What is an HPI or vehicle history check?

Buying a car is a big decision, especially when it comes to used vehicles. While many used cars offer incredible value, it’s essential to take the time to understand their history. That’s where a comprehensive HPI vehicle check shines – it provides critical insights into a car’s past, from its MOT record to whether it’s ever been stolen or written off or if it has any outstanding finance. By doing an HPI check, you can avoid nasty surprises and make a confident purchase.

Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

What Is an HPI check?

HPI actually stands for ‘Hire Purchase Investigation’, which was the original name of the company that carried out this type of check – it’s since turned into a generic term for this type of vehicle check. Think of an HPI check as a comprehensive background check for a vehicle. It digs into the history of a car to reveal things that a test drive and a quick look under the bonnet simply cannot. Here is the critical vehicle history information a standard check will uncover:

• Outstanding finance: If the previous owner bought the car on finance and has not paid it off, the lender still legally owns the car.
• Stolen vehicle register: It checks the police database to ensure the car hasn't been reported stolen.
• Write-off and safety issues: It reveals if the car has been involved in a serious accident, declared an insurance write-off, or has unresolved safety recalls.
• Mileage discrepancies: It checks the car's logged mileage against the National Mileage Register to ensure the odometer hasn't been illegally rolled back (often called 'clocking').
• Number plate changes: It highlights if the car has had multiple number plate changes, which can sometimes be a tactic used to hide a dodgy past.

Why an HPI Check is Essential When Buying a Used Car

When you are parting with your hard-earned cash, you want to know exactly what you are getting. Skipping an HPI check is simply not worth the risk.

Imagine handing over your savings for a brilliant little hatchback, only to have a finance company knock on your door a month later to repossess it. If there is outstanding finance on the car, you could lose both the vehicle and the money you paid for it.

Furthermore, safety is non-negotiable. A car that has been written off and cheaply repaired might look fine on the surface, but its structural integrity could be severely compromised. An HPI check protects you from unknowingly putting yourself and your passengers at risk. We believe in total transparency, and knowing a car's true history ensures you aren't taken for a ride.

Cazoo has your back: what we check for free

When a car is listed on our site, we automatically pull the following data as part of our own checks to help you buy more safely – it’s important to note that our vehicle history check is provided for guidance only. Please check all details with the seller before purchasing:

• Stolen?

If a vehicle is listed on the Police National Computer as stolen. We will not publish any car registered as stolen on our site.

• Scrapped?

If a vehicle is recorded by the DVLA as scrapped.

• Written off?

If a vehicle is deemed uneconomical to repair by an insurer following a claim for damage or theft.

• Imported/exported?

If a vehicle is recorded by the DVLA as imported or exported.

• Original number plate?

This confirms whether the vehicle is recorded as having its original number plate or whether it has been changed.

• Original colour?

This confirms whether the vehicle still has its original colour, or whether it has been changed.

Learn more about Cazoo’s checks here

How to Do a Vehicle Check Yourself

Step 1. Use Free Resources like the DVLA

Start with a free check on the DVLA website. Simply enter the registration number, and you’ll see details about the car’s tax and MOT status.

Step 2. Opt for a Paid Vehicle Check

For a fuller picture, consider a paid service through platforms like HPI Check or Auto Trader. These typically cost between £10 and £20 but provide invaluable information about finance, theft, and accident history.

Step 3. Check the MOT History

Visit Gov.uk to examine whether the car has consistently passed its MOTs. Look for red flags like repeated advisories or major repairs.

Step 4. Inspect in Person

After gathering the paperwork, ensure the physical car matches its records. Confirm the VIN on the vehicle matches its logbook, and double-check its condition aligns with what the seller advertises.

Common Red Flags to Watch Out For

When conducting a vehicle check, keep an eye out for these warning signs.

1. Outstanding Finance Deals

Any unpaid finance agreements attached to a car mean the lender—not the seller—still owns the vehicle. Buying it could leave you out of pocket. Always confirm that the check shows no outstanding loans.

2. Stolen Vehicles

If a car's report lists it as stolen, walk away immediately. Stolen cars can be seized by the police, and buyers won’t receive compensation even if they purchased in good faith.

3. Insurance Write-Offs

An accident history isn’t always a deal-breaker, but write-offs—cars that insurers classed as not worth repairing—require caution. Check the category (A, B, N, or S) to see whether the issue is structural or cosmetic, and proceed only if you’re comfortable with the risk.

4. Mileage Discrepancies

Mileage "clocking" is a scam that involves rolling back the odometer to make a car seem less used. Vehicle checks cross-check mileage figures from MOT records, making it easy to spot inconsistencies.

Paid vs Free Vehicle Checks

Free Checks

Free services such as the DVLA’s tools are a solid starting point, revealing tax and MOT data. Though useful, they don’t cover critical issues like finance or accident history.

Paid Checks

For deeper insight, investing in a paid check delivers peace of mind by covering stolen status, write-offs, and mileage issues. Some services even include guarantees or insurance against overlooked issues.

Key Tips for Buyers

• Always verify every detail: Ensure the registration number, VIN, and logbook match the car itself.
• Don’t overlook the MOT history: Repeated MOT failures or advisories could point to underlying problems.
• Consider the total cost: Outstanding finance or necessary repairs can quickly add up.

Vehicle checks are a small but important step in buying a car. By doing your homework upfront, you can avoid headaches later and drive away with confidence.