Check a used car

Comprehensive car history checks

Protect yourself with a report which is insured up to £30,000. Check if a car:

has outstanding loans left to pay

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Outstanding loans

Nearly two thirds of new vehicles are bought using a finance agreement each year. These agreements have to be paid off before you buy it. HPI holds details of over 7 million current finance agreements, so your car will be checked against them. For further information see Types of Finance.
has ever been written off

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Write-off

Cars can be written off as a total loss by an insurer following accident damage or theft.

Although write-offs can legitimately be allowed back on the road, almost half are beyond repair.
has had changes registered by the DVLA

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DVLA registration changes

The make and model are checked against DVLA and DVA (N Ireland) records. Even derivatives are checked, where possible, (such as special and luxury editions), as well as door plan, vehicle's current and prior colour, transmission, and engine size. You'll also be told the year the car was manufactured, the date it was first registered and how many times it has changed hands.
has been reported as stolen

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Stolen

We check the Police National Computer (PCN) register for stolen vehicles. Never buy a vehicle on this register, because you stand to lose it, along with the money you paid for it.
has an accurate valuation

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Valuation

The check includes a valuation, which is very helpful if you're interested in buying a vehicle.

Your car check results

The report comes with a guarantee. If any crucial information is missed, you'll be reimbursed for any financial loss up to the value of £30,000. Read a summary of what our guarantee includes. On top of the guaranteed information, your car check gives you additional information on the vehicle's mileage, specifications and an approximate valuation.

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We also check:

Registration details

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V5 Registration Document

The V5 registration document, is issued by the DVLA. It gives the name and address of a vehicle's current owner as well as the last two registered keepers. It also lists the car's colour, make, model, engine number, and vehicle identification number.

The HPI document check provides you with significant added protection at no extra cost. In order to benefit from this service, you will need both the serial number and issue date of the V5 registration document.
Number of keepers

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Vehicle Ownership

There are many circumstances where the 'owner' of a vehicle is not the 'keeper' as recorded on the DVLA V5C document. These circumstances may include the vehicle having outstanding finance, being stolen, or showing on the security watch register.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)

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VIN

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the manufacturer's own ID, found stamped onto a plate under the bonnet, under the carpet by the driver's seat and/or etched on to the windows.

Vehicles which are approved for sale in the EU have 17 digit VINs. Imports from outside Europe, such as Japan, may have short VINs. If you see a VIN which starts with the letters SABTVRO, take special care, because this VIN is assigned by a vehicle registration office when the original identity of a bodyshell or frame cannot be determined.

We also provide:

CO2 emissions rating

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CO2 emissions rating

The number of grams of CO2 the vehicle emits. CO2 bandings only apply to cars first registered on or after 1 March 2001. If this vehicle is registered prior to this date, the Vehicle Excise Duty payable will depend on the car's engine size.
Performance details

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Performance details

Aspiration

The method for getting air into the engine (ie, normal, turbo charged, super charged etc).

Find out more
Approximate valuation

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Approximate valuation

Based on vehicle specification, year of manufacture and approximate mileage if available.

See a sample report

Find out what you get for your money with an AA Car Data Check.

Why check a car?

You can never be sure a car is all it appears to be. So a car check can reassure you. Plus it could save you a lot of money.

A quarter of the cars we check turn out to have outstanding loans against them. And did you know that the finance company can demand the money from you as the new owner?

If the car has previously been involved an accident and the insurers have written it off, the car shouldn't be on the road and you wouldn't be able to get insurance to drive it.

These are just a few reasons why a car check is crucial if you're buying a used car.

It will help you build a picture of the car's history so you can make an informed choice. The mileage check is run against the National Mileage Register, set up to help reduce fraud,. As this is a voluntary scheme, mileage may not be available for every vehicle. Ensure you check documents such as service history, MOT certificates or by contacting previous keepers.

* Checks are available for £6.198 when an AA Multiple Check is purchased for £30.99.

AA Car Data Checks are provided by HPI Limited. Terms and Conditions apply. HPI is a Solera Company. 'HPI' and the HPI logo are registered trademarks of HPI Limited. Registered office 30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8AF. Registered in England number 4068979.

The AA trademark and logo are used under licence from The Automobile Association Limited. The AA is not responsible for any goods and services provided by third parties under licence.

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Car data checks

Comprehensive car history checks

Protect yourself with a report which is insured up to £30,000. Check if a car:

Outstanding loans

Write-off

DVLA registration changes

Stolen

Valuation

Your car check results

We also check:

V5 Registration Document

Vehicle Ownership

VIN

We also provide:

CO2 emissions rating

Performance details

Aspiration

Approximate valuation

See a sample report

Why check a car?

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