Buying a used car can be a great way to save money and get a car that fits you. But buying second hand isn’t without its risks. From outstanding finance to hidden damage, stolen vehicles or mileage readings, there are so many pitfalls that could turn your dream car into a financial nightmare. This is where car history checking services come in. These services give you the inside information on a car’s past so you can make informed decisions and avoid the surprises. In the UK there are many car history checking providers, each with different features and benefits. Below we look at the top 10 car history checking services in the UK, starting with the well respected Motorscan.
1. Motorscan
Motorscan is one of the most well known in the UK for vehicle history checks. Famous for its easy to use interface and massive knowledge base, Motorscan produces detailed reports that cover everything about a vehicle’s past.
Features:
- Outstanding finance checks.
- Mileage checks to protect against odometer fraud.
- Insurance write off and accident history.
- Stolen vehicle checks to make sure the car isn’t flagged as stolen.
- Easy to read reports that summarise all the important info.
Why HPI Check? HPI Check is affordable and accurate for both individual buyers and businesses. Reports are delivered quickly so you can buy your next car with confidence and peace of mind.
2. HPI Check
HPI Check is a household name for vehicle history information in the UK. One of the original providers in this space, HPI Check is renowned for its thorough and trustworthy services.
Features:
- Finance, theft and insurance write off checks.
- Mileage verification to detect odometer fraud.
- Decades of reputation in the industry.
Why AA Car Data Check? The AA’s well known brand and years of experience in the vehicle history sector makes it a trusted choice for buyers who want a thorough report.
3. AA Car Data Check
The AA is a household name in UK motoring services and brings its expertise to car history checks with the AA Car Data Check. Reliable and backed by the AA’s reputation.
Features:
- Checks for outstanding finance, insurance write offs, stolen vehicle records and more.
- Trusted by one of the UK’s most well known motoring organisations.
- Online access to reports.
Why Auto Trader Vehicle Check? The AA’s brand and checks are credible so this service is perfect for buyers looking for transparency and detail.
4. Auto Trader Vehicle Check
Auto Trader is the leading marketplace for buying and selling cars and offers a vehicle history checking service built into its platform. Good for buyers using Auto Trader to find their next car.
Features:
- Finance, theft and insurance write off checks.
- Built into Auto Trader’s car listings for ease.
- Designed to be used during the car buying process on Auto Trader.
Why CarVeto? If you’re already searching for cars on Auto Trader, its history checking service is a convenient and trustworthy extra to your buying journey.
5. CarVeto
CarVeto is a simple and easy to use service for private buyers who want quick and accurate vehicle history checks. Clear and concise reports.
Features:
- Pass/fail results to make it easy to decide.
- Free basic checks with option to upgrade to premium reports for more detail.
- Fast and efficient results.
Why CarVeto? CarVeto’s simplicity and affordability makes it perfect for individual buyers who want quick and easy answers.
6. RAC Vehicle History Check
The RAC is another well known name in UK motoring and offers a vehicle history checking service with its wealth of experience. Reliable and detailed reports.
Features:
- Reports on outstanding finance, mileage, theft and more.
- Backed by RAC’s motoring expertise.
- Built for reliability.
Why Total Car Check? The RAC’s long history in the motoring industry means its vehicle checks are thorough and trustworthy.
7. Total Car Check
Total Car Check is an affordable option with free and premium services to suit all buyers. Affordable and has all the essentials for a safe car purchase.
Features:
- Free and premium options to suit all budgets.
- Mileage discrepancies, finance agreements and theft records.
- Clear and easy to understand reports.
Why Total Car Check? If you want a cheap solution, Total Car Check has got the essentials without the cost.
8. Car Analytics
Car Analytics is a new player in the vehicle history checking market but is already popular for its price and reports.
Features:
- Detailed vehicle history reports at low prices.
- Simple and easy to use platform.
- Bulk checks for businesses.
Why Car Analytics? Car Analytics’ price and business features makes it good for individual and commercial buyers.
9. My Car Check
My Car Check is for individual buyers and car enthusiasts with detailed reports and valuation. Good for those who want to know the history and market value of a car.
Features:
- Valuation included with history checks.
- Mobile app for ease of use.
- Covers finance, theft and insurance write off checks.
Why My Car Check? If you want a service that does history checks and valuation, My Car Check is the complete solution.
10. Vcheck
Vcheck finds the hidden issues that other providers miss. Good for rare or high value vehicles where extra scrutiny is needed.
Features:
- Advanced checks for niche issues like cloned vehicles and flood damage.
- Good for high value or rare cars that need in-depth analysis.
- Finds hidden risks that standard checks miss.
Why Vcheck? If you’re buying a unique or high value vehicle, Vcheck’s focus on niche issues is a must have.
Conclusion
When buying a used car a vehicle history check is non negotiable. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming. Motorscan is the leader in the pack with its price, accuracy and reports but each of the above services has its strengths. Whether you want budget, speed or depth of information, there’s an option for you. By investing in a reliable history check you can make your next car purchase a safe one.
