If you’re buying a used car, chances are that you’ve already physically checked over and test drove the vehicle, and if you haven’t, our handy guides on how to buy a used car safely and how to test drive a used car will certainly help you out. 

But what about those all-important checks that aren’t cosmetic? This is where an HPI check comes in.

What is an HPI check?  

An HPI check is a service provided by the company, HPI Check, but what does HPI stand for? It’s actually an abbreviation of ‘Hire Purchase Investigation’ and is a service which uses information gathered from the police, leading industry figures and a DVLA vehicle check to reveal details that a seller might not be aware of – or might be trying to hide. 

Of course, there are many companies which offer the same car check service as HPI, including our very own Green Flag car history check, the most comprehensive and competitive vehicle history check on the market.

What does an HPI check show?

So, how does our car history check work, and what does an HPI check tell you? 

In the early years of HPI checks, a service would merely disclose whether the vehicle in question had outstanding finance, fast-forward to 1947 and you could also find out whether the vehicle had been stolen, while as recently as the ‘80s the only other additional details available in a vehicle check were whether the car had been in a crash. 

These days, there’s a whole wealth of information to be found following a Green Flag vehicle history check, we can help build a picture of a car’s past by compiling a comprehensive report which includes: 

Stolen vehicle check

Many vehicles are registered as stolen on the Police National Computer each day, and if your car is identified as stolen, the police could seize it regardless of you being unawares. A stolen vehicle report will flag this.

Outstanding finance check 

Almost a quarter of vehicles checked show outstanding finance. This means that the car is not yet fully paid for, and is still owned by whoever has lent the money towards the purchase. 

You don’t want to purchase a car that has not yet been paid for in full, so an outstanding finance check is an important part of a car check service. 

Written off

A vehicle may have been written off as a result of theft or damage, in which case it will have been logged. Some vehicles may have been repaired, but a car history check will ensure that any repairs were carried out safely and that the vehicle is roadworthy. 

Scrapped car

A vehicle history check will highlight whether a car is recorded as having been scrapped on the DVLA’s database. 

Vehicle identity-check

By cross-referencing with a DVLA check, you’re able to identify the car’s Vehicle Identity Number (or VIN for short), engine number, door plan, current colour, former colour, transmission, make and model, as well as the number of previous owners. 

Registration changes

Though a registration plate change is generally nothing to worry about, there is the possibility that a plate change has been used as an attempt to hide the vehicle’s past. DVLA registration changes are recorded, allowing you to check that all is well with the vehicle’s history. 

Imported car check

If a car is imported, it could fall short of regulations that deem it safe for UK use or cost more to insure and repair. An imported car check is a simple way to prevent any potentially expensive mistakes. 

Exported car check

If a DVLA check indicates that a car has been exported, it can’t be sold for use in the UK unless its status is changed. 

Mileage check

A vehicle’s mileage is recorded from the odometer and inputted onto the National Mileage Register. By accessing this database, a vehicle history check can alert you to whether the car has been clocked. 

MOT status check

A vehicle history check will also reveal a car’s MOT status. Although a vehicle doesn’t have to have completed a recent MOT to be sold, the lack of an up-to-date MOT does have to be disclosed in any sale. This helps protect the buyer against any potentially dodgy motors that may need to be looked into further. 

You’ll also receive a list of common MOT faults and breakdown reasons, as well as a breakdown of market value, fuel efficiency, performance, engine size and gearbox type. 

Remember, all of the above information is included in Green Flag’s vehicle history check, so don’t overlook running a check whether you’re planning on buying a used car or reviewing the history of a vehicle you already own. 

Be safe – not sorry!