Free Car History Check
Get instant reports on finance theft, write-offs, mileage rollbacks, MOT records, keeper changes and more from official UK data.
What is a Car History Check?
A car history check is a detailed UK vehicle background report. It brings together records from the DVLA, the Police National Computer, finance lenders and insurers. The aim is simple. Help you avoid hidden risk such as unpaid finance, stolen status, past write offs or altered mileage. If you plan to buy a used car in the UK this is the most important step to protect your money and safety.
What's included in our car history check?
Outstanding finance check
See if the vehicle has outstanding finance so you do not risk repossession.
Insurance Write-Offs
See if the vehicle has been declared as a total loss by an insurance company.
Stolen vehicle status
Verify the vehicle is not marked as stolen on the Police National Computer.
Clocked mileage check
Detect odometer rollback (clocking) and unusual reading changes across records.
MOT history and advisories
View full DVSA MOT history with advisories, failures and expiry dates.
Keeper changes and dates
See DVLA recorded keeper changes with dates for clear ownership history.
Plate changes
View number plate changes and dates to confirm clear provenance.
Spec and registration details
Confirm engine size, fuel type, emissions, colour and first registration date.
Import and export checks
Know if the vehicle was imported or exported which can affect value and cover.
Scrapped and category status
Find out if the vehicle is recorded as scrapped or unfit for the road.
Interactive test drive checklist
Follow a guided list during your viewing to spot common red flags.
Cost of ownership calculator
We estimate total cost for your chosen ownership period based on yearly mileage.
Fuel cost calculator
Estimate monthly / yearly fuel spend based on postcode, mileage and model.
Known issues finder
Find common faults for your make and model and see typical repair costs.
Depreciation forecast
See expected value drop over time using live market data.
How To Get Your Car History Check
Step 1: Enter your registration or VIN
Type your number plate or 17 digit VIN to identify the exact vehicle.
Step 2: Run the car history check
We scan DVLA, police records, finance databases and insurance write off data in seconds.
Step 3. Review your full report
Your full report appears on screen and is sent by email. It is easy to read on mobile during a viewing.
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Free vs Basic vs Full Check Comparison
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| Technical | Free | Basic | Full |
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Why You Should Always Run a Car History Check
Skipping a car history check before buying a used car can lead to serious problems. From legal disputes to losing the vehicle entirely, these are the risks every buyer should know.
Avoid stolen cars
A stolen vehicle can be seized by the police at any time, leaving you without the car and out of pocket. A car history check instantly flags stolen status using the Police National Computer.
Protect against unpaid finance
If a car still has outstanding finance, the finance company remains the legal owner. Without a check you risk losing both the vehicle and the money you paid.
Spot unsafe write offs
Some written off cars are repaired and resold without full disclosure. A check reveals insurance categories A, B, S and N so you can avoid unsafe or uninsurable vehicles.
Catch mileage fraud
Odometer fraud, also known as clocking, makes a car appear newer and more valuable than it is. A history check compares readings to detect mileage discrepancies.
How We Compare To Competitors
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Outstanding Finance Check |
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Unpaid Loan Check |
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Accident & Write-Off History |
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Insurance Write-Off Status |
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Stolen Car Check |
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Mileage Discrepancies |
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Scrapped Car Check |
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Imported/Exported |
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Clocked Mileage Alert |
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Cost of Ownership Calculator |
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Future Value Prediction |
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Provide Excellent Service |
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Clear & Actionable Insights |
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Compatible With Any Browser |
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Priority Support |
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24/7 Customer Assistance |
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Unlimited Free ULEZ Checks |
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Mileage Verification Check |
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Full MOT History |
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MOT Red Flags |
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Fuel Cost Calculator |
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Vehicle Known Issues |
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Colour Change Detection |
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Recall Status Check |
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Manufacturer Recall Alert |
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Unlimited MOT History Checks |
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Current Estimated Mileage |
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Previous Keepers |
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Plate Changes |
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Logbook Check |
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Cheapest Fuel Finder |
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Ownership History |
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V5C Count |
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VIN Verification Tool |
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Fuel Economy Insights |
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Running Costs |
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Road Tax Info |
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CO2 |
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Technical Specifications |
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Engine Details |
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Why Car Owl Wins
Smarter data. Better tools. Lower cost.
We deliver more than just a simple check. We combine official data with smart buying tools that help you judge safety, running cost and value with clarity.
More features for less
Everything you expect from a car history check plus smart buying tools for known issues, fuel cost and depreciation.
Instant and easy to read
Our reports use clear colour coded layouts that are easy on the eye and works on mobile when you are viewing a car.
Data Sources and Accuracy
Car Owl only uses official and industry data. This includes DVLA registration records, the Police National Computer for stolen status, finance registers from lenders and insurance write off data. We cross check records to reduce false matches and show clear explanations so you can judge risk with confidence.
Why Thousands Trust Car Owl
Drