When you run an HPI check, there are two possible outcomes for each section: clear, or a marker. “Clear” is easy to understand. A marker can be more confusing, and it doesn’t always mean you should walk away.
Here’s what each type of marker means and exactly what to do if you find one.
What is an HPI marker?
A marker is a record found against a car on one of the databases a history check searches. It flags something you need to know about, such as finance owed, a write-off or a previous registration. An “HPI clear” car is simply one with no markers on the key checks. We explain the term in detail in what does HPI clear mean?
Types of HPI marker
Finance marker
What it means: a hire purchase, conditional sale or PCP agreement is recorded against the car. The lender may still own it or have a claim on it.
What to do: don’t pay the seller directly until the finance is settled. Ask the seller to contact the lender, get a settlement figure, and either pay it off first or arrange for part of your payment to go straight to the lender. Always get written confirmation that the agreement is closed. Read more in buying a car with outstanding finance.
Stolen marker
What it means: the car is recorded by the police as stolen.
What to do: walk away. Don’t confront the seller. Note the details and consider reporting it to the police.
Write-off marker
What it means: an insurer has declared the car a total loss. The category matters:
- Cat A and Cat B: shouldn’t be back on the road. Avoid.
- Cat S: structural damage that has (hopefully) been professionally repaired.
- Cat N: non-structural damage, often cosmetic or electrical.
What to do: for Cat S or N, check the price reflects the history, ask for repair evidence, get an independent inspection and confirm your insurer will cover it. See write-off categories explained.
Mileage marker
What it means: recorded mileage readings don’t add up, for example a later reading is lower than an earlier one.
What to do: ask for an explanation and paperwork. A replacement instrument cluster is a genuine reason, but there should be proof. If not, assume the mileage is unreliable. Our guide on how to spot a clocked car can help.
Plate change marker
What it means: the car has had a different registration number in the past.
What to do: usually nothing to worry about. Private plates are common. Just make sure the full history follows the car across both registrations.
Colour change or other details
What it means: the recorded colour has changed, or other details differ from the original record.
What to do: check the V5C has been updated and ask why. A respray is often innocent, but it can sometimes hide accident repairs.
Marker summary
| Marker | Deal-breaker? |
|---|---|
| Stolen | Yes, always |
| Cat A or Cat B | Yes |
| Outstanding finance | Only if it can’t be settled safely |
| Cat S or Cat N | Depends on price, repairs and insurance |
| Mileage discrepancy | Usually, unless properly explained with paperwork |
| Plate change | Rarely |
Can a marker be removed?
Some can. A finance marker should be removed once the agreement is settled, though databases can take a little time to update. A stolen marker is removed if the car is recovered and the record is cleared. Write-off markers stay with the car permanently, because they’re part of its history.
CheckHPI’s full HPI check shows finance, stolen and write-off records from £9.99, with mileage and plate history on Premium. Start with a free check to confirm the basics.
The bottom line
An HPI marker isn’t always the end of the road. Stolen and Cat A or B markers mean walk away. Finance can often be settled safely. Cat S and N cars can be good value with the right price and paperwork. The key is understanding what the marker means before you hand over any money.
Frequently asked questions
What is an HPI marker?
An HPI marker is a record found against a car during a history check, such as outstanding finance, a stolen report, an insurance write-off, a mileage discrepancy or a plate change.
Should I buy a car with a finance marker?
Only if the finance is settled before or as part of the sale, with written confirmation from the lender. Never pay the seller in full while finance is outstanding.
Can a write-off marker be removed?
No. A write-off category stays on a car's record permanently, even after it's been repaired.
Is a plate change marker a problem?
Usually not. Many owners transfer private plates. Just make sure the car's history links up across all its registrations.
