How does CheckTheCar compare to HPI Check?

CheckTheCar provides the same comprehensive data as HPI Check but at a lower price (£4.99 vs £19.99+). We check finance against all major UK lenders, stolen status via the Police National Computer, write-off history, MOT records, and more - totalling 80+ data points.

What does an HPI check reveal?

An HPI check reveals: Outstanding finance agreements, stolen vehicle status, insurance write-off categories (Cat A, B, S, N), mileage history and discrepancies, number of previous owners, plate changes, import/export status, and scrapped status.

How quickly do I get my HPI check results?

Results are instant. As soon as you enter a registration number, you'll see the free check results immediately. After purchasing the full report, you'll receive your comprehensive HPI-style check within seconds.

Why do I need an HPI check when buying a used car?

1 in 3 cars has a hidden history. 1 in 4 cars is still on finance - if you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it. We identify 109 stolen cars per day and 2,205 insurance write-offs daily. An HPI check protects your investment.

Free HPI Check UK | Check Car Finance, Stolen & Write-Off Status

What's Included in Our HPI Check?

Finance Check

Check if the car has outstanding finance. Buying a car on finance means the lender can repossess it - even from you.

Stolen Check

Verify the vehicle isn't recorded as stolen on the Police National Computer. Protect yourself from buying stolen goods.

Write-Off Check

Discover if the car has been written off by insurers (Cat A, B, S, N). Write-offs can have serious safety implications.

MOT History

Full MOT test history including passes, failures, advisories, and recorded mileage at each test.

Mileage Verification

Check for mileage discrepancies and clocking. We compare readings across multiple data sources.

Previous Owners

Find out how many previous keepers the vehicle has had and when ownership changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an HPI check?

An HPI check is a comprehensive vehicle history check that reveals important information about a used car including outstanding finance, stolen status, insurance write-offs, mileage discrepancies, and previous owners. HPI is a brand name (owned by Experian), but "HPI check" has become a generic term for any comprehensive car history check.

Is your HPI check really free?

We offer a free basic check that includes MOT status, tax status, vehicle specifications, and CO2 emissions. Our full comprehensive check (equivalent to an HPI check) costs just £4.99 - significantly cheaper than HPI's own service - and includes finance, stolen, write-off, mileage, and keeper history.

Why is CheckTheCar cheaper than HPI?

We've streamlined our service to provide the same comprehensive data at a fraction of the cost. We access the same databases (DVLA, Police National Computer, finance providers, MIAFTR) but operate with lower overheads. Our goal is to make car checks accessible to everyone.

Is an HPI check worth it?

Absolutely. With 1 in 3 cars having hidden history and 1 in 4 still on finance, a £4.99 check could save you thousands. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can legally repossess it - even though you paid for it. The small investment in an HPI check gives you peace of mind.

How long does an HPI check take?

Our checks are instant. Enter a registration number and you'll see the free results immediately. After purchasing the full report, you'll receive your comprehensive 80+ point vehicle history check within seconds, delivered both on-screen and to your email.

Free HPI Check UK