Buying a used car can be exciting, but it also comes with risks. Before purchasing a vehicle, it’s important to know as much as possible about its history to avoid unexpected problems later.
A car history check, often referred to as an HPI Check, can reveal important information about a vehicle, including whether it has outstanding finance, has previously been written off, has been reported stolen or has mileage concerns.
If you’re looking at buying or selling a vehicle, our valuation guidance hub has more helpful advice to help you make informed decisions throughout the process.
What Does HPI Mean?
HPI stands for Hire Purchase Information.
HPI is one of the UK’s best-known vehicle history checking services and provides information about a vehicle’s background using data from multiple sources, including insurers, finance providers and government records.
An HPI Check can help potential buyers avoid purchasing a vehicle with hidden problems.
What Does an HPI Check Tell You About a Car?
An HPI Check can provide valuable information about a used vehicle, including:
Outstanding Finance
One of the most important checks is whether there is any outstanding finance attached to the vehicle.
If a car still has finance owed on it, the finance company may legally have an interest in the vehicle. Buying a car with outstanding finance could potentially put you at risk of losing the vehicle.
Whether the Car Has Been Stolen
An HPI Check can show whether a vehicle has been reported as stolen.
This helps buyers avoid purchasing a vehicle that may not legally belong to the seller.
If the Car Has Been Written Off
If a vehicle has previously been declared a total loss by an insurance company, this may appear on the report.
A written-off vehicle isn’t automatically unsafe, as some cars are professionally repaired and returned to the road. However, knowing the vehicle’s history allows buyers to make a more informed decision.
Mileage Discrepancies
An HPI Check can highlight potential mileage issues.
Mileage tampering, sometimes known as “clocking”, involves changing a vehicle’s recorded mileage to make it appear less used and potentially increase its value.
A mileage check can help identify inconsistencies in a vehicle’s history.
Vehicle Identity Information
An HPI Check can confirm details such as:
- Make and model
- Registration details
- Engine information
- Vehicle colour history
- Import/export information
- Previous recorded issues
This helps confirm that the vehicle matches the seller’s description.
What Doesn’t an HPI Check Tell You?
Although an HPI Check provides useful information, it does not replace a physical inspection.
An HPI Check will not tell you:
The Current Condition of the Vehicle
A history check cannot identify:
- Mechanical faults
- Engine problems
- Tyre condition
- Cosmetic damage
- Poor repairs
It’s always recommended to inspect the vehicle yourself or arrange a professional inspection before buying.
If you’re planning to sell your car, it’s good to know how you can Boost Your Car’s Resale Value with some Maintenance Tips.
Whether the Seller Is Genuine
A vehicle history check cannot guarantee that the person selling the vehicle is trustworthy.
Always check the seller’s details, view the vehicle in person and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
Every Previous Owner
An HPI Check may provide ownership information, but it won’t necessarily reveal every detail about previous keepers.
Remember, the person named on the V5C logbook is the registered keeper, not always the legal owner.
If you’re interested in finding out more about ownership, it might be a good idea to dust up on How to Transfer Ownership of a Car too, incase it’s something you ever need to do.
How Much Does an HPI Check Cost?
The cost of an HPI Check depends on the provider and the level of information included.
More detailed checks generally include additional information such as:
- Finance checks
- Theft records
- Write-off history
- Mileage information
- Import/export records
Prices can vary, so it’s worth comparing providers before purchasing a report.
While some companies advertise free vehicle checks, these are usually limited and may not include important information such as outstanding finance or insurance write-offs.
Is There Such a Thing as a Free HPI Check?
A full official HPI Check is not usually free.
Free vehicle checks are available, but they often provide only basic information such as:
- MOT history
- Tax status
- Vehicle specifications
For a more complete picture of a vehicle’s history, a paid history check is usually required.
What Does HPI Clear Mean?
An HPI Clear vehicle means that the vehicle has passed an HPI Check and no major issues have been identified in the available records.
Typically, this means:
- No outstanding finance recorded
- No stolen vehicle record
- No insurance write-off recorded
- No major mileage discrepancies identified
However, an HPI Clear result does not guarantee that the car is mechanically perfect.
A vehicle can still have faults that only become apparent through inspection or a test drive.
Should You Get an HPI Check Before Buying a Used Car?
For most buyers, an HPI Check is a valuable step when purchasing a used vehicle.
It can help you:
- Avoid hidden problems
- Understand a car’s background
- Negotiate with confidence
- Make a safer buying decision
A history check combined with a test drive, inspection and checking the paperwork gives you the best chance of buying a reliable car.
Valuing a Car With a History Issue?
If you’re valuing a vehicle that has accident damage, previous repairs or other history concerns, it’s important to be upfront with buyers.
Jamjar.com makes valuing your car quick, easy and hassle-free.
By comparing offers from a trusted network of UK car buyers, you can find the right deal without the stress of advertising, negotiating or arranging viewings.
There are no hidden fees, no obligation to sell and the entire process is completed online.