What Does a Full Vehicle History Check Show?

A Full Vehicle History Check costs £14.95 for a single check and is a useful part of pre-purchase research. It reports available history information from its data sources; results depend on the vehicle and the information returned.

1. Outstanding Finance

If a car has outstanding finance, the finance company may retain rights in the vehicle. The Full Vehicle History Check reports finance markers from its available data sources; verify any result with the seller and finance company before buying.

2. Write-off Status

Where available in provider history data, the check can report a Category S (Structural) or Category N (Non-structural) write-off marker, or an older Cat C/D designation. A marker is a recorded-history result, not a physical assessment of the vehicle.

3. Police Stolen Register

The check may report stolen-vehicle markers where returned by its available provider data. It is not a live police confirmation or proof of a vehicle's legal status.

4. Mileage Anomalies

The check may report mileage discrepancies from available records. A discrepancy is a reason to investigate, not proof on its own that an odometer has been tampered with. Compare it with the MOT mileage history and other records.

5. Number Plate Changes

Registration changes can happen for ordinary reasons, including use of a private plate. A change alone does not indicate a problem. Available registration history may be shown in the report.

6. Import and Export Status

Where available, the report may include import or export markers. Confirm any important status with the relevant records and seller; a report is not a determination of whether a vehicle may legally be used on UK roads.