Are you thinking about buying a used car and feeling the need for a thorough check of its history?
You’ve probably already come across the much-recommended HPI Check in every guide. But, before you make the decision to obtain a vehicle history report from HPI or any other provider, it’s vital to comprehend what exactly this check should entail, particularly when you are deciding how much to shell out.
This guide aims to make you well-versed with the HPI Checks, aiding you in making an informed decision before your next car purchase.
An HPI Check is a vehicle history report generated by HPI Ltd, a British company (owned by an American firm, Solera) that has been operating since 1938. The company name, an abbreviation of Hire Purchase Information, reflects its initial focus: preventing the incorrect sale of cars under hire-purchase agreements.
Today, this service has considerably evolved and expanded. The HPI Check is now an essential tool for anyone considering purchasing a used car in the UK. By collaborating with the police, the DVLA, and various finance and insurance companies, HPI collates an extensive amount of information on each vehicle registered with the DVLA.
This data allows the company to provide a detailed report, which can inform potential buyers if a car has outstanding finance, has been stolen, is a write-off, has a mileage discrepancy (indicating possible clocking), has changed plates, has been cloned, or has an outstanding logbook loan.
The utility of the HPI Check cannot be overstated. Alarmingly, the company has found that 1 in 3 cars checked has issues potentially problematic for a future buyer. These could range from an active finance agreement or outstanding loan on the vehicle to the more serious issue of the car being stolen – HPI reportedly uncovers more than 74 stolen cars every day.
An HPI Check is an incredibly valuable tool, beneficial to a wide range of individuals, but particularly potent for prospective used car buyers.
If you’re considering purchasing a vehicle from a private seller, where regulations are less stringent than for used car dealers, an HPI Check becomes even more essential.
Sure, you can manually check for mechanical issues, find the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or go through service histories and MOT records. However, these conventional methods may not reveal whether the car has outstanding finances or has been involved in an accident.
Imagine unknowingly buying a car that’s been stolen, is a Cat D write-off, or is officially exported from the UK. The financial implications could be significant, not to mention the legality of using such a vehicle.
HPI’s statistics are rather alarming: one out of every four cars checked has had its number plates changed, and more than 1,771 insurance write-offs are discovered daily.
So, an HPI Check plays a pivotal role in avoiding such pitfalls and ensuring a safe and legal car purchase.
The HPI Check is a comprehensive vehicle history report which covers over 80 data points about a car, providing a thorough insight into its past and current condition. Here’s what’s included:
1. Stolen Car Check: This is an essential part of the HPI Check. When a car is reported stolen, its registration details are added to the Police National Computer (PNC). The HPI Check incorporates this information, thus assisting in the avoidance of purchasing stolen vehicles.
2. Insurance Write-Off: The check details whether the car is a Category A or B insurance write-off, which are vehicles that should be taken off the road and scrapped. If you’re considering a Category S or N car (formerly C and D), the check will reveal this, enabling you to ensure the vehicle has been adequately repaired.
3. Outstanding Finance: This feature informs you if there is any money still owed on the car. The legal owner of the vehicle is the lender or finance company until the debt is paid off. The HPI check will alert you to this fact, preventing potential financial loss or even loss of the vehicle.
4. Logbook Check: The check also verifies the details recorded in the logbook (V5C document), which records the registered keeper of the vehicle. This can expose any ‘logbook loans’, or help identify stolen or cloned cars.
5. Scrapped Car Check: The HPI Check will inform you if a car has been recorded as scrapped on the DVLA database. This could be due to an insurance write-off or other reasons. Such cars shouldn’t be driven or sold.
6. Vehicle Identification Data: This part of the check ensures that the Vehicle Identity Number (VIN or chassis number) and the engine number match with the official records. This helps detect stolen or cloned cars or other severe issues with the vehicle.
7. Vehicle Specifications: This involves a check of the vehicle’s details, including correct colour (in case it has been altered and not registered), equipment, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
8. Car Valuation: The HPI Check includes a comprehensive car valuation, suggesting an appropriate amount to pay for a private or forecourt sale at a dealership or receive as a trade-in. It also includes a calculation of future depreciation.
