How to check car history

A simple guide to the background and history of a used car

Here, you can check:

  • Vehicle ownership,
  • Basic service history checks
  • Outstanding finance that needs settling before you can legally buy or sell

A car history search also provides theft/stolen or write-off status, mileage problems, and DVLA plate changes history.

Free, used car history checks

CarVeto shows you all available online history for any UK-registered car, van, or motorcycle.

(Enter a reg, such as WP64 LFD)

car reg field

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Check car history before buying or selling

It’s a reliable and affordable way to safeguard your money. On the other hand, fixing issues after purchasing tends to be time-consuming, costly, and stressful.

Why not avoid it?

Use the links below, check car history and access the information you need. I provide useful guides and have vetted each service thoroughly:

CarVeto car history check is a free and paid online service. Enter any UK vehicle registration number for a free, instant report that includes the following:

Vehicle details include make, model, specifications, road tax and MOT status, export status and askMID insurance checks.

The paid service is comprehensive. You can check outstanding finance, theft, mileage issues, accident damage repairs, plate changes, scrapped/unscrapped, VIC and other datasets.

HPI Check – HPI is a paid-for, third-party service. Reports data is almost identical to CarVeto but costs a lot more. Some motorists insist on HPI to source vehicle data. But as all the information comes from familiar sources like DVLA, MIAFTR, MID and police registers, you can save some cash via CarVeto.

Car owner check – see the nearest online data on car ownership and previous owners. Names and addresses of car owners are protected by data protection. But you can access full ownership history dates of transfers, V5C issue dates and DVLA registered near data. It’s pretty useful when buying a car privately.

Service history check – a helpful guide to service records and how to source missing history that can include valuable data like cam belt changes.

MOT history – via the DVLA database, MOT history checks help determine past car maintenance and potential repair costs during the next 12 months. MOT checks highlight worn parts, although roadworthy and likely to need replacing in the next year of motoring.

Mobile mechanic near me – as it relates to car maintenance and history, I’ve reviewed the leading mobile mechanic services that offer roadside and home visits for repairs and maintenance.

Check car history before you buy (or sell)

A few minutes are spent online, and you’ll get a detailed picture of the car you plan to buy.

1 in 3 vehicles checked has an issue that prevents a safe, legal purchase.

Reduce risk and enjoy peace of mind by running your independent online car history search.

Marcus, UCG.

Marcus Rockey

Marcus Rockey

Author and owner

The Used Car Guy website is authored by Marcus Rockey, offering more than 30 years of motor trade experience to private motorists buying or selling.