A Vehicle History Report does exactly what it says on the tin. It’s a report you get which gives you information about a car’s background and history. They can be especially beneficial when buying a used car, as you won’t be the first owner of the vehicle. A vehicle history report can give you an insight into things like MOT history, outstanding finance, mileage readings, stolen vehicles and more.
What is a Vehicle History Report?
A Vehicle History Report is a helpful tool to find out more about a car’s past. Using a reputable vehicle report, you can get access to a whole load of information about a car you’re interested in buying. You can get a basic vehicle history report for free, or for a small fee, you can get a more in-depth report. They can be especially helpful to protect you during the car-buying process. A vehicle history report can provide access to information such as:
- Ownership information (number of previous owners & dates of ownership).
- Accident and damage history.
- Outstanding finance checks.
- Record of past MOTs, including advisories and failures.
- Vehicle information like make, model, mileage, engine size etc.
- Stolen or recovery information.
- Servicing and maintenance records.
Benefits of vehicle history reports.
The most common reason for having a vehicle history report conducted is when you’re buying a used vehicle and want to find out more about its past. Performing a vehicle history check before you buy the car can help to avoid scams, reveal any safety issues and help you make an informed decision about the car you wish to buy.
How much is a vehicle history report?
You can get a free vehicle history report from many reputable online providers. A free vehicle history report can give you access to a limited amount of information about a vehicle but can still be very insightful. A free vehicle check can give you info like MOT & tax status, current mileage, vehicle specifications, Euro status, registration details and engine size. A more comprehensive vehicle will cost you, but only for a small fee. You can get single checks on one vehicle for as little as £1.99! Or, if you’re right in the middle of the car buying journey and want to compare numerous vehicles, you can get bundle history checks of 3 or 5 for about £15-£20.
How can I get a vehicle history report?
There are many websites which offer vehicles checks but make sure you’re using a reputable and trusted one, especially if they are asking for payment. Below are some examples of trusted providers.
- HPI Check.com – Pricing from £1.99 for a basic check and £19.99 for comprehensive check on one vehicle.
- RAC – Offers one basic check for £9.98 or £14.99 for 1 full check.
- AutoTrader – A FREE vehicle history can be obtained with a small amount of info or pay £4.95 for a more comprehensive check.
- WeBuyAnyCar – Free car check with limited info.
- GreenFlag – Buy a single check from £9.99 per report or a 3-check bundle for £19.99 (currently on sale!) *
*All prices accurate as of July 2025.
What to look out for:
If you’re new to car history checks, there are a few key things you should look out for. To help avoid being scammed or buying a car which has a hidden history, you can consider the following points.
- Check the car’s make and model matches it’s V5C or a history check report.
- Ensure the mileage is also accurate. This can help to avoid car’s which have had their mileage altered.
- Ensure the car has no outstanding finance as you could be liable for the payments once bought.
- Check the car has not been stolen or previously scrapped.
- A high number of previous owners in a short space of time can indicate problems with the vehicle.
- If you’ve obtained the logbook for the car you’re interested in buying, ensure it belongs to the car in question.
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