Instant Car History Check – View Free Specs and Get Detailed Reports!
Best Car History Check in the UK
Check if a vehicle has outstanding finance, stolen records, written-off records, and more with a simple car reg check. Get a full check with the best car history check tool today!
- 1 in 3 used cars in the UK have outstanding finance.
- 2,205 cars are written off daily.
- 27.5% of cars have a recorded number plate change.
- Over 200,000 stolen V5C registration documents are in circulation.
- 1.4 million cars are scrapped each year.
- In 2024, 61,343 vehicles were reported stolen
Why Should You Run a Car History Check?
Let’s look at this example – A project manager from Manchester bought a Mini Countryman for £17,500 from a dealership. Eight months later, when trying to trade it in at another dealership, background checks showed the car had previously been previously written off.
Now you know why you should run a car history check! Here are some key implications for both the buyer and seller:
For Buyer
- Financial risk: Buying a car that’s been written off without knowing it can lead to overpaying.
- Safety risks: Hidden damage will make the vehicle unsafe to drive.
- Lower resale value: Discovering the car’s write-off history later can hurt its resale price and trade-in value.
- Potential for costly repairs: Undisclosed damage may lead to unexpected maintenance costs down the line.
For Seller
- Legal risks: Not showing the car’s write-off history could lead to legal action from the buyer.
- Damage to reputation: Selling a car without disclosing its history can harm your reputation, especially for dealerships.
- Refunds: Sellers may be required to provide a full refund if the car’s write-off history is uncovered later, as in the case above.
- Ethical concerns: Selling a written-off car without disclosure raises ethical issues and could hurt your future business.
Getting a Smart Car Check is important due to some of the following reasons:
- Uncovers any hidden vehicle history or associated risks related to the car you are interested in
- Provides details including vehicle registeration, all alerts i.e if the vehicle was imported, exported,scrapped,or had any mileage discrepancy and more
- Saves you from investing in a car that has been to an auction or was badly damaged due to any incident
- Allows you to check if there were previous keepers of the car and the log book counts, if the plate was changed, if color was changed. Not just that, it provides you the MOT and tax dues information aswell
- Give insights into the fuel economy, running costs, CO2 emissions. and vehicle performance features too
What Does the Best Car History Check Report Include?
Our database is massive and ever-growing, as 33 million cars drive on UK roads daily. We are the only vehicle report provider to offer auction history records with exclusive photos with every Smart Car Check.
But that’s not all – Here’s everything you can find with an original number plate check:
Check Outstanding Finance On Car
Quickly check if there is any unpaid finance on the vehicle to avoid the risk of repossession and losing the car.
Insurance Write Off Check
Verify whether the car has been declared a total loss due to damage, and identify the write-off category - Cat A, B, S, N, or F.
Car Mileage Check
Review the vehicle's mileage history to ensure the odometer hasn’t been tampered with (clocked). Avoid falling victim to fraudulent deals.
Stolen Car Check
Check if the vehicle has ever been reported as stolen. Stolen vehicles can be seized, leaving you without your car and money.
High-Risk Records
Find out if there are any third-party interests in the vehicle, potentially indicating a fraudulent background. Don’t buy cars with suspicious histories.
Car Spec Check
Ensure the car’s original specifications match the seller’s description. Check car mpg, design, engine, dimensions, and weight.
Scrapped Vehicle Check
Confirm if the vehicle has been scrapped and issued a Certificate of Destruction. If it has, it’s no longer roadworthy and should be avoided.
DVLA Auction History
Check if the vehicle has been sold at an auction which may point to previous damage, salvage records, or other issues. See up to ten images of the car.
Number Plate History
Look for any changes to the vehicle’s registration plate or color. These changes could indicate past damage or repairs.
Vehicle Owner Check
Discover how many previous owners the car has had. A high number of owners could suggest recurring problems with the vehicle.
Exported & Imported Vehicle Check
Verify whether the car has been imported or exported. Such vehicles may have hidden issues from overseas markets, which can be spotted with a check.
