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HPI check: what it costs, what it covers and when it's worth it

Updated 1 Nov 2026

An HPI check is a paid vehicle history report sold under HPI’s registered trademark. HPI lists its full check at £19.99 (checked 1 Nov 2026). Its Basic Check costs £9.99 (checked 1 Nov 2026), but leaves out mileage discrepancies, write-off details and the guarantee. A full check lists records the free MOT history doesn’t, such as outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes. It is worth considering once the free checks look right and you are close to paying.

What does ‘HPI check’ mean?

HPI says the genuine hpi check® is a registered trademark of Solera hpi Ltd, established in 1938. It describes the check as a comprehensive vehicle history report for motorised vehicles registered in the UK, including cars, vans and motorbikes.

Many people use “HPI check” as a general name for any car history check. HPI is one of several providers. Experian sells AutoCheck under its own name. The AA and RAC say their checks use HPI data.

HPI says its information comes from sources including:

What does an HPI check cost, and is there a free one?

HPI lists these prices:

HPI says there is no free hpi check®. However, you can use free official services to check some vehicle details.

The free GOV.UK MOT history service shows whether each test was passed or failed, the mileage recorded at each test and when the next MOT is due. For tests in England, Scotland and Wales, it also lists failed items and minor problems. Results for cars go back to 2005. Its list does not include outstanding finance, write-offs, theft or plate changes.

The free DVLA vehicle enquiry service shows details including tax or SORN status, MOT expiry, first registration date, the last V5C issue date, year of manufacture, engine size, fuel, emissions and export status. Its list does not include finance, write-offs or theft. Keeper information requires a written request to the DVLA.

Citizens Advice says it is a good idea to get a private history check, sometimes called a data check. It says this will cost up to £20 (checked 1 Nov 2026).

What does a full HPI check list?

HPI’s page lists the following in its full check:

For a written-off car, HPI’s sample report shows the insurer’s damage category and the date. See our guide to Cat S and Cat N cars for more about these categories.

The £9.99 Basic Check (checked 1 Nov 2026) leaves out mileage discrepancies and write-off details, so it won’t tell you whether a car is recorded as Cat S or Cat N. It also comes without HPI’s guarantee.

What an HPI check does not do

A history check reads records. It does not inspect or assess the car’s condition.

HPI’s guarantee page says “no data source is perfect”, and that this is why its check includes a guarantee (see below).

For the car itself, consider an independent report from a motoring organisation or specialist company. Citizens Advice says one costs around £120 to £250 (checked 1 Nov 2026). HPI’s sample report also suggests considering a mechanical inspection.

For more detail, read what MOT history does not show.

The HPI guarantee conditions that matter

Subject to its terms, HPI says its guarantee provides up to £30,000 (£15,000 for written off vehicles) in reimbursement for financial loss arising from inaccurate or incomplete information supplied in the check (checked 1 Nov 2026).

HPI’s guarantee overview says:

So a report bought by the seller, or anyone else, does not give you HPI’s guarantee.

HPI warns that its overview might not reflect its current terms. Read the HPI guarantee conditions before relying on them. Each provider’s data guarantee has its own terms.

How to use a history check when buying a car

  1. Start with our free check. It uses official DVSA records and shows the MOT history newest first. It flags a mileage reading lower than an earlier one, a dangerous defect in the last 3 years and a last MOT that was a fail. It lists outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes as “Not checked”: those are what a paid check is for.

  2. Check the vehicle and paperwork. Compare the seller’s details with the DVLA record. See the V5C log book. It should have a “DVL” watermark. Check that the VIN and engine number match the log book, and that the VIN markings on the car match each other. Follow the GOV.UK used vehicle checks.

  3. Stop if the free checks rule the car out. You do not need to pay for a report on a vehicle you no longer plan to buy.

  4. Consider a paid check when you are close to paying. If you want HPI’s guarantee, carry out the check yourself before you buy, and provide the registration number and VIN. Keep the required signed receipt.

  5. Compare report contents and prices. Our vehicle history check comparison shows the prices and listed contents of HPI, Experian AutoCheck, RAC and AA checks side by side. If you need mileage or write-off information, remember that HPI’s Basic Check leaves both out.

  6. Consider the car’s condition separately. A clear history check does not assess the car’s condition. Consider an independent inspection before paying.

Sources

See a car's MOT history

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