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How To Check a Car’s History In The UK? Easiest Ways To Do So

how to check car history in uk

Nowadays, buying a used car is preferred over buying a new one because expenses can be cut in this way. According to Lumio-app, you can save up to 20-30 % on by purchasing a year old vehicle, and up to 50 % on purchases of 3-year old cars. However, buying a car at a used car dealership comes with the risk of purchasing a damaged vehicle. This is why it is recommended to have an idea of a vehicle’s history before purchase. This way, you will get to make informed decisions and purchase reliable vehicles. In this article, we will discuss how to check a car’s history in the UK.

What is a vehicle history check?

A car history check is a service rendered by car history report companies. With a car history check, car buyers, keepers, and sellers are provided access to their car’s history, specifications, and records. After a vehicle history check, a comprehensive report containing the history of a vehicle acts as a guide for buyers during the car-buying process. It provides information on the car’s previous owners, MOT history, vehicle description, and others.
With a vehicle history check, car buyers can determine a vehicle’s reliability with one glance.

What is included in a car history check?

A car history check with the right enquiry service provides access to accurate information and specifications presented in a vehicle history report. Some of the details found in a car history report generated with the SmartCarCheck vehicle enquiry service include:

    • Auction records with more than 10 photos
    • MOT and tax dues
    • Previous keepers, plate & color
    • Vehicle description
    • Vehicle weight
    • Alerts
    • Vehicle performance
    • MOT history
    • Mileage history, and more.

These are some of the details car buyers, keepers, and sellers can easily gain access to with a car history report from SmartCarCheck. To check a car’s history in the UK with the SmartCarCheck tool, simply enter your vehicle registration number in the form provided and get the vehicle history report for your vehicle.
ALSO READ: How To Check Vehicle Weight By Registration | Simple Ways

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Why should you do a vehicle history check?

Do I actually need a car history check? If you don’t want to end up with a damaged or defective vehicle, then you must understand the importance of having an online vehicle history check. A vehicle history check comes with the following benefits:

  • Uncovering the hidden vehicle histories of the vehicles These histories are most often hidden from customers, but with a car history report, these histories can be easily identified and defects spotted.
  • Identification of vehicles alerts and registration information of vehicles
  • Easily spot mileage discrepancies on your vehicle. With a car history report, you can easily identify vehicles in the UK with mileage discrepancies and expose fraudulent activities.
  • It saves car buyers money on defective and damaged vehicles.
  • Give insights into the fuel economy, running costs, CO2 emissions, vehicle performance features, and so on.

An online car history check with the SmartCarCheck tool has over time prevented car buyers from falling into scams with fraudsters. They can easily differentiate defective vehicles because they are provided with complete information about the vehicles they are interested in and can easily make the best choice. With a vehicle history report, you can easily and definitely make better negotiations with a dealer or car seller and get more value for your money.
The importance of a vehicle history check cannot be overemphasized and must be carried out before a deal is sealed.

Should I risk buying a car without a history check?

No one should risk buying a car without a proper motor vehicle history check. When you check a car’s details online,
  • You essentially reduce the risk of purchasing a defective vehicle.
  • You get more value for your money.
  • You have peace of mind knowing you’re getting a good deal.
  • You are less likely to fall victim to a car scam, and more.
  • You will be aware of how many keepers the vehicle has had.
  • You can check if the vehicle’s color changed.
  • The cost of a car history report is nothing compared to the cost of repairs. To avoid future repair costs, get a car history check before that purchase.
    how to check car history in uk

    Can I get full vehicle history information for free?

    Full vehicle history information in the UK is only accessible via paid services. If you are interested in basic vehicle information such as MOT information, vehicle registration, and others, you can access the government’s car history check tool. ALSO READ: How To Check Vehicle Engine Size By Registration Plate In the UK

    How to check a car’s history in the UK with the SmartCarCheck VIN check tool

    SmartCarCheck is one of the leading providers of vehicle history information in the UK. With SmartCarCheck, you can easily identify a car’s full history and make the best decisions at dealerships and private sales. To check a car’s history in the UK with the SmartCarCheck VIN check tool, you would need to follow these steps:
    • Locate your vehicle registration number or plate number.
    • Visit the SmartCarCheck website.
    • You will find a form requesting your registration number and contact information. Fill out this form.
    • Select “Check Vehicle.”
    As soon as this process is complete, you will receive your car history report in seconds. After a report has been generated, you should be able to access your vehicle’s full information and records, such as the vehicle’s auction history with photos, MOT and tax dues, previous keepers, plate and color information, an accurate vehicle description, alerts, vehicle performance, MOT history, mileage history, and more. If you are interested in a vehicle’s MOT history, then it is recommended that you know how to check a car’s history with SmartCarCheck’s vehicle enquiry service. After a successful car history check with SmartCarCheck, car buyers, keepers, or sellers are provided with the following MOT information:
  • All failed MOT tests.
  • All passed MOT tests.
  • Test dates.
  • Test IDs.
  • Mileage records.
  • Advisory details.
  • Annotation details, etc.
  • How much do car history checks cost?

    A car history check with SmartCarCheck costs as little as £4.99 per report, £7.99 for two reports, and £8.99 for three reports.

    How to check a vehicle's history for free

    To check a vehicle’s history for free, you could make use of the DVLA’s vehicle enquiry service. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) provides a vehicle enquiry service where car buyers, keepers, or sellers may discover accurate vehicle information about their vehicles. To use the DVLA vehicle enquiry service, you will need to have the following:

    • The vehicle’s registration number
    • The year, make, and model of the vehicle.

    Be aware that a free car history check may provide only a few details about the vehicle you are interested in. This is why a paid car history check with SmartCarCheck is recommended to get full access to your car’s history and information.

    A car history check continues to grow in importance with the growth of the automotive industry. The easiest way to get the best vehicles from any car sale is with the right information. With the information gotten from SmartCarCheck through their website and applications, you may be able to purchase a reliable vehicle and gain more value for your money.


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