The Autumn Statement 2025 brings some of the biggest motoring changes in years. Higher Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), future pay-per-mile charges for EVs, Motability reforms, fuel duty updates and new luxury car tax rules will affect almost every UK driver. This guide explains the main announcements. Car Tax (VED) Changes from April 2025 and April … Continue reading Autumn Statement 2025: How New Motoring Rules Affect You →

In the UK, Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is the main form of car tax. Many electric vehicles (EVs) used to avoid this tax. They paid no VED, no expensive-car supplement, and no fuel duty because they use no petrol or diesel. That has now changed. Since 1 April 2025, all EVs registered in the UK … Continue reading Electric Car Tax – What You Need to Know (2025) →

If you’ve ever wondered what is ADAS and why it’s talked about so much in modern motoring, you’re not alone. ADAS — Advanced Driver Assistance Systems — are reshaping the future of road safety by helping drivers avoid accidents, stay alert, and even steer or brake automatically. From everyday hatchbacks to high-end models, this technology … Continue reading What is ADAS? Everything You Need to Know →

Buying and maintaining a car is a significant investment, so it’s essential to know your rights if something goes wrong. That’s where ADR — Alternative Dispute Resolution — comes in. ADR provides a clear, structured way to resolve disagreements without the time, stress, and cost of going to court. In this article, we’ll explain what … Continue reading ADR in the Car Industry: Why It Can Be So Important →

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity, understanding the different EV charger types has become essential for drivers. Whether you’re charging at home, on the go, or replacing your existing unit, knowing your options helps you charge safely, quickly, and efficiently. Let’s explore the main EV charger types, how their electrical specifications vary, where … Continue reading EV Charger Types: A Complete Guide for UK Drivers →

If you’ve ever searched “used cars near me”, you’re not alone — it’s one of the most common phrases UK drivers type into Google when starting their car-buying journey. Buying a used car locally has clear benefits: it’s more convenient, lets you inspect vehicles in person, and helps you compare prices in your area. But … Continue reading Used Cars Near Me: How to Find the Best Local Deals →

E5 petrol has become a bit of a talking point among UK drivers, especially since E10 took over as the standard fuel at most petrol stations. Containing up to 5% renewable ethanol, E5 was the country’s go-to petrol for years, and many motorists still prefer it today for its compatibility with older engines, smoother performance, … Continue reading E5 Petrol Secrets: Why Thousands of UK Drivers Love It →

Wondering “What insurance group is my car in?” You’re not alone. In the UK, every car is ranked in an insurance group from 1 to 50, and that rating can make a big difference to your premium. Cars in lower groups are usually cheaper to insure, while high-group models tend to cost more. Knowing your … Continue reading What Insurance Group Is My Car? Understanding Car Insurance Ratings →

'Cat n car' is a phrase you’ll often see when browsing used vehicle listings, but many buyers aren’t sure what it really means. In the UK, it refers to a Category N insurance write-off, which signals that the car has suffered non-structural damage—such as cosmetic, electrical, or minor mechanical issues—that insurers deemed too costly to … Continue reading Cat N Car Meaning: What Does It Really Mean? →

The hidden maintenance costs of used cars are one of the biggest factors buyers overlook in 2025. With new car prices still high and waiting lists long, second-hand vehicles remain in strong demand. But while the purchase price may seem like a bargain, unexpected upkeep expenses can quickly creep up after the sale In fact, … Continue reading Hidden Maintenance Costs of Used Cars You Should Know →

Thinking about buying a car in 2025? You’re not alone. With changes to UK interest rates, more affordable electric vehicles (EVs), and a shifting used car market, many drivers are wondering:“Is now the right time to buy?” Whether you're after your first car, upgrading to an EV, or eyeing a solid used deal, this guide … Continue reading Buying a Car in 2025: What UK Buyers Need to Know →

Electric cars (EVs) are no longer a futuristic novelty—they’re now a practical, eco-friendly choice for everyday driving. But buying a used electric car requires a different checklist than traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything UK buyers need to consider—from battery health and charging compatibility to range checks … Continue reading The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Used Electric Car →

