CarVeto Vehicle History Check Glossary

Salvage History

Salvage history indicates that a vehicle has appeared in an available salvage auction, disposal or related record.

A salvage record is not the same as an insurance write-off marker, although both may relate to the same event.

Where available, a report may include salvage dates, descriptions, references, photographs or links.

Coverage is not universal, third-party links may expire and photographs may not show the full extent of the damage.

The absence of a salvage record does not prove that a vehicle has never been damaged, repaired or offered through a salvage channel.

Read about official Salvage Records in our complete guide.

Scrapped

This marker indicates that an available source records the vehicle as scrapped, destroyed or processed through an authorised treatment facility.

A scrapped or destruction marker is a serious warning and should be resolved with the DVLA and supporting documentation before purchase.

Do not assume that a vehicle with such a marker can lawfully be registered, taxed or returned to the road.

Vehicles being scrapped must be handled through an authorised treatment facility.

Read about Scrapped Vehicle Status in our complete guide.

GOV.UK explains where vehicles can be scrapped and when a Certificate of Destruction is issued.

Unscrapped

This indicates that a scrapped marker was previously recorded but was subsequently removed or corrected in an available source.

Removal of the marker does not by itself establish the vehicle’s identity, condition or roadworthiness.

Ask the seller for supporting documentation and investigate the reason for the change before purchase.

VIC Inspected

This is a historical marker relating to the former Vehicle Identity Check scheme.

The VIC scheme was used for certain insurance-written-off vehicles to check whether the vehicle’s identity matched the DVLA record.

It was not a mechanical inspection or confirmation that repairs were safe.

The scheme closed on 26 October 2015, and no new VIC inspections are carried out.

The official VIC scheme guidance explains its historical purpose and closure.

Mileage Check

A mileage check compares dated mileage observations from MOT tests and additional industry records where available.

These may include records described or categorised as RMI, BVRLA, EPYX or other trade mileage entries.

RMI, BVRLA and EPYX may be used as industry category labels for additional mileage records.

The appearance of one of these labels does not necessarily mean that the named organisation directly supplied, verified or currently maintains the individual reading.

A mileage discrepancy or alert does not by itself prove that a vehicle has been clocked.

Recording errors, kilometres entered as miles, replacement instruments, duplicated readings and delayed updates can all affect a mileage history.

Equally, the absence of an alert does not guarantee that the displayed mileage is genuine. C

ompare the report with the odometer, MOT history, service records, invoices and the vehicle’s overall condition.

Read about Mileage Verification Checks in our complete guide.

Registration and Vehicle Identity Terms

Colour Changes

When a vehicle’s registered colour changes, the DVLA must be notified and the V5C registration certificate updated.

Where available, a CarVeto report may show the vehicle’s current recorded colour and previous colour-change information.

Compare this information with the vehicle and its V5C. GOV.UK explains which vehicle-detail changes must be reported to the DVLA.

Exported

This check shows whether the available DVLA record contains a permanent export marker.

The DVLA must be notified when a vehicle is taken out of the UK for 12 months or more.

A previously exported vehicle returning to the UK must be registered and taxed again.

An unexpected export marker should be investigated with the seller and the DVLA before purchase.

See the GOV.UK guidance on taking a vehicle out of the UK and bringing a previously exported vehicle back to the UK.

Imported

This check shows whether the available record identifies the vehicle as imported or previously registered outside the UK.

UK vehicle-history sources may not contain events that occurred before the vehicle entered the UK.

Ask the seller for overseas registration, ownership, mileage, maintenance and import documentation where applicable.

Read about Car Imports in our complete guide.

GOV.UK provides further information on registering an imported vehicle.

Plate Changes

This check shows previous registration marks and registration-plate changes where available.

Plate changes commonly result from adding or removing a private registration.

They can also affect how historical records are matched to a vehicle.

Check that the dates and previous registration marks are consistent with the V5C and the seller’s explanation.

Read about Registration Plate Changes in our complete guide.

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The VIN is a unique identifier assigned to an individual vehicle.

Most modern vehicles use a 17-character VIN, although older vehicles may use a different format.

Before purchasing a vehicle, compare every visible or stamped VIN or chassis number on the vehicle with the VIN recorded on the V5C and the available identity information in the report.

Where available, also compare the engine number.

Do not compare the VIN with the number plate: the registration mark and VIN are separate identifiers.

A CarVeto report may display a full, partial or masked VIN depending on the report and source.

Read about VIN Numbers in our complete guide.

GOV.UK advises buyers to compare the vehicle’s VIN and engine number with the V5C.

Registered Near

“Registered near” is an approximate regional identifier associated with the vehicle’s registration mark where that information is available.

It does not identify a current or previous keeper’s address and does not prove where the vehicle has been kept or used.

Private registration transfers and changes of registration mark can also affect the result.

Number of Previous Keepers

This is the number of previous registered keepers recorded for the vehicle where available.

A registered keeper is not necessarily the vehicle’s legal owner, and the V5C is not proof of ownership.

Keeper changes can occur for several reasons, including a sale, transfer within a family, company registration or change of business entity.

