell
• Must be disclosed
• Consider carefully - 30-50% value reduction

Category N - Non-Structural (formerly Cat D)

• Cosmetic or electrical damage
• No structural damage
• Least serious write-off
• May be acceptable - 20-30% value reduction

Buying Category S/N Vehicles:

Only consider if:

• Professionally repaired with receipts
• Engineer's report available
• Significantly cheaper (30-50% off)
• You understand implications
• Insurance willing to cover
• You're comfortable with history

Never buy if:

• DIY repair
• No documentation
• Priced near market value
• Seller non-transparent
• Structural damage concerns

Mileage Discrepancies

What to look for:

• Mileage going backwards
• Unusually low for age
• Large gaps between records
• MOT vs service history differences

Example of clocking:

• 2019: 45,000 miles (MOT)
• 2020: 52,000 miles (MOT)
• 2021: 35,000 miles (MOT) - RED FLAG
• 2022: 38,000 miles (MOT)

What to do:

• Confront seller with evidence
• Request explanation
• Check service stamps vs MOT
• Usually walk away - indicates dishonesty

Plate Changes

Legitimate reasons:

• Owner purchased private plate
• Transfer between vehicles
• Update from old-style plate

Suspicious reasons:

• Hiding vehicle history
• Concealing write-off
• Cloning different vehicle

What to check:

• Reason for change
• Timeline makes sense
• VIN matches across changes
• Original registration documents

Common HPI Check Scams

Scam 1: Fake HPI Certificate

Seller provides "HPI certificate" they've created.

Protection:

• Only trust checks you perform yourself
• Use registration YOU obtain from V5C
• Check the check! Verify certificate legitimacy

Scam 2: Clean Different Car

Seller provides HPI for similar car, not the actual vehicle.

Protection:

• Verify VIN matches
• Check registration on car physically
• Don't rely on seller's documentation

Scam 3: Cloned Vehicle

Car has identity of legitimate vehicle (clean HPI) but is actually stolen/written-off.

Protection:

• Verify VIN in multiple locations
• Check VIN format and authenticity
• Look for signs of tampering
• V5C date issued vs car age

Scam 4: Paid Finance After Check

Finance cleared after you checked but before you buy.

Protection:

• Check on day of purchase
• Many services offer 30-day updates
• Get written confirmation from finance company

What HPI Checks DON'T Show

Be aware of limitations:

Not Revealed:

• Service history quality
• How well maintained
• Previous owners' driving style
• Future reliability
• Current mechanical condition
• Cosmetic damage
• Interior wear
• Tyre condition
• How car was used (taxi, rental, etc.)

Still needed:

• Professional mechanical inspection
• Test drive
• Visual inspection
• Service history verification

Cost vs Risk

Is £20 Worth It?

If you DON'T check:

• Risk buying car with £15,000 finance - Finance company repos it
• Risk buying stolen car - Police seize it
• Risk buying Cat A/B - Illegal, crushed, prosecuted
• Risk clocked car - Overpay by £3,000+

If you DO check:

• £20 cost
• Complete peace of mind
• Negotiate based on findings
• Avoid catastrophic purchases

ROI: £20 vs £15,000+ risk = essential investment

Dealer vs Private HPI Checks

Buying from Dealer

• Many dealers include HPI check
• Ask to see full report
• Don't assume it's been done
• Check yourself anyway (£20 insurance)

Buying Privately

• Always perform check yourself
• Higher risk with private sales
• No consumer protection
• Your responsibility

Red Flags to Walk Away

Walk away immediately if:

1. Outstanding finance - Unless seller clears it first
2. Stolen record - Report to police
3. Cat A or B write-off - Illegal
4. Clocked mileage - Indicates dishonesty
5. Seller refuses VIN - Why hide it?
6. Multiple plate changes - Suspicious pattern
7. Scrapped/exported marker - Shouldn't exist
8. VIN doesn't match - Possible clone
9. V5C recently issued - On old car (possible clone)
10. Seller pushes quick sale - Before you can check

After the HPI Check

Clean Report

• Proceed with confidence
• Still do physical inspection
• Check matches vehicle description
• Verify VIN on car

Issues Found

• Discuss with seller honestly
• Negotiate price reduction if appropriate
• Get issues resolved before buying
• Walk away if uncomfortable

HPI Check Checklist

Before buying any used car:

• Perform HPI check with reputable service
• Verify VIN in multiple locations on car
• Check V5C details match
• Review MOT history mileage
• Check DVLA tax/MOT status
• Verify seller details match V5C
• Get written confirmation if finance cleared
• Keep HPI certificate permanently
• Recheck on actual purchase day if gap since first check

Summary

An HPI check is essential, not optional:

• Cost: £10-£30
• Time: 5 minutes
• Risk prevented: £1,000s or total loss
• Peace of mind: Priceless

Never skip this step. Even if buying from a friend, dealer, or trusted source - vehicles have histories that current sellers might not know about.

£20 is the best money you'll spend in the entire car buying process. It could be the difference between a great purchase and a catastrophic financial loss.

Remember: If a seller refuses or discourages an HPI check, that's your answer - walk away immediately.