Buying a used car is often a smart financial move—but it comes with risks. Whether you're buying from a private seller or a dealership, asking the right questions helps protect you from scams, unexpected repairs, or even illegal vehicles. Here’s your essential checklist of the top 10 questions to ask when buying a used car, … Continue reading Buying a Used Car? Ask These 10 Questions First →

Whether you’re buying from a dealership or a private seller, it’s essential to know your rights when purchasing a used car. Problems like hidden damage, false mileage, or undisclosed write-offs can leave you out of pocket—unless you know how the law protects you. In this article, we’ll break down your legal rights when buying a … Continue reading What Are My Legal Rights When Buying a Used Car? →

Thinking about getting GAP insurance but unsure if it's really worth the cost? In this guide, we’ll break down what GAP covers, when you need it, and when you can probably skip it. Whether you're buying, leasing, or financing a car in the UK, this article will help you make an informed decision. What Is … Continue reading Is GAP Insurance Worth It in the UK? Complete Guide →

Here’s a look at the 10 most important announcements that impact drivers from the Chancellor's 2025 Spring Statement. 1. Fuel Duty Freeze Extended – A Relief for Car Drivers The government has extended the freeze on fuel duty for another year. This means fuel prices won’t go up due to higher taxes, providing financial relief … Continue reading How will drivers be affected by the Spring Statement? →

Up until now Electric Vehicles (EVs) have been totally exempt from road tax. But from 1st April 2025 any EV registered between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2025 will be subject to a standard rate (£195 in 2025/26) upon renewal. Below we explain an easy way you can get an extra year of free … Continue reading Get an extra year of free tax on your EV →

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for cars will change from April 2025. Whether you're a current car owner or planning to purchase a new vehicle, these changes will impact how much you pay for road tax. In this post, we’ll break down the new VED rates for cars, explain what’s changing, and highlight how these changes … Continue reading New VED Rates for Cars in 2025: What You Need to Know →

Undertaking a salvage check on a car you're thinking of buying is very important. It can reveal a hidden past that the seller may not be transparent about, or even aware of. A salvage check comes as standard with a Total Car Check Silver or Gold Check. What is a salvage car? A salvage car … Continue reading Salvage Check: Why it’s so important for car buyers →

Buying or selling a car in the UK can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to be aware of the common car scams that could cost you money or cause significant issues. Whether you're purchasing a used car or selling one, knowing how to identify car scams is essential to protect yourself. In this … Continue reading Common UK car scams: How to Spot and Avoid Them →

A manufacturer recall is a safety measure that vehicle manufacturers take to address defects or issues affecting vehicle safety or performance. Manufacturers initiate recalls when they identify a problem through internal testing, customer complaints, or regulatory investigations. The purpose of a recall is to protect drivers, prevent accidents, and minimise legal liability for the manufacturer. … Continue reading What to do in the event of a manufacturer recall →

Registering for road tax is a prerequisite if you want to drive in the UK. But many drivers are set to see some big changes to road tax in 2025. There's also organisations putting pressure on Government to completely overhaul the system and replace it with something different. We explain what to look out for. … Continue reading Overhaul of the UK road tax system? →

We have a new Prime Minister, Keir Starmer and the Labour Party are now in power after 14 years in opposition. So what will this big change bring with it for car buyers? We assess what the landscape may look like over the next 5 years of Government. Get the UK's most popular and best … Continue reading What will the new Government do for car buyers? →

Car cloning is rapidly becoming a serious threat for car buyers in the UK. In this comprehensive blog, we delve into everything you need to know about car cloning and how you can protect yourself with five simple physical checks when purchasing a used car. Key Message: How to Detect Car Cloning Inspect the vehicle … Continue reading How to prevent being a victim of car cloning →

We understand. Your vehicle is your prize possession so it's only natural you want to personalise it. Follow this concise guide to go from standard plate to private plate in no time. You can check the number plate history of any UK registered vehicle on Total Car Check. 1. Number plate research and planning: Budget: … Continue reading How to buy and assign a private number plate →

