At Total Car Check we receive a lot of questions about car history checks from users before and after they buy from us. After all, we run over 50 million checks every year. So we’ve put the most common into this FAQ Blog to help you the car buyer navigate how you can get the most from a vital car history check report.
We exist to protect you from buying a dodgy motor. Take stock and go check and find your perfect safe, reliable car.
What is a car history check?
A car history check is an online report that reveals the important details behind a used vehicle. It tells you about the car’s ownership, MOT and tax records, mileage consistency, valuation, and potential risks such as theft, write-offs, or outstanding finance. You can view the report online, through an app, or download it as a PDF before you buy a second-hand car. By checking these records, you gain confidence that the vehicle is legitimate, fairly priced, and safe to purchase.
Why should you check a car’s history before buying it?
Buying a used car always carries risk. Without a history check, you rely entirely on what the seller says and your own quick inspection.
A verified report gives you an independent view of the car’s background, helping you avoid serious problems like:
- Buying a stolen vehicle that could be repossessed by the police
- Taking on someone else’s unpaid finance agreement
- Overpaying for a car that was previously written off
- Hidden MOT or mileage discrepancies
- Vehicles previously used as taxis or hire cars
In short, a history check acts as your data-driven safety net before handing over your money.
What information does a full car history report include?
A full car history report provides a clear overview of a vehicle’s life. It includes:
- MOT history and mileage trends
- Tax cost and current status
- Outstanding finance or insurance write-offs
- Police-recorded stolen status
- Number plate or colour changes
- Vehicle valuation, emissions, and environmental data
- Import or export records
- Scrap and un-scrap status
Before purchasing, always review a provider’s sample report so you know exactly what you’ll receive.
Are all car history checks the same?
Not all checks are equal. Some providers show only free DVSA and DVLA data such as MOT and tax, while others offer full reports that include finance, write-off, and theft records.
At Total Car Check, you can choose between a Free Check for quick research, a Silver Check to establish if a car’s safe to drive, and a Gold Check that covers every key data point you need before buying a car.
How much does a car history check cost?
Free checks usually show MOT and tax details. Full checks that include theft, finance, and write-off information typically cost between £5 and £30. You shouldn’t pay more than £10 for a single comprehensive report — including one backed by data guarantees.
Always compare what’s included, as price doesn’t always equal value.
What should you look for when choosing a car history check provider?
When choosing a provider, focus on coverage, accuracy, and reputation rather than price alone. Look for:
- A detailed sample report to see what you should expect to get
- Data from official sourcs such as DVLA, DVSA, and the Motor Insurance Bureau
- Recognised industry awards or certifications
- Verified reviews on Trustpilot or app stores
- Clear information about data guarantees
Tip: Check out each provider’s reviews and sample reports before committing.
What is a data guarantee and how does it work?
A data guarantee protects you if the report misses critical information. For example, Total Car Check covers up to £30,000 for finance data errors and £10,000 for stolen or write-off data issues.
To qualify for a claim, you must usually:
- Be 17 or older
- Provide a valid purchase receipt or invoice proving you’ve bought the car
- Run the car check check close to the time of sale
- Verify the car’s V5C logbook matches the report
If the provider fails to flag a risk that should have been reported, the guarantee ensures you’re financially protected. But check the terms and conditions first before you buy. Every provider is different.
What isn’t covered by a data guarantee?
Most guarantees exclude:
- Delays in police or insurer data updates
- Vehicles with cloned registration plates
- Mismatched or fraudulent V5C logbooks
- Cash transactions above a certain amount
Always read the guarantee terms before buying to understand your level of cover.
Does a car history check prove a car is roadworthy?
No. A car history check focuses on background data about the car, not mechanical condition which can only be verified in person.
To confirm roadworthiness, test drive the vehicle and check for warning lights, strange noises, or structural issues.
If you’re unsure, arrange a professional inspection from motoring companies like the AA, RAC, or another trusted service.
Can you check a car for free?
Yes. Total Car Check’s free report is the most comprehensive in the UK, offering MOT history, tax status, and vehicle details, fuel economy, previously seen adverts, local car search and a VIN check. It also includes a free stolen check. Other providers charge for many of these checks.
However, free reports do not include finance, write-off data, valuation, scrapped, ex-taxi, plate and colour changes and more detailed specification data.
For full protection, use a paid report such as the Gold Check, which includes every critical data source.
How can you tell if a car has outstanding finance?
A full report will display any active finance agreements, including the lender’s name, contract type, and term. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company still legally owns the vehicle and can reclaim it. That’s why checking for finance before buying is essential.
What do car write-off categories (A, B, S, N) mean?
Write-off categories describe the level of damage a vehicle has sustained:
- A or B: The car is too damaged to be repaired and must be scrapped.
- S (Structural): The car suffered structural damage but can be repaired safely.
- N (Non-structural): The damage was minor, such as bodywork or electronics.
Knowing the category helps you decide whether a car is safe and fairly priced.
Does a car history check include MOT data?
Yes. Every history check includes MOT dates, mileage readings, and advisories or failures. By reviewing this data, you can spot recurring problems that may indicate poor maintenance.
Is a car history check the same as an HPI check?
Not quite. “HPI Check” is a well-known brand name that became a catch-all term for history checks. Today, Total Car Check and other websites provide the same verified data — often at a lower price — making it a smarter alternative.
Can you run a car history check on your own car?
Absolutely. Running a check on your own vehicle helps confirm its records are accurate and can reassure potential buyers when you decide to sell.
What should you do if the report shows a problem?
If a report flags finance, theft, or write-off issues:
- Contact the seller immediately and ask for supporting documents.