9. Imported/Exported Cars: The HPI Check provides information on whether the car has been imported into the UK and if the necessary registration processes have been followed. It also reveals if the car has been officially exported from the UK, in which case it can’t be legally driven or insured here.
9. Imported/Exported Cars: The HPI Check provides information on whether the car has been imported into the UK and if the necessary registration processes have been followed. It also reveals if the car has been officially exported from the UK, in which case it can’t be legally driven or insured here.
10. Ownership History: The logbook, maintained by the DVLA, records the number of previous owners a vehicle has had. Always ensure this number matches the claims made by the seller.
11. Changes in Number Plate: This part reveals how many changes the car’s number plate has undergone and identifies if any issues are connected to a previous plate. While some people change plates for personalisation, others may use it as a ploy to hide the car’s history.
12. Mileage Verification: Cross-check the mileage displayed on the car’s dashboard. Any discrepancies could suggest that the car’s mileage has been tampered with, indicating potential hidden wear and tear. This could also mean that the car’s value is inflated, and the correct servicing schedule might not have been followed, which may lead to severe mechanical issues.
13. Fuel Cost Estimation: This feature helps you calculate the projected fuel expenses, enabling you to weigh and compare the potential running costs of the car you’re considering.
14. MOT History Check: Accessing the vehicle’s MOT history offers invaluable insights into its maintenance track record during past ownership. This information can be instrumental when assessing a car’s condition.
Get Instant Cash with No Hidden Charges! Enter your car’s registration and mileage, and sell it now.
Aside from detecting potential issues with a used car, there are several benefits that come with conducting an HPI Check.
1. Peace of Mind
The primary benefit of an HPI Check is the peace of mind it bestows. With it, you can rest assured that the vehicle you’re considering is legitimate and free from any lurking issues that could cause headaches down the line.
Investing in an HPI Check means you’re investing in confidence, significantly reducing the risk of purchasing a car with potential legal or financial pitfalls. Therefore, it’s a small upfront cost that could save you a lot of stress and expense in the future.
2. Avoidance of Legal Issues
If the car has a history of theft, outstanding finance, or is recorded as scrapped or written-off, purchasing it could land you in legal hot water. These issues may not be immediately visible, but an HPI Check uncovers them, ensuring that you avoid unknowingly participating in any illegal activity.
3. Financial Security
By giving you an accurate car valuation and future depreciation calculation, it helps you make an informed purchase. This valuable insight allows you to negotiate a fair price, ensuring you don’t overpay for the vehicle. Furthermore, it enables you to anticipate potential maintenance costs and get an idea of the car’s future resale value, thus assisting in sound financial planning.
4. Knowledge of the Car’s Condition
Knowing the true condition of a car before buying is crucial. An HPI Check provides a detailed breakdown of the car’s history, including any major accidents it’s been involved in, serious mechanical issues, and general wear and tear over the years. This information is vital in assessing if the car is safe to drive and worth the asking price.
Ultimately, the HPI Check equips you with a clear understanding of what you’re getting into, helping you avoid unpleasant surprises down the road.
5. Accurate Valuation
Getting an accurate valuation of the car you are interested in buying is a critical part of the process. The HPI Check includes a comprehensive car valuation, offering a clear picture of the vehicle’s worth according to its age, model, and overall condition. This information helps you understand whether the asking price is fair or if you’re being overcharged.
Furthermore, it can provide you with leverage during price negotiations. With an accurate valuation at hand, you can confidently discuss the price and ensure that you’re paying a reasonable amount for the vehicle. This not only ensures you get good value for your money but also contributes to your financial security in the long run.
If you search on Google, you’ll find multiple websites that offer a free HPI Check. However, it’s essential to be cautious of such websites as they may not provide a thorough and accurate report. Some sites might only offer partial, misleading, or outdated information, leading to potential risks when purchasing a used car.
According to the official HPI website, there’s no such thing as a “Free HPI Check”. The company invests a significant amount of time and resources into gathering data from multiple sources, including the DVLA, police, finance houses, and insurance companies. As a result, they charge a fee for their services to ensure the report is thorough and up-to-date.