Last month the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced it was launching an investigation into historical motor finance commission arrangements. We explain the issue, outline what this means for you and assess if this will lead to the Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) type claims we saw in the last decade. Click on the links below to navigate … Continue reading Is motor finance commission the new PPI? →

Total Car Check has launched a free new service that helps buyers find their next perfect car that won't be available anywhere else. Instant Match (IM) is a new in-report service exclusive to the Total Car Check website and app, powered by Motorway.  5,000+ dealers that purchase their stock using Motorway's marketplace can now sell cars … Continue reading How to find your perfect car →

After the festive period leaves us there will be many hunting for a new vehicle in January.  Our message to car buyers this Christmas is that getting an accurate car valuation is extremely important. If you pay too much for a car this winter it can really hit your wallet both now and in the future … Continue reading Make sure you get a car valuation before you buy →

Undertaking a write-off check on a used car is crucial before you buy. But why? This Q&A blog provides a complete guide to write-offs outlining everything drivers need to know. Click on the links below to navigate to the answers: What is a write-off? Why is it important to check? How do I check to … Continue reading Write-off checks – why they are so important →

The expansion of the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) led to three times as many daily charge payments in the week following its implementation. A Freedom of Information (FOI) request carried out by Total Car Check has confirmed that Transport for London (TfL) received 425,814 ULEZ payments between when the expansion went live on … Continue reading ULEZ payments triple after expansion →

You can sell cars on finance. Thousands of people do it in the UK and it's easier than you think. So if you need some extra cash or are looking to move into a new car then we set out the steps for selling a financed car below. Understanding your finance product Secured finance Personal … Continue reading Cars on Finance: How to sell and profit →

If you look at any news recently relating to electric cars the tone seems to be negative. Stories continue to be reeled out about how public chargers are unreliable and the fact there aren't enough of them. Then last week the Prime Minister announced that the Government's policy to ban the sale of new petrol … Continue reading Electric cars remain the future →

Now is still a very good time to sell your car. Used car prices are on average 25% higher than they were three years ago for equivalent vehicles, with huge demand for certain makes and models. We run through some useful online tools and the options you have to sell your car. Quick links below: … Continue reading How to sell your car →

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London is due to expand on 29th August out to the M25 orbital. But a recent court case brought by local councils has left the scheme hanging in the balance. We explain what is happening with ULEZ and how similar initiatives could be popping up in more places … Continue reading ULEZ and new clean air schemes →

At Total Car Check we have been working hard to provide free tools and insights that can help anyone find a great car for the right price. Below we explain the top 3 tools we provide for free that can help you research and find your next car safely. 1. Total Car Check's excellent rated … Continue reading Free tools to help you buy a great car →

Last week the Bank of England raised interest rates to 5% in response to prices rising by a further 8.7% in May. Many motorists relying on car finance may now be facing financial difficulties as their mortgage or rent payments increase. We explain why this action has been taken and outline the help lenders must … Continue reading Car finance debt – the support that lenders can offer →

The cost of car insurance premiums are set to rise by 14% in 2023 and prices will not stabilise until 2025. This is the assessment of consultancy firm Oxbow Partners in a new report they have just published. So what's behind this trend and how is car insurance priced in the first place? We explain … Continue reading Why are car insurance premiums on the rise? →

The road tax system in the UK has changed over the years and is set to do so again soon. We provide a full run down of how road tax works in the UK, the current rates and what is on the horizon. What is road tax? Road tax in the UK is formally known … Continue reading Road tax now and how it could change →

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released data showing that there were 25,000 more vehicles stolen in 2022 compared to 2021. We look at the tricks and tech thieves are using and provide some tips to prevent stolen vehicle buying. What does the data show? The ONS data shows that there was a 24.9% … Continue reading Why stolen vehicle checks are important →

With news last week that used electric car sales grew by 56.5% in the first 3 months of 2023, we assess whether now is the right time to replace your petrol or diesel with a battery electric car. Total Car Check is the only UK vehicle check provider that gives users up to 15 fields … Continue reading Is now the right time to buy an electric car? →