- Avoid transferring money until the issue is resolved.
- If the car appears stolen, contact the police right away.
Never ignore red flags — they can save you from serious financial loss.
Are car history checks safe and legal?
Yes. Trusted providers like Total Car Check use official government and police data under strict UK GDPR privacy, security and payment standards. Your information and payments remain secure at all times.
Can a car history check show who owned the car?
No. Privacy laws prevent personal details from being shared. You’ll see the number of previous owners and the dates of ownership changes, but not names or addresses.
Is a car owner the same as a keeper?
Not quite. A car owner is the legal owner of the vehicle, they are the person that paid for and fully owns the vehicle, or used a personal loan to purchase it. A car keeper is someone the DVLA records as being the main driver of the vehicle, who is responsible for taxing and insuring the vehicle.
Do car history checks work for imported or private-plate cars?
Yes. Most checks can trace imported vehicles and those with private plate changes.
However, data may be limited for cars that were first registered outside Great Britain, this includes Northern Ireland.
Can you use a VIN number for a car history check?
No. In the UK, checks must be performed using the vehicle registration number (VRM). VIN-based searches are restricted by the DVLA to reduce fraud and cloning.
Is it worth running a salvage history check?
Definitely. A salvage history check reveals whether a car has been sold at a salvage auction — often with pictures of its damage. Total Car Check’s Gold report includes this feature, helping you spot cars that have been repaired after serious accidents.
Will a stolen and recovered car appear as stolen?
No. Once a car is recovered by the police and returned to its rightful owner, its stolen status is removed from a newly generated car history report. This prevents unfair devaluation of recovered vehicles.
Are voucher bundles for car checks good value?
Yes. If you plan to check several cars, voucher bundles can save you a significant amount of money. They usually cost less per report and make the buying process quicker and easier. If you buy vouchers using Total Car Check we recommend you register first so all of your vouchers and checks can be easily accessed from your account.
Is Total Car Check a legitimate company?
Yes. Total Car Check has operated for over 15 years and has won several Auto Express awards for its Gold Check’s accuracy and value. It holds more than 60,000 verified reviews and an impressive 4.9★ average rating across Trustpilot and app stores.
What is the best car history check app in the UK?
The Total Car Check app is consistently rated the best in the UK. Independent testing by Auto Express found it provided the most accurate, detailed, and cost-effective results. With over 1 million downloads and a 4.9★ rating, it’s available on both iOS and Google Play.
What’s the difference between a free and paid car history check?
A free check gives you MOT, tax, and basic details. A paid report adds essential risk data such as finance, theft, write-offs, and valuation. If you’re buying a car, always choose the paid option — it can help prevent you buying a dodgy car and save you thousands.
How accurate are car history checks in the UK?
Car history checks are extremely accurate when they use official data from the DVLA, DVSA, Motor Insurance Bureau, and the Police National Computer.
However, accuracy also depends on how frequently each database updates its records and its ‘engine’ – the logic it uses to process the data and generate reports.
How long does a car history check take?
A report is usually generated instantly once you enter the registration number.
Comprehensive checks like Total Car Check’s Gold Check typically take less than 5 seconds to generate a report online.
Where do car history checks get their data from?
Reports combine data from multiple trusted sources, including:
- DVLA and DVSA
- Police National Computer
- Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB)
- Finance and leasing companies
- Salvage auction databases
Together, these sources give a complete picture of a car’s background.
Do car history checks show service history?
Not usually. Service history is recorded by garages and isn’t part of DVLA or police databases. Ask the seller for service records or invoices to confirm regular maintenance. There are a few car history check providers that advertise service history data, but the coverage is low and the data you get back is often minimal.
When should you run a car history check?
Run a check before arranging payment or signing any paperwork.
Ideally, do it as soon as you find a car you’re interested in — this gives you time to compare vehicles and spot any issues early.
Do car history checks cover motorbikes, vans, and imports?
Yes. Most providers, including Total Car Check, support cars, vans, motorbikes, and some imported vehicles. Always confirm compatibility if the vehicle was registered abroad. However, there may be some gaps in the data from non-car vehicles and imports.
How do car history checks help prevent cloning or fraud?
By verifying registration, VIN, and ownership data, history checks make it harder for criminals to sell cloned or fraudulent vehicles. They expose mismatched plates and suspicious ownership patterns early in the buying process. Running a free VIN check is essential before you buy as car cloning is on the up.
How can you spot if a car has been clocked or had its mileage reduced?
Look for sudden mileage drops or inconsistent readings across MOT records.
A full history report highlights these discrepancies so you can avoid cars with tampered odometers. Also, ask the seller for copies of service history records and combine these with a car history report’s mileage to get a full overview.
What should you do if your report shows a scrapped car for sale?
Walk away immediately and report it to the DVLA or police. A car marked as scrapped should be disposed of and should never appear for resale. History checks are vital in catching this type of fraud.
Are there discounts for traders or multiple checks?
Yes. Many providers, including Total Car Check, offer trade and bulk-check discounts.
Can car history checks detect stolen number plates?
Yes. If a registration number is linked to more than one vehicle or inconsistent data, the report will flag a potential plate cloning issue. You can then verify the VIN against the logbook for confirmation.
Do car history checks include emissions and fuel economy data?
Yes. Reports include CO₂ emissions, fuel type, and tax bands — helping you estimate running costs and compare vehicles fairly. Total Car Check’s free report provides an estimate of fuel costs, including for electric car charging.
Is there any information on car history check reports about electric cars?
Only a few providers will give you electric vehicle (EV) insights. Total Car Check gives you lots of EV information for free including on charger type, charging times, range, battery capacity and warranty period.
