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What a free MOT history check doesn't show, and where to find it

Updated 29 Oct 2026

A free MOT history check shows the car’s test results and recorded mileage. For tests in Great Britain, it also shows failed parts and minor problems. It is useful, but the MOT history service does not list outstanding finance, theft, insurance write-off status, keeper count or number plate changes. It does not list import status either.

What the free MOT record covers

Use the official GOV.UK MOT history service to see:

For cars, the history goes back to 2005. The MOT test checks that a vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.

If the recorded mileage does not make sense, see our guide to what to do when the mileage does not add up.

What the MOT history does not list

The MOT history does not list:

A paid history check from a private company covers most of these. Citizens Advice says one can tell you whether the car has been reported stolen, whether the seller still owes money on it, and whether it has been in a serious accident, has mileage problems or has been written off.

Write-off history needs care

Categories A and B cannot be repaired. Category A means the whole vehicle is crushed. With category B, the body shell is crushed, although other parts can be salvaged.

Category S means the vehicle had structural damage. Category N means it had non-structural damage. For categories S and N, you can use the vehicle again if it is repaired to a roadworthy condition. The write-off category is recorded in the vehicle’s log book. See the GOV.UK guidance on insurance write-offs.

An MOT is a roadworthiness check. The MOT record alone will not tell you that a car was previously written off.

Not all insurers automatically cover vehicles that have previously been written off. If you are considering one, get an insurance quote before buying and tell your insurer about the vehicle’s history. GOV.UK says an insurer could reject a claim for non-disclosure.

Finance can also need more than a quick answer. If you buy a car that is still on hire purchase or conditional sale, Citizens Advice explains that you may still be able to keep it (known as having good title) if:

If those conditions do not apply, you could try to get your money back from the seller. The rules are not simple, so read the Citizens Advice guidance on a car still under hire purchase.

Free checks to do first

Start with the free checks before considering a paid report.

  1. Run the MOT history. Check the recorded mileage, test results, failures and minor problems.
  2. Check the vehicle with DVLA. The free DVLA vehicle enquiry service shows tax, SORN, MOT expiry, the date first registered, the last V5C issue date, year of manufacture, fuel, emissions and export status. It does not show current or previous keepers.
  3. Match the seller’s details. GOV.UK says to check that the registration, make, model and MOT test number supplied by the seller match the information held by DVLA. Check the MOT status and history, and check for recalls.
  4. Inspect the V5C log book. It should have a “DVL” watermark. The VIN and engine number should match the log book. DVLA advises that you should not buy a vehicle without a V5C.
  5. Check the V5C serial number, if it is available. If it falls within BG8229501 to BG9999030, or BI2305501 to BI2800000, the V5C might be stolen. GOV.UK says to call the police as soon as it is safe to do so.

When to consider a paid history check

Consider a paid check for:

Providers such as HPI and Experian AutoCheck list these checks on their own pages. Coverage and wording differ between providers, so read what the report you buy lists.

HPI lists checks for stolen vehicles, using the Police National Computer, insurance write-offs, outstanding finance, previous owners, scrapped vehicles, log book information, mileage discrepancies, number plate changes, valuation, MOT history and VIN confirmation. On 29 Oct 2026, its page listed a full check at £19.99 and a basic check at £9.99, without the guarantee and without mileage and write-off details.

Experian AutoCheck lists previous keepers, outstanding finance, registration plate changes, import or export status, insurance write-off history, stolen status and mileage information. It also lists MOT history, colour changes, scrapped and salvage status, and VIN confirmation. Its guide did not list a price.

Citizens Advice says a private history check costs up to £20, checked on 29 Oct 2026. Prices and report contents can change, so check the provider’s current details.

Do the free checks either way. If you buy a report, read which checks it actually includes.

Where to go next

To see how models compare, browse our car model pages, which use DVSA MOT data (see the methodology). The private sale checks guide covers the documents and checks for a private purchase.

Sources

See a car's MOT history

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