Log Book (V5C) History
Confirm the car’s legal ownership by checking its registration details, ensuring they are legitimate and up to date. Check recent logbook updates.
MOT and Road Tax Check
Review the vehicle’s MOT results for any failures or advisories and ensure it has valid road tax to avoid fines and ensure roadworthiness.
Vehicle Colour Change
Verify if the car’s colour has been changed from its original registration. Colour changes may indicate past repairs or accident damage.
Service History Check
Verify the car’s service history to make sure that it has a clean track record and in good condition.
Basic Car Check Vs Premium Car Check
Eye-Opening Key Statistics for UK Vehicles You Need to Know
52% of vehicles sold in the UK used car market has a hidden history-something the seller does not want you to know. UK used car markets are full of bargains and hidden gems but there are also a lot of scams and dodgy vehicles. Get vehicle details from our report to make sure that you buy a trustworthy vehicle.
There are over 12,000 vehicles sold at motor auctions each week. Car auctions are booming in the UK due to the return of physical sales. We are the only provider in the UK for complete auction records and spectacular photos of the vehicle at the auction.
There are 2.3-2.5 million clocked vehicles on the UK roads today with the Citroen Dispatch, Renault Scenic, and Peugeot Expert models most likely to be clocked. Car clocking can increase used car prices by thousands of pounds. Be aware if someone fiddled with the odometer. And our car reg check UK is here to help.
Benefits of Checking Every Used Car with Smart Car Check
A Smart Car Check Is a Key to the Car’s Past and Present Unlock the Data and Be Smart
Learn the shocking truth about that auctioned vehicle
Reckon that the car went to auction? Auctions cause vehicles to lose significant value because cars get rebuilt and refurbished. We are the only UK vehicle history provider to offer auction records and 10 exclusive photos of the vehicle per auction listing. The data includes seller name, seller type, auction date, location and sale status plus selling price. The images provide visual and detailed explanations of the condition of the car at the time of auction. Get to know the truth about any vehicle.
Avoid getting trapped in the increasing odometer fraud.
Has the car been clocked? Over 2.5 million vehicles have been clocked in the UK. Check the mileage history odometer data to make sure that you don’t overpay thousands of quid for a used vehicle. Our UK car details report will have the complete mileage history documented accurately on a table and graph. The data will also provide a mileage issues check. It is critical to make thorough checks to make sure that the vehicle is displaying its true mileage and you don’t overpay for your next used vehicle purchase.
Save yourself from buying an exported car.
Has the car been clocked? Over 2.5 million vehicles have been clocked in the UK. Check the mileage history odometer data to make sure that you don’t overpay thousands of quid for a used vehicle. Our UK car details report will have the complete mileage history documented accurately on a table and graph. The data will also provide a mileage issues check. It is critical to make thorough checks to make sure that the vehicle is displaying its true mileage and you don’t overpay for your next used vehicle purchase.
Know if there are colour changes to the vehicle.
Any mysterious colour changes to the vehicle? A vehicle's colour has a surprisingly large difference in its resale value. Certain colour changes including gold, brown, and purple cause used vehicles to depreciate dramatically at a 41-46% rate in just three years. Steer away from any surprising colour changes to the vehicle. Be sure to run the check to discover if the car still has the original colour and the reported current colour of the vehicle.
We Have the History Records of Over 40 Million Vehicles!
Find out everything you need to know before making your next vehicle purchase with the best car history check tool.
- All History Records Available
- Trusted by Millions
- Instant Data
- All History Records Available
- Trusted by Millions
- Instant Data
How to Get a Car History Check?
Ready to check a vehicle’s history records? All you need to do is follow the steps below:
Step 1: Enter the Reg Number or VIN
Enter the vehicle’s registration number into the form on this page. If the reg number is unavailable, you can also use the VIN.
Step 2: Start Search
Click on the “Search” button to initiate the search.
Step 3: Review Free Specs
Review your vehicle’s details on our free car check page and proceed with the payment.
