What is a HPI Check?
Last updated August 05, 2022
A HPI check is a service which checks the history of a vehicle, allowing used car buyers to discover more about a car’s history before they decide to purchase it. The check consists of information regarding your vehicle, helping to prevent any costly repercussions down the line and giving you peace of mind.
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What does a HPI Check examine?
HPI checks will run through all historic records of your vehicle and tell you whether the car is being sold legally, and legally allowed to be driven on UK roads. You will then be given a full report as well as some guidance on what might be needed, such as if there is a recall.
What does a HPI check report contain?
It will include information on the following areas:
- If the car has a logbook.
- If the car has ever been an insurance write off.
- Whether or not it’s a stolen car.
- If the car has outstanding finance.
- A car valuation.
- The specifications of the vehicle.
- If the car has ever been recorded as scrapped.
- Vehicle identification data.
- If the car was imported/exported.
You’ll also get some additional data from the DVLA such as the recorded mileage, MOT status and history.
How long does a HPI check take?
After you’ve purchased a HPI check the results are shown immediately. You’ll also get an email including the information and a reference number, and you can update the check with this number.
Is a HPI check free of charge?
You will have to pay a fee for an official HPI check.
How do I get a free HPI check?
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a free HPI check, so be cautious of any services that claim to provide one. However, we can provide you with a free vehicle history check, right here at webuyanycar.
Getting a HPI check from VIN number
You can get a HPI check with just your VIN number with most services. Simply seek out a site that carries out the service with just the VIN.
Does the DVLA do HPI checks?
The DVLA does not carry out HPI checks, but can provide you with information on the vehicle’s details, tax and SORN status.
Does a HPI check show accidents?
A HPI check will not provide information on every accident a vehicle has been in; accident damage will only be identified where an insurance company has registered the vehicle as a write-off.
Does a stolen car which has been recovered show on a HPI check?
Your HPI check won’t provide details if the car was stolen and recovered - only if the car was stolen, and still registered as such, or if there are outstanding interests/ if the vehicle was subject to being written off.
Does a HPI check include MOT history?
Yes, a HPI check will include date, mileage, and test result. The report will also contain details on advisory notices (if any), and in instances of MOT failure, there will be information provided for reason of refusal.
