Buying a used car in the UK can feel like stepping into a minefield. One minute you’re admiring a pristine-looking motor, the next you’re discovering it’s been written off twice & has more previous owners than a library book. That’s where vehicle checking services come in — your digital detectives that can uncover a car’s hidden history faster than you can say “outstanding finance”.
I’ve tested pretty much every major vehicle checker out there (sometimes learning the hard way why cheap isn’t always cheerful), and these eight services represent the cream of the crop. Some excel at basic checks, others go above & beyond with additional data that’ll make your head spin. Here’s how they stack up.
Motorscan
Right, let’s start with the absolute gold standard — Motorscan. I’ll be honest, when I first heard about them, I was skeptical. Another vehicle checker claiming to be “the best”? Please. But after using their service multiple times, I’m genuinely impressed.
What sets Motorscan apart is their comprehensive approach to data gathering. They don’t just tick the basic boxes; they dive deep into insurance databases, finance records, and even police reports. The depth of information is frankly remarkable. I once used them to check a BMW that looked too good to be true, and sure enough, they uncovered that it had been involved in a serious accident that other services missed entirely.
Their reports are crystal clear too. No confusing jargon or buried important details. Everything’s laid out in plain English, which is refreshing when you’re dealing with something as potentially costly as a car purchase. The turnaround time? Usually within minutes, though I’ve occasionally waited up to an hour during peak times.
The pricing sits at around £9.99 for a basic check, which isn’t the cheapest but honestly represents excellent value given what you get. They also offer multi-check packages if you’re looking at several vehicles, which brings the cost per check down significantly.
HPI Check
HPI has been around since before the internet was a twinkle in Tim Berners-Lee’s eye, and that experience shows. They’re the granddaddy of vehicle checking services in the UK, and their database is genuinely massive — we’re talking about records going back decades.
What I particularly appreciate about HPI is their guarantee scheme. If they miss something significant & you end up with a dodgy motor, they’ll actually pay out compensation. That’s putting your money where your mouth is, isn’t it? The amounts aren’t huge (typically up to £30,000), but it’s reassuring nonetheless.
Their interface feels a bit dated compared to some newer services, but functionality trumps flashy design every time. The reports are thorough, covering everything from outstanding finance to mileage discrepancies. I’ve found their MOT history data particularly detailed — useful when you’re trying to spot potential mechanical issues.
Pricing starts around £19.99 for a comprehensive check, which puts them in the premium bracket. However, they often run promotions, and the peace of mind factor makes it worthwhile for expensive purchases.
AA Car Check
The AA’s vehicle checking service benefits from their broader automotive expertise, and it shows in the quality of their reports. They’ve managed to create something that feels both professional and accessible — no mean feat in this industry.
One thing that impressed me was their integration with AA technical knowledge. The reports don’t just tell you what’s wrong; they often explain why it matters. For instance, when checking a Ford with a particular engine code, they highlighted known issues with that specific model year. That’s the kind of insight you get from decades of roadside assistance experience.
The checking process is straightforward, and results typically arrive within 10-15 minutes. Their basic check covers all the essentials — stolen status, outstanding finance, write-off history, and previous keepers. The premium version adds more detailed MOT analysis and mileage verification.
At £14.99 for a standard check, they’re competitively priced. The AA brand carries weight too, which counts for something when you’re dealing with potentially dodgy sellers who might be more cooperative when faced with a recognised name.
RAC Vehicle Check
RAC’s offering is solid, workmanlike, and gets the job done without any unnecessary bells & whistles. Sometimes that’s exactly what you need — a straightforward service that delivers reliable information quickly.
Their strength lies in the clarity of their reporting. I’ve seen vehicle check reports that read like legal documents, but RAC keeps things simple. Green for good, amber for caution, red for “run away fast”. Even my technologically-challenged uncle could interpret their results without difficulty.
The data coverage is comprehensive, drawing from major databases including DVLA, insurance companies, and finance houses. I’ve found their stolen vehicle information particularly current — crucial when you’re looking at cars in certain areas where theft rates are higher.