Step 4: Get Detailed Report
Once complete, you can download or print the vehicle history report.
Our tool covers all vehicles, including cars, trucks, trailers, and motorcycles. Easily run a vehicle check today!
Don’t Buy Blind, Check If a Vehicle Has Hidden Records
Here’s why all buyers interested in used vehicles need to get car reg checks before finalizing a car purchase:
Avoid Buying a Stolen Vehicle
Ensure the vehicle isn't stolen, saving you from legal trouble and losing your money.
Prevent Hidden Costs
Check for outstanding finance or scrapped records, avoiding unexpected financial headaches down the road.
Spot Mileage Fraud
Easily spot any mileage discrepancies so you don't overpay for a car that's been tampered with.
Confirm Clean History
Get details on previous owners, check the MOT history of a car, and tax info, ensuring you're buying a roadworthy vehicle with no red flags.
Why Choose Smart Car Check?
A Smart Vehicle Check Is the key to the car’s past and present. Access the data you need and be smart!
- Trusted and Accurate Data
- Comprehensive Database
- Free Vehicle Specifications
- All Reports Downloadable Instantly
- Free MOT and Tax Status Checks
- Live Chat Support 24/7
Join Our Many Satisfied Buyers
Anshid Valliayakkattil
Yesterday, I went to their website and downloaded the app to confirm my REG. After that, Ben called me. He provided outstanding customer service! Prompt reply along with an extensive report. In terms of reporting, he is undoubtedly a pro. He carefully addressed inquiries and provided clarifications regarding the report. 'THE VERY BEST' encounter to be had thus far! Look no farther if you're searching for excellent service!
Mark
Great service, I got exactly what I needed the motorcycle reg plate and more useful information buy the premium report it is worth it, this was the first time I used the motorcycle vin check service and went through on the online chat which was very useful and reassured me I would get the information I needed to a bit of time but worth it. Richard on the line chat guy was very professional and helpful a big thanks to you & your company. Happy customer, Regards Mark
Aaron Slack
When I was selling a vehicle I had multiple people ask for documentation to show we had a clean title and for the window sticker, which unfortunately we no longer had. Smart Car Check helped us get both so we can show potential buyers. Recommended.
Joekwak Kwakwa
Wow! I just had the most impressive customer service experience. From the moment I reached out, the team was responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful. They went above and beyond to resolve my issue, keeping me informed every step of the way. The rep I worked with was amazing.
Get our Smart Car Check Mobile App
Are you looking for the best car history check UK? Make a smart decision with Smart Car Check App. Perform a Reg. number check in the UK to uncover any past problems and hidden history that the seller will not tell you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check the details of a car?
To check the details of a car in the UK, you can use SmartCarCheck’s reg check service. This service allows you to check a vehicle’s details, including the make, model, color, body type, and engine size, and you can even check car MOT history. You will need the car’s V5C number or VIN number to use the service.
Can you find out who previously owned a car?
In order to check the number plate owner of a car in the UK, you will first need the registration number of the car. If the car is registered in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you can contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to request the owner’s details.
If the car is registered in Scotland, you will need to contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). You will need to provide proof of your identity as well as a valid reason for requesting the information.
What is the best car history check website in the UK?
The UK has several great car check websites, including SmartCarCheck, HPI Check, MyCarCheck, and Autotrader Vehicle Check. SmartCarCheck is a comprehensive car check service that provides all the information you need to make an informed decision when buying a used car.
Can I get a free VIN Check UK?
Yes, with our tool, you can view vehicle specifications, check car tax and MOT status, and more for free. However, to get a full history check, you would need to pay a fee.
How to check car ownership history?
You can check car owner’s history with our car owner history check tool. All you need to do is enter the licence plate number or VIN into the form on this page and submit it. You will immediately receive the following information:
- The total number of keepers the vehicle has had
- Number of previous keepers
- Latest keeper change date
- Last ownership transferred date
- Date of last keeper change
- Date of each transfer
Get a number plate owner check today.