However, there are other ways you could potentially access this service for free.
For example, some dealerships or private sellers already have a valid HPI Check report for their vehicle.
In such cases, you could ask them to share the report with you. This way, you can save money and still have a reliable source for the vehicle’s history.
Always make sure this doesn’t compromise the thoroughness and accuracy of the check. After all, it’s a critical step in making a well-informed decision when buying a used car.
When it comes to HPI Checks, there are three main levels to choose from, each offering a varying degree of information.
Basic Check: This is the most affordable option at £9.99. It includes crucial information such as debt/finance status, whether the car has been stolen, if it’s an insurance write-off, and if it has been imported or exported.
Standard HPI Check: Priced at £19.99, this check offers the full range of data, giving you an exhaustive view of the car’s history and condition.
Multicheck: This option, priced at £29.97, includes three separate reports. These checks must be redeemed within two years of the original purchase date.
An additional feature that can be added to any of the checks is the Safety Recall Check, which costs an extra £2.99. This will inform you of any safety recalls related to the specific make and model of the car.
While the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK provides a range of vehicle information, it does not conduct HPI Checks or offer full vehicle history reports.
To access DVLA services, all you need is the car’s registration number or V5C number. The data from DVLA is included in any car check, such as HPI, but does not extend to referencing insurance companies, investigating outstanding finance, cross-referencing the police database of stolen vehicles, or liaising with any motor trade organisations.
The information the DVLA provides includes when the current tax expires, the current MOT status and history, known recalls, and the specifications recorded on the vehicle logbook, such as colour, engine size, year of manufacture, and CO2 emissions.
If you’re part of the motor trade industry, opening a trade account with HPI can provide an array of advantages.
To open a trade account, you will need to contact Cap HPI directly. HPI Checks not only ensure that you’re purchasing the right used vehicles but also allow you to showcase the history and authenticity of your vehicles to potential customers, enhancing trust.
The features of a trade HPI Check are the same as a standard HPI Check. However, you can incorporate additional features such as CAP valuations, National Mileage Register checks, and the HPI vehicle monitor. The HPI vehicle monitor is particularly valuable as it can inform you if the same vehicle has been recently checked through HPI by someone else.
For ease of use, a mobile app is available, retaining a full record of all checks made. The last 100 checks remain on your phone, enabling you to revisit and recheck any vehicle at your convenience.
Once you’ve made the purchase, the report is immediately displayed on your screen. In addition, an email containing the full details of the check, including your reference number, is sent to your inbox.
It is recommended to save this email as it serves as a record and will be crucial should you need to update your check in the future.
HPI Checks and vehicle history reports are undoubtedly well worth considering. They serve as a safety net, preventing the potentially disastrous fallout of purchasing a vehicle with a problematic history. Even though the £19.99 fee might seem like an unnecessary expense, it pales in comparison to the potential loss of thousands of pounds.
Not only can a problematic car lead to financial distress, but it can also pose serious risks if it has been written off or scrapped and then illegally returned to the road.
Therefore, an HPI Check is not just a wise investment but an essential step in ensuring your safety and peace of mind when buying a used vehicle.