A high number of previous keepers may justify further questions, but it does not by itself prove that the vehicle has a mechanical or historical problem.

Read about Car Previous Owners in our complete guide.

Manufacture Date

This is the recorded date or year in which the vehicle was manufactured.

The level of detail depends on the available source record.

Registration Date

This is the recorded date on which the vehicle was first registered.

For an imported vehicle, the first UK registration date may differ from the date it was first registered or used abroad.

Vehicle Age

This is the vehicle’s approximate age, normally calculated from its recorded manufacture date or first registration date.

Read about Vehicle Age Checks in our complete guide.

MOT, Tax and Recall Terms

MOT Status and MOT History

The MOT status shows whether an available official record identifies the vehicle as having a current MOT and when it expires.

MOT history may include test dates, pass or fail results, recorded mileage, defects, failure reasons and advisory items.

An MOT result records the vehicle’s condition against the test requirements at the time of that test.

A valid MOT does not guarantee that the vehicle is currently roadworthy, mechanically sound or free from defects.

Read about Ministry of Transport Checks in Verified MOT History in our complete guides.

You can check the latest official record using the GOV.UK MOT history service.

Vehicle Tax

Vehicle-tax information may include the current recorded tax status, expiry information, SORN status and estimated six-month or 12-month tax costs where available.

Tax records can take time to update.

Vehicle tax does not transfer to a new keeper, so a buyer must tax the vehicle before using it on a public road.

Read about Car Tax Legal Requirements in our complete guide.

Check the latest status through the GOV.UK vehicle-tax service.

Safety Recall

A safety recall is issued when a manufacturer identifies a safety-related defect that may require inspection, repair or replacement.

Recall information and completion status can vary by manufacturer, VIN and source. Confirm any unresolved recall directly with the manufacturer or an authorised dealer.

The latest available position can also be checked through the GOV.UK vehicle-recall service.

Additional Vehicle History and Report Terms

Historic Advertisements and Listings

Historic advertisement information may show a vehicle previously offered for sale, including dates, recorded mileage, asking prices, descriptions or images where available.

It is not a complete record of every advertisement.

The information originated in third-party listings and may contain seller, publisher or matching errors.

Compare it with the vehicle’s other records rather than treating it as independently verified fact.

Taxi and Private-Hire History

This check looks for available records indicating that a vehicle has been licensed or used as a taxi or private-hire vehicle.

Licensing information is held across multiple authorities and is not always complete, standardised or immediately updated.

A no-record result does not prove that the vehicle has never been used for taxi, private-hire or other commercial work.

Vehicle Valuation

A vehicle valuation is an estimate based on available vehicle details, mileage and market information at a particular time.

It is not an offer to buy or sell the vehicle, a guaranteed transaction price or a professional physical valuation.

Actual value can be affected by condition, location, specification, service history, damage, demand and other factors.

Read about Car Valuations in our complete guide.

Vehicle Images

Unless expressly identified as an image of the checked vehicle from a salvage record, historic advertisement or another specified event, images may be model-matched, library or stock imagery.

Illustrative images may not show the actual vehicle or its exact derivative, body style, year, colour, trim, equipment or condition.

They must not be used as evidence of vehicle identity or history.

Service Schedule

A service schedule describes the manufacturer’s expected servicing intervals and maintenance operations for a vehicle or matched model.

It does not prove that scheduled work has been completed.

Check the service book, digital service history, invoices and manufacturer records for evidence of actual maintenance.

Read about Car Service and Maintenance Schedules in our complete guide.

Service, Maintenance and Repair Budget

A service, maintenance and repair budget is an estimated cost projection based on the matched vehicle and assumed usage.

It is not a repair quotation or a guarantee of future running costs.

Actual costs depend on the vehicle’s condition, age, mileage, location, labour rates, parts and how it is used.

Standard Equipment

Standard-equipment data describes items normally fitted to the matched model or derivative when new.

The checked vehicle may have optional equipment, later modifications, missing equipment or a different specification.

Verify important equipment by physically inspecting the vehicle and checking manufacturer documentation.

Vehicle Details You May See in a Car Check

Body Style

This is the recorded description of the vehicle’s body configuration, such as hatchback, saloon, estate, coupe, SUV or panel van. Source descriptions can differ and should be compared with the vehicle.

Colour

This is the vehicle colour recorded by the DVLA or another identified source.

DVLA records normally use broad colour descriptions rather than a manufacturer-specific paint name.

Engine Size

Engine size is the recorded engine displacement, normally shown in cubic centimetres (cc) or litres.

Engine size alone does not determine a vehicle’s power, performance or fuel consumption.

Fuel Type

This is the recorded fuel or propulsion type, such as petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid.

Verify the exact powertrain where it is material to the purchase.

Insurance Group

An insurance group is an industry classification used as one factor when insurers assess risk and pricing.

It is not an insurance quotation, and the actual premium depends on the insurer, driver, location, use and policy details.

Read about Car Insurance Groups in our complete guide.

