What is a vehicle history check?
A vehicle history check is a report that brings together official and industry data about a used car before you buy it. It combines the key history checks, vehicle specifications, compliance information, and market valuation in one place.
The report covers the following areas:
Security and history
- Outstanding finance — active loans or HP agreements, including the lender and agreement date
- Stolen status — whether the vehicle is currently recorded as stolen
- Insurance write-off history — category (where recorded), cause of damage, and loss date
- Exported or scrapped status
- Mileage — checked against MOT records to flag possible discrepancies
- Plate and identity changes — previous registrations (GB and NI) and VIN matching
- Colour changes and keeper history
Vehicle details
- Make, model, variant, colour, and manufacture/registration dates
- Body type, dimensions, weights, and seating/door configuration
- Engine, fuel type, and transmission details
- Performance figures such as power, torque, and top speed, where available
Compliance
- MOT status and due date
- Tax status and due date
- Outstanding recalls
Valuation
- Estimated market value, including trade, private, and dealer price points
- How the vehicle's mileage and condition compare with what's expected for its age
Together, these checks give you a clearer picture of a vehicle's history, current status, specifications, and estimated value, helping you identify potential issues and make a more informed decision before buying.