An HPI check is the quickest way to find out whether a used car is hiding anything you’d want to know about. Before you fall for that low mileage and fresh valet, a quick look at the car’s history can tell you if there’s finance owing, if it’s been stolen, if an insurer has written it off, or if the mileage doesn’t quite add up.
With CheckHPI, you get the basics free in seconds, then decide whether to unlock the full history. Here’s everything that’s included, and why each bit matters. If you’d like the background first, read what is an HPI check?
What does an HPI check include?
A full HPI check pulls together several separate checks into one simple report. Each one answers a different question about the car’s past:
Why it’s worth checking HPI before you buy
Most used cars are exactly what they seem. But the ones that aren’t can cost you a lot. Here’s what a check can save you from:
- Buying a car with finance on it. If the seller still owes money on a hire purchase or PCP deal, the lender may have a claim on the car. Even when the law protects you, it’s a stressful mess to untangle.
- Buying a stolen car. If the police recover it, it goes back to its rightful owner. You’d be left chasing the seller for your money.
- Overpaying for a write-off. A Cat S or Cat N car can be perfectly fine, but it should be priced accordingly, and you’ll need to tell your insurer.
- Getting stung by clocked miles. Fewer miles on the clock means a higher price. If they’ve been wound back, you pay too much and may miss maintenance the car really needs.
Some info is free from GOV.UK, like the MOT history and tax status, and we show it free too. What you can’t easily get for free is the finance, theft and insurance write-off data. That’s where a paid HPI check earns its keep.
How to check HPI with CheckHPI
- Enter the reg. Type the number plate into the box at the top of this page.
- See the free details. We’ll show the make, model, colour, year, engine, MOT and tax. Make sure they match the car and the advert.
- Unlock the full check. Pick Standard, Premium or Ultimate and pay once. Your report appears on screen straight away, lands in your inbox and can be saved as a PDF.
HPI check prices
Every check is a one-off payment per car. No subscriptions, no accounts.
| What's included | Standard £9.99 | Premium £14.99 | Ultimate £19.99 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Make, model, colour, year and engine | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| MOT and tax status | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Outstanding finance | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Stolen vehicle check | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Insurance write-off (Cat A, B, S, N) | ✓ Included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Mileage history and clocking flags | – Not included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Plate change history | – Not included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Number of previous keepers | – Not included | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Market valuation | – Not included | – Not included | ✓ Included |
| £30k data guarantee | – Not included | – Not included | ✓ Included |
What to do with your results
If everything comes back clear, brilliant. Pair your HPI check with a proper look at the car itself, a test drive and, ideally, an independent inspection. If something comes back flagged, our guides walk you through it:
- Found finance on a car? Here’s what to do
- Cat S, Cat N, Cat A and Cat B explained
- How to spot a clocked car
HPI check FAQs
Is an HPI check the same as a car history check?
Pretty much, yes. "HPI check" started as the name of one company's check, but it's now the everyday term for a full vehicle history check covering finance, theft, write-offs and mileage.
How long does an HPI check take?
About a minute. The free details appear in seconds, and once you unlock the full check your report shows up straight away.
Can I check HPI on a van or motorbike?
Our checks are designed for cars registered in Great Britain. You can try any UK reg, and we'll show you what we find for it.
Is an HPI check a substitute for an inspection?
No, and it's not meant to be. An HPI check tells you about the car's recorded history. An inspection tells you about its mechanical condition today. For the best protection, do both.