In the summer a new Consumer Duty will be introduced that will affect the way motor vehicles are sold. We cover what these new rules are below and what car buyers should expect from dealerships and lenders. What is the new Consumer Duty? It's new regulations that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has introduced to … Continue reading New Consumer Duty and its impact on car buyers →

Outstanding finance is one of the biggest risks in today's car buying marketplace. We cover what it is, the problems it causes and explain what protection the law offers to consumers who buy a vehicle subject to outstanding finance. What is outstanding finance? Over 90% of new vehicle and 50% of used vehicle sales are … Continue reading Outstanding finance – a complete guide →

The Government has recently launched another round of measures to help transition the UK towards Net Zero. We look at what impact these will have on car buyers. Total Car Check is the only vehicle check provider to give you up to 15 fields of free electric vehicle (EV) data in our reports. Including range, … Continue reading Will new Net Zero plans help car buyers? →

A mileage check is essential before buying a vehicle in the UK. Understanding a car’s mileage history helps you avoid hidden issues and ensures you’re paying a fair price. In this blog, we explain why it matters and answer frequently asked questions about mileage adjustments, giving you all the information you need to make an … Continue reading Mileage Check: Why It’s Essential for Every Car Buyer →

At Total Car Check we are always innovating to bring new helpful features and data to our users.    This is the way it has been since we disrupted the vehicle check market over 10 years ago.  Our customer first approach means that if we can provide something for free then we will.  That is one … Continue reading Celebrating a year of Total Car Check enhancements →

Car cloning is where the registration number of a car is copied or ‘cloned’ and applied to a stolen car to mask its true identity. It's a growing problem. That's why Total Car Check has recently launched a free tool that helps car buyers to identify cloned vehicles. We explain below. A growing problem In … Continue reading How to Run a Free Check to Protect Against Car Cloning →

The London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is being expanded to cover the entire Greater London area on 29 August 2023. The move has been met with strong criticism from Londoners, home county residents and others commuting into the capital. But recent news suggests that Westminster could use powers to block the changes. We provide … Continue reading Will Government stop ULEZ expansion? →

The Government has recently launched a consultation asking for feedback on proposed changes to the annual MOT test. We provide some background about the MOT and look at what is being put forward. What is an MOT? The annual MOT test has been in place since the 1960s - named after the Government Ministry of … Continue reading Government considers changes to MOT →

With news out last week that UK car production in 2022 hit a 66 year low we look at how this is affecting the UK used car market and ultimately what it means for car buyers. What happened in 2022? UK The trade body for automotive manufacturers, SMMT announced that in 2022 775,014 cars were … Continue reading How is low car production affecting used car buyers? →

By the end of 2022 the Total Car Check app had been downloaded over 1 million times on Google Play. This milestone is also fast approaching on the App Store (over 850,000 downloads). Below we outline how the app can empower your car buying journey with insights that are too important to ignore. Our products … Continue reading How to use the Total Car Check app to check a vehicle →

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charging scheme will expand on 29 August 2023 to cover all of London. Below we run through what ULEZ is, how it is being expanded and who it will impact. You can check to see if your vehicle is ULEZ compliant by running a free check on the Total … Continue reading Expansion of ULEZ in 2023 →

Right now conditions are ripe in the UK for car criminals and fraudsters to prosper. Used cars remain pretty expensive and many of us have less money to spend on a new vehicle. Criminals prey on financial vulnerabilities. In this blog we look at a recent publicised example of a car scam and provide our … Continue reading Buy a car without falling victim to scammers →

News Release Total Car Check (TCC) has enhanced its vehicle history products by adding a suite of electric vehicle (EV) data to assist used EV buyers. The vehicle history check provider has added practical EV data fields to its free, silver and gold check reports.  The information can be found whenever a user enters the … Continue reading Total Car Check Adds EV Data to Free Vehicle Reports →

The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt has announced in today’s Autumn Statement that electric car road tax (vehicle excise duty - VED) will be payable from April 2025. Total Car Check's free basic check provides current VED costs for vehicles. VED changes impacting on electric vehicles (EVs) The key electric car road tax measures and those impacting on … Continue reading Electric Car Road Tax and Company Car Tax from 2025 →