Replacing the cambelt in the right intervals is an essential step of responsible car maintenance. There can be a lot of work involved in this, which means it’s often one of the most expensive, too. When the time comes to get a quote for this service, you may wonder what a fair timing belt replacement […]
Growing environmental concerns resulted in the creation of low emissions zones in major cities across Europe, and London is no exception. Before you venture into England’s thriving capital, you should know if your vehicle is ULEZ compliant or not. This will allow you to plan alternatives, or budget accordingly. Today, we’ll explore what the ULEZ […]
Are you planning a big family vacation to Europe or another country? The process of hiring a car abroad has changed quite a bit for UK citizens after Brexit. UK travellers can benefit a lot from understanding the new car rental procedures overseas. That’s precisely what we’re going to do today. We’re about to share […]
Electric cars are getting more and more popular among car buyers in the UK. Whether you already own an EV or are planning to buy one, you might still be unsure as to how long does it take to charge an electric car. Don’t worry, we got your back. After reading this article, you’ll know […]
In the UK, any car that drives on public roads needs to pass an annual MOT test. The goal is to ensure it remains safe and compliant with regulations. So, knowing when you need to bring your car in for testing is essential to avoid hefty fines or penalties. If you recently bought a new […]
Nobody likes having car problems, and few things are more inconvenient than breaking down on the side of the road. Knowing what are the most reliable cars you can buy will help you make an informed decision and have a trouble-free experience. But how do you quantify reliability? Defects and failures are part of car […]
Keeping your car seats spotless is essential to conserve the appearance and resale value of your vehicle. Cleaning the seats can also improve your driving comfort by getting rid of stale odours, for example, to remove vape smell from the car. Are you looking for a practical, hands-on guide on how to clean car seats? […]
Insurance costs make up a significant part of car ownership expenses, especially for younger drivers. Choosing a car that is cheap to insure can lead to considerable savings in the long term. If you are a budget-conscious buyer and want to know what the best cheap cars to insure in the UK are, you have […]
Who isn’t worried that a thief may strike and deprive you of your pride and joy? No matter how much your car is worth, nobody wants the trouble of having their property stolen. Thankfully, there’s an easy solution to this, and that is to install a car tracker. These sophisticated devices aren’t just about theft […]
Whether you are a resident of the United Kingdom or visiting from abroad, renting a car is a great option to give you the freedom you need for your travels. While this is normally a simple process, young drivers looking to rent a car face a unique set of challenges before they can get behind […]
A semi-automatic car, also referred to as a semi-auto or an automated manual transmission (AMT) vehicle, merges the features of both manual and automatic transmissions. The unique aspect of semi-automatic cars is their ability to function like an automatic vehicle, while also offering the driver the option to manually change gears without the need for […]
Are you looking to supplement your income, pay off debt, or save for a big purchase? Your car might just hold the key to achieving those financial goals. There are many ways to earn money from your car besides working as a driver for ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft. In this article, we will […]
If you are planning to sell your car, the good news is that there are now more ways than ever before to advertise your vehicle online. From classified ads to social media, you have a lot of options to reach potential buyers and sell your car quickly. In today’s modern world, most car buyers have […]
If you’re looking to buy a car you’ve probably come across the term “hatchback” quite a few times which is often confused with other types of cars. So what exactly is a hatchback car? And how does it differ from other types of cars? Here’s everything you need to know. What is a Hatchback Vehicle? […]
If you’re in the market for buying or selling a used car, understanding car categories can be helpful. One such category is Cat D, or Category D, cars. These are vehicles that have been previously classified as “damaged” but have since been repaired and made roadworthy again. In this article, we’ll dive into the details […]
When it comes to purchasing a car, the outright cash purchase is merely the tip of the iceberg in terms of available finance options. In today’s market, car buyers are presented with an assortment of car finance solutions, each with its unique advantages and considerations. Whether you’re a first-time car buyer, a business owner in […]
When it comes to buying a used car, one of the most important factors is its mileage. Mileage refers to the distance that a vehicle has travelled since it was first manufactured. The lower the mileage, the newer and more reliable a car is presumed to be. But what exactly is considered good mileage for […]
A few years back diesel cars were the popular choice among car buyers, but recently in the past few years the scenario has changed. With stricter emission norms and increased environmental concerns, diesel cars are facing criticism and have been banned in many cities around the world. This has led many people to question whether […]
A crossover car, often seen as a perfect blend between a hatchback’s compactness and an SUV’s rugged capability, occupies a sweet spot in the automotive market. It’s designed for those who seek the comfort and efficiency of a smaller car, but crave the space and versatility typically found in something bigger. In this blog, we […]
During the unpredictable winter months driving on icy roads can be quite risky even for the most experienced drivers. The treacherously slick surfaces, the impaired visibility due to falling snow or fog, and the unpredictability of other road users all combine to create an environment that commands utmost respect and caution. The risks associated with […]