If you've ever looked at buying a used car, you've probably heard of an HPI check. But what exactly is it, and do you really need one before buying?
What is an HPI Check?
HPI stands for "Hire Purchase Investigation" and dates back to 1938. Today, HPI is a brand name owned by Cap HPI, but the term "HPI check" is often used generically to mean any vehicle history check.
An HPI check (or vehicle history check) searches multiple databases to reveal important information about a car's past, including:
- Outstanding finance
- Whether it's been reported stolen
- Insurance write-off history
- Mileage discrepancies
- Previous plate changes
- Import/export status
What Does an HPI Check Include?
A comprehensive vehicle history check typically searches:
Finance Check
This searches finance house records to see if money is still owed on the vehicle. If there's outstanding finance, the finance company could legally repossess the car – even from you, the innocent buyer.
Stolen Vehicle Check
The check searches the Police National Computer (PNC) to see if the car has been reported stolen. If you buy a stolen car, you'll lose both the car and your money.
Insurance Write-Off Check
This reveals if the car has ever been written off by an insurance company. Write-offs are categorised as Cat A, B, S, or N depending on the severity of damage.
Mileage Check
The check compares the current mileage against historical records from MOTs, services, and previous checks to flag potential "clocking" (mileage fraud).
Do You Really Need a Vehicle History Check?
In short: yes. Here's why:
- 1 in 3 cars has outstanding finance
- 1 in 16 cars has had its mileage altered
- Thousands of cars on UK roads are stolen or written off
A vehicle check costs around £10. Buying a car with hidden problems can cost you thousands – or everything.
HPI Check Alternatives: Are They the Same?
Several companies offer vehicle history checks, including:
- HPI Check (£19.99+)
- AA Car Check (£14.99)
- RAC Vehicle Check (£14.99)
- Green Flag Vehicle Check (£9.99)
All access similar databases, so the core information is comparable. The main differences are price and additional features. Green Flag includes salvage auction checks that many competitors don't offer, potentially revealing damage history that wouldn't appear elsewhere.
When Should You Run a Check?
Run a vehicle history check:
- Before viewing – Save time by checking the car isn't a write-off or has finance before you travel
- Before paying a deposit – Never commit money without checking first
- Before completing the purchase – A final check ensures nothing has changed
Get Your Vehicle Check Today
Don't risk buying a car with hidden history. Run a Green Flag vehicle check for just £9.99 and buy with confidence.