Manufacturer

The manufacturer is the company or marque recorded as producing the vehicle, such as Ford, Renault or Nissan.

Model

The model is the recorded vehicle family name used by the manufacturer, such as Corsa, Focus or Qashqai.

A model name alone does not identify the exact derivative or specification.

Number of Doors

This is the recorded number of vehicle doors.

Depending on the body-style convention used, a rear hatch or tailgate may be included, which is why hatchbacks are commonly described as having three or five doors.

Number of Gears

This is the recorded number of transmission gear ratios.

The interpretation may depend on the vehicle and source, so reverse gear should not automatically be assumed to be included.

Number of Seats

This is the recorded seating capacity.

Converted or modified vehicles may differ from the original manufacturer specification, so verify the physical vehicle and V5C where relevant.

Transmission Type

This describes the recorded transmission, such as manual, automatic or continuously variable transmission.

More detailed descriptions may be model-matched.

Engine and Emissions Terms

Brake Horsepower (BHP)

Brake horsepower is a unit used to describe recorded engine power.

It is a model or manufacturer specification and does not establish the current performance or condition of an individual vehicle.

Read about Car Brake Horse Power in our complete guide.

Camshaft Type

This describes the recorded configuration or operation of the vehicle’s camshaft system.

Cylinder Layout

This describes how the engine’s cylinders are arranged, such as inline, V or flat configuration.

Engine Alignment

This describes how the engine is mounted in relation to the vehicle, commonly transverse or longitudinal.

Engine Number

The engine number is an identifier assigned to the engine unit and may be stamped, etched or displayed on the engine or associated documentation.

An engine can be replaced, and engine-number records may be incomplete.

Where available, compare the physical engine number with the V5C and supporting records before purchase.

Engine Position

This describes where the engine is located in the vehicle, such as front, mid-mounted or rear.

Euro Status

This is the recorded European emissions standard, such as Euro 5 or Euro 6, where available.

It should not be treated on its own as confirmation that a vehicle complies with every clean-air or emissions-charging scheme.

Fuel Delivery

This describes the recorded method used to deliver fuel to the engine, such as direct injection, indirect injection or another fuel-delivery system.

Kilowatt Output

Kilowatts are the metric unit used to describe recorded engine or motor power.

One kilowatt is approximately equal to 1.34 mechanical horsepower.

Number of Cylinders

This is the recorded number of combustion chambers or cylinders in the engine.

It does not apply in the same way to a fully electric vehicle.

Number of Valves

This is the recorded engine-valve count.

Depending on the source field, it may describe the total number of valves or the number of valves per cylinder, so check the exact label before relying on it.

CO₂ Emissions

This is the recorded or model-matched carbon-dioxide emissions figure, normally shown in grams per kilometre.

It may relate to a particular test method or vehicle derivative and may differ from real-world emissions.

Performance, Derivative and Dimension Terms

0–60 mph Time

This is the recorded or estimated time, in seconds, for the matched vehicle model to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph under specified conditions.

Actual performance depends on the derivative, condition, load, surface and environment.

Derivative Details

A derivative is a specific version of a vehicle model, defined by attributes such as engine, transmission, body style, trim level and production period.

Derivative matching is based on available data and may not identify every optional feature or later modification fitted to the checked vehicle.

Maximum Speed

This is the recorded or manufacturer-stated maximum speed for the matched model or derivative.

It is not a measure of the checked vehicle’s current condition and must not be treated as advice to exceed any speed limit.

Model Details

Model details describe the broader vehicle model and may include its production period, generation or manufacturer identifiers.

They should be read together with the derivative details.

Paint Colour Code

A paint colour code is a manufacturer reference for a particular paint finish.

Where provided through model-matched data, verify it against the vehicle’s identification plate or manufacturer records before ordering paint or repairs.

Vehicle Height

This is the recorded overall height of the vehicle, normally measured from the ground to its highest fixed point. Measurements may vary by derivative, equipment and source.

Vehicle Length

This is the recorded overall distance between the front and rear of the vehicle.

Accessories, conversions and derivative differences may affect the actual measurement.

Vehicle Type

This describes the recorded vehicle class or category, such as passenger car or light commercial vehicle.

Source classifications may use different terminology.

Vehicle Weight

This is a recorded vehicle-weight value measured in kilograms.

Depending on the report field, it may refer to kerb weight, gross vehicle weight or another manufacturer-defined measurement.

Check the exact label before relying on it.

Vehicle Width

This is the recorded overall width of the vehicle.

Some sources include the door mirrors and others exclude them, so verify the measurement where clearance is important.

Read about Vehicle Dimensions in our complete guide.

Using This Glossary

These definitions describe information that may appear across CarVeto free, Gold, Platinum and Complete vehicle checks.

The exact content depends on the report selected, the vehicle and the availability of source data.

A CarVeto report is a dated vehicle-history snapshot and should be used alongside the V5C, a physical inspection, seller checks and supporting documentation.

Please read the CarVeto Terms and Conditions for the full service conditions and data limitations.

Start your Car Check and upgrade to a full vehicle history report when you need additional checks before buying a vehicle.