It's a simple but important message. Don't buy a vehicle with outstanding finance. We give you the low down on this important aspect of vehicle buying. Purchasing a Total Car Check provides an outstanding finance check and protects you with a £30,000 finance data guarantee. What is outstanding finance? Over 90% of new vehicles and … Continue reading Don’t buy a vehicle with outstanding finance →

If you need to stay mobile and save money during the cost of living crisis then what are your options? We consider these below based on whether you own, finance or lease a vehicle currently. We also set out alternative vehicle usage approaches that could help you save or make money. We cannot stress the … Continue reading Stay mobile and save money →

In this blog we provide a short run through of what is happening with used car prices. Our conclusion is that the UK used car market remains in good health currently. But what happens next is unpredictable... Remember: If you are looking to buy a used car then try using Total Car Check at all … Continue reading UK used car market healthy but unpredictable →

Lets face it, no-one likes a nasty surprise while they are behind the wheel. So make sure you get the lowdown on these new motoring laws and charges that every driver should be aware of. New clean air zones We wrote about clean air zones (CAZ) earlier this year. They are essentially local authority initiatives … Continue reading New Motoring Laws and Charges UK Drivers Must Know →

Total Car Check is always looking to introduce new data and tools for free to help assist vehicle buyers. Last year we provided over 41 million free checks covering over 11 million unique vehicles. We are therefore excited about the introduction of a powerful new tool we have added to our free check, available right … Continue reading Total Car Check launches free local vehicle sales tool →

Over the last few days you may have noticed that petrol and diesel prices have started to fall. The members of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) have in recent weeks increased oil production. This has sent the wholesale price of petrol down from £1 to 80p per litre. A Total Car Check … Continue reading UK fuel prices fall but higher prices are here to stay →

Car buying scams are on the rise, fueled by the cost of living crisis. With used car prices still high and many buyers on tight budgets, fraudsters posing as dealers or brokers lure people with promises of cheap vehicles, take their money, and disappear. This is just one example of the many scams circulating in … Continue reading 5 Essential Rules to Avoid Car Buying Scams →

One of the most important reasons for undertaking a Total Car Check is to ensure that the vehicle you are buying is not reported as being stolen. Unlike many of our competitors Total Car Check provides a free stolen check. Why? Because stolen cars are the reason we exist. So cloning and ringing of stolen … Continue reading What is car cloning and ringing? →

On 14 June 2022 the UK Government ended, "with immediate effect", grants worth £1,500 to subsidise electric cars. The funding will instead be "refocussed" towards improving the UK's charging infrastructure and on providing grants for other vehicle types. How did the plug-in car grant work? The grant was provided to motor retailers and manufacturers which … Continue reading The end of the plug-in car grant →

By 2030 there will be no new fully petrol or diesel cars or vans sold in the UK. This landmark commitment made by the Government in 2020 has helped to accelerate the shift towards the use of electric vehicles (EVs). 22% of all new car registrations to date this year were EVs and there are … Continue reading Are you ready to go electric? →

WLTP stands for the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Testing Procedure. It is a global standard for testing the fuel economy and emission levels of vehicles. It was introduced in 2017 and extended to all cars and vans from September 2019. Why was it introduced? Since the early 1990s a New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test … Continue reading What is WLTP and why does it matter? →

In these difficult and costly times everyone is looking for ways to save money to weather the current cost of living storm. At Total Car Check we know the risks and costs associated with buying a used car. But on top of the initial purchase UK motorists spend on average £3,500 a year running their … Continue reading Top 5 car money saving tips →

For a few years now a new approach has beckoned that is set to change the way vehicles are sold. It is called 'the agency model' and could mean that soon if you buy, finance or lease a new car the experience could be quite different. In fact some manufacturers have already moved into agency … Continue reading The agency model – how will it affect car buyers? →

Finance and insurance are now a standard part of car dealership sales. If you’ve bought a car in recent years, you’ve almost certainly been offered them—whether through finance packages or add-on insurance products. Dealers earn extra income from these sales through commissions paid by lenders, brokers, and insurers, giving them a strong incentive to push … Continue reading Finance and Insurance by Dealers: Key Things to Know →