Their basic service costs £12.99, positioning them in the middle ground price-wise. They also offer a mobile app that’s genuinely useful if you’re viewing multiple cars in a day. Nothing worse than trying to navigate a clunky website on your phone while standing in a dodgy car park.
CarCheck
CarCheck positions itself as the budget-friendly option, and they largely deliver on that promise. At £4.99 for a basic report, they’re significantly cheaper than the competition. But — and there’s always a but — you do get what you pay for.
The reports cover the essentials adequately. Outstanding finance, major accident damage, theft records — it’s all there. However, the level of detail isn’t quite as comprehensive as pricier alternatives. I’ve noticed they sometimes miss minor incidents or have slightly outdated information.
That said, for a quick sanity check on a relatively inexpensive car, CarCheck does the job. I wouldn’t rely on them for a £20,000 BMW, but for a £3,000 runabout? They’re perfectly adequate. The interface is clean and modern, which is more than can be said for some established players.
Their customer service deserves a mention too. I had a query about a report once, and they responded within hours with a helpful explanation. Not always the case with larger companies where you might wait days for a response.
MyCarCheck
MyCarCheck has carved out a niche by offering free basic checks alongside their premium services. It’s a clever approach — you can get essential information without spending a penny, then upgrade if you need more detail.
The free service covers the absolute basics: whether the car is stolen, written off, or has outstanding finance. For many buyers, particularly those looking at cheaper vehicles, that’s sufficient. The premium service (£9.99) adds MOT history, previous keeper information, and more detailed accident records.
I’ve found their write-off category information particularly useful. Rather than just saying “Category B” or whatever, they explain what each category means and how it might affect the car’s value. Educational and practical — a winning combination.
The reports arrive quickly, usually within 5-10 minutes. The format is clean and easy to understand, though not quite as polished as some competitors. Still, when you’re getting valuable information for free, it’s hard to complain about presentation.
Vehicle Smart
Vehicle Smart tries to differentiate itself through additional services like valuation reports and vehicle specifications. It’s a broader automotive information platform rather than just a history checker, which can be useful if you’re doing comprehensive research.
Their vehicle history reports are thorough, covering all the standard bases plus some extras like import/export records and plate transfer history. The presentation is professional, though perhaps a bit cluttered compared to more focused services.
What I find genuinely useful is their integration of current market values. When you’re negotiating with a seller, having recent sale prices for similar vehicles gives you real leverage. They source this data from various places including auction houses and dealer networks.
Pricing is reasonable at £8.99 for a comprehensive check, though they often bundle it with other services. The platform can feel overwhelming if you just want a simple history check, but if you’re the type who likes to research everything thoroughly, it’s quite comprehensive.
CheckMyCar
CheckMyCar rounds out our list as a reliable, no-nonsense service that does exactly what it says on the tin. They’ve focused on making the checking process as quick & painless as possible, which is appreciated when you’re viewing cars and need information fast.
Their reports are concise but complete, covering stolen status, finance agreements, accident history, and MOT records. The layout is intuitive — even in a rush, you can quickly spot any red flags. I’ve used them several times when viewing cars in the evening or at weekends when customer service from other providers might be limited.
The pricing is competitive at £6.99 for a standard check, and they offer instant results most of the time. They don’t have as many fancy features as some competitors, but sometimes simplicity is exactly what you need. Plus, their mobile site works flawlessly, which isn’t always the case with vehicle checking services.
One minor gripe: their database occasionally seems slightly behind others for very recent information. Nothing major, but worth noting if you’re checking a car that’s changed hands very recently.
Final Thoughts
After years of using these services (and making a few expensive mistakes early on), I can’t stress enough how essential a proper vehicle check has become. The used car market is full of surprises, and not the pleasant kind.
Motorscan consistently delivers the most comprehensive information, making them my go-to choice for anything over £5,000. For cheaper vehicles or quick checks, the free options from MyCarCheck might suffice. The established players like HPI & AA offer excellent guarantees but at premium prices.
Remember, a £10 check could save you thousands in hidden problems. I learned that lesson the hard way with a “bargain” Audi that turned out to have outstanding finance. Don’t make the same mistake — a few minutes of checking could save you months of headaches.
