1.

What is a HPi check?

This is a report which gives prospective buyers vital information about a vehicle’s past history.

It covers things like

• past mileage
• accidents
• ownership
• outstanding finance 
• many other things which you normally can’t get full access to from the seller.

This information about vehicles is gathered from sources including

• Police Register and Database
• DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency)
• ABI (Association of British Insurers)
• Finance Companies

2.

Why do I need a HPI check?

It is your best protection against buying a used vehicle with a potentially dangerous history which you could pay for.

Remember : Your used vehicle may look outstanding but may have a very poor hidden history.

Example: If you buy a vehicle with outstanding finance on it or that’s been stolen , you will loose your vehicle and your money.

Statistics

• 8% to 10% of vehicles show mileage discrepancies
• 500,000 vehicles are written off per year
• 400,000 vehicles are stolen each year and are never recovered
• 1 in 4 vehicles are not owned by its seller

3.

How does a HPI check work?

To get this information, you will need to provide the company with either

1. Vehicle Registration Number
2. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

From these, your company will give you an instant decision and tell you either

• Clear - yes this vehicle is safe to buy
• Not Clear - this vehicle is not safe to buy (giving their reasons)

You can do this directly over the telephone or go online. You should also receive confirmation in writing by post.

Most buyers will do this by telephone when they are viewing a vehicle and are interested in buying it. They are basically looking for a YES or NO answer to proceed.

4.

What information will a HPI check give me?

Here is a list of information that’s on a good report, some can be optional extras:

• VIN Match?
• Vehicle Description (make, model, etc)?
• First Registration Date?
• Valid Plate? Plate change/history?
• Colour change?
• Number of Previous Owners?
• Outstanding Finance?
• Mileage Check?
• Written Off?
• Stolen/Recovered?
• Imported or Exported?
• Scrapped?
• Major Accident?
• Police Interest?
• Taxi? Leased?
• Fleet?
• Current Valuation

5.

Is the HPI information I get guaranteed?

You MUST check with your company what their policy is if the information they supply you with is inaccurate. Some companies offer a full money back service and others offer compensation from incomplete information leading to a loss.

ALWAYS ASK. All will have a disclaimer so beware.

6.

How much does a HPI check cost?

Prices vary in the UK from £10 up to £40 from a variety of places. There is commonly a range of reports available, varying from basic (little information) to premium (full information). The report you choose depends on you and your vehicle.

7.

Which HPI company should I use?

There are a number of companies listed in our Extras area.