There aren't too many people that get excited by new rules and regulation. But when they provide helpful protections and raise standards for consumers they are so very important. Cue the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA's) new Consumer Duty which is due to come into force in July 2022. What is the new Consumer Duty? It's … Continue reading FCA’s new Consumer Duty: Raising Car Buyer Standards →

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has reported that new car registrations in the UK fell by 14.3% to 243,479 in March on last year. Whilst the fall is largely attributed to the lack of new car supply there are also concerns that the current cost of living crisis may be leading many … Continue reading New Car Registrations Drop 14%: The Impact On You →

In 2021 a quarter of all new vehicles sold in the UK were fully electric, compared to just 2% in 2020. The transition from petrol and diesel to electric is happening at pace. This is necessary because by 2030 all new cars and vans sold must not emit any carbon dioxide at the tailpipe. Barriers … Continue reading New EV Charger Plan: What UK Drivers Need to Know →

Test driving is a really important process for any car buyer.  It’s the only way of checking if a car runs and performs as it should and gives you the driving experience you are looking for. But even though a test drive may only last for 15 minutes it is very important that you are insured … Continue reading Why you need to be insured to test drive →

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak unveiled his Spring Statement in the House of Commons today. We summarise below the key measures that have been announced that impact on motorists: Fuel duty cut by 5p per litre The change takes place from 6pm tonight (23 March) and will remain until March 2023. The Government … Continue reading How does the 2022 Spring Statement affect motorists? →

On 23 March the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak will give what is arguably the most difficult budget statement for many years that the Government has had to make. The dilemma for the Chancellor - how can Government pay for the £300bn+ it has borrowed so far to tackle Covid-19 given the current cost … Continue reading Spring Budget 2022: Will Motorists Get a Government Lifeline? →

There are lots of transactions that need to be set up when buying a vehicle and keeping it on the road. These provide opportunities for fraudsters to scam drivers out of their money. Total Car Check covers five current scams prevalent in March 2022 that car buyers and motorists should be vigilant of: Vehicle tax … Continue reading Motoring scams – March 2022 →

The car market is a difficult one for anyone to navigate these days. Many people that are either nearing the end of their current car finance or lease agreement - or who have run their motor into the ground - are finding it troublesome to understand which fuel type, make and model to go for … Continue reading Navigating the current car market for buyers →

The UK has the largest CCTV network in Europe, which has significantly helped prevent crime over the years. This network also forms a central pillar of the country’s crime prevention strategy. Context Surveillance technology continues to grow and evolve. For example, cameras have become more cost-effective, so consumers increasingly use them to protect their property … Continue reading Stolen Car Cameras: CCTV and ANPR in the UK →

Clocking, the informal term for rolling back the mileage on a vehicle's odometer. In the UK adjusting a vehicle's mileage itself is not a crime, but selling a vehicle with adjusted mileage is. If you purchase a clocked car then at best it will be worth much less than what you paid for it, and … Continue reading Will modernising vehicle standards prevent clocking? →

The European Commission (EC) has published proposals for a new European Data Act which aims to ensure that a wider range of stakeholders can be granted access to product usage data in order to foster competition and innovation. The legislation will also give more control to consumers to determine how data generated by their usage … Continue reading EU proposes new measures on the sharing of car data →

As buyers look to purchase 2022 plate vehicles over the next few weeks an influx of used cars will come to market. Although this often provides a great opportunity to get hold of good quality stock buyers are being warned to be vigilant of the common scams in operation that could be used to defraud … Continue reading Car buyers warned of scams ahead of plate change →

This Valentine’s Day, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has delivered some welcome protection for consumers. If you’ve recently visited a dealership and used BNPL services like Klarna, Clearpay, Laybuy, or Openbuy to pay for vehicle add-ons—such as extended warranties, GAP insurance, or similar—you could receive money back. In fact, the FCA’s action isn’t limited to … Continue reading Used BNPL for car insurances? What You Should Know →