Review of the best car history checks for motorists in the UK

 

A favourite free car data check for private motorists.

Vehicle data checks are money well spent as they ensure the car you are buying is genuine and legal.

Reports provide useful background information about a car, van or motorcycle, preferably accessed before you pay a holding deposit.

Check car history now

Enter a vehicle registration (number plate)
Example KX63TWF

The UK vehicle check market is rather competitive with a wide variety of services to choose from. Here are some well known ones you might have used before

  • Total car check
  • AA car check
  • RAC Passport
  • My car check
  • CarVeto
  • HPI check

Some of these services offer a free car check, others only provide a paid car report.

 

 

Essentials of a car data check

Before paying a holding deposit or buying a vehicle, you need to know if it has history of being a write off, stolen, outstanding finance or mileage problems.

Note, no free history checks give you this data. It is premium information and costs to buy.

Car history check service fees vary considerable. You can obtain some of the critical information for just a couple of pounds whist some of the services listed above change almost £20.00.

 

What is included in a free car check?

You will get vehicle details, mot and road tax data, SORN status, import status. Really, a free check allows you to confirm basic information before you buy a premium service. This data is sourced via the DVLA check api.

Ensure the car you are buying is genuine and does not have a hidden history.
A related service includes a car inspection service with providers like Clickmechanic and the AA breakdown.