When it comes to purchasing a car, you want to make sure that what you see is what you get. A fine-looking exterior can hide the internal damages that may have occurred over time. Luckily, there is an easy way to check the history of the vehicle, and all you need is the registration number. Simply go to our home page and enter the vehicle registration number. You will then be taken to a page that will include the vehicle’s current MOT, Tax status and how much it will cost for future reference, as well as the mileage information. You can get a vehicle history check by purchasing the ‘Gold Check’. This sample report will give you an idea of what to expect.
If the vehicle in question has sustained damage over time, the information we provide comes from the DVLA, with the information having been recorded by the insurer. This unfortunately means that the amount of intel we can access on the extent of the damage, how it occurred, and how severe it was, can be limited. We also have trusted third-party connections that we can tap into if we feel like we need more information or some confirmation.
We will be able to tell you the category of the car that you are looking at, which can be a major factor in your decision-making when it comes to purchasing a new vehicle. Vehicles that have been in an accident that has sustained any kind of damage, are allocated into categories. These categories will vary from being a complete write-off to having sustained minimal damage and are repairable. We will be able to tell you what category the vehicle falls in, which can be an instant red flag, or green light to go ahead with the purchase.
There are six different categories that cars can fall under. Below is a description of each category, but keep in mind that there is a high chance that the car you are looking to purchase has already been repaired, but it is good to know the previous condition.
A car is a massive investment and is usually your lifeline. Therefore, if you are going to invest your hard-earned cash into a vehicle, it’s in your best interest to have an understanding of the vehicle’s history, so you can be aware of potential future issues. If the car has been professionally repaired, it should be safe to purchase from categories S, N, D and C. The price should be significantly less as compared to other cars of the same brand that have not sustained any damage, so make sure you do some research here, if the prices are similar, you’d be better off spending the money on the car that hasn’t had the repairs.
Under UK law, if you are purchasing your car from a dealership or trader, they must provide you with a Hire Purchase Investigation (HPI) check, that will have the vehicle’s history clearly explained. If you are purchasing from a private owner, however, they have no legal obligation to provide this information to you. Although it is always recommended to have a professional assess the car before purchasing, it should be an essential part of the process if you are buying privately, as there is no law protecting you from any secrets.
These related Car Check Experts pages help you turn the guide into a safer buying decision.
Original guide plus damage checks
The original write-off guide explains the categories. Before buying a real car, use the marker to decide what repair proof, inspection and discount you need.
Ask for repair invoices, photos, inspection notes and a clear explanation of the damage. A seller should not treat a write-off marker as a minor admin detail.
A repaired write-off can be acceptable for some buyers, but only when the repair evidence is strong and the price reflects future resale concerns.
Use Car Check Experts for buyer-focused history checks, then compare key legal and road-use details with official services where they apply.
Some categories can return to the road after repair, but the evidence and inspection matter.
Yes. It usually reduces value and affects resale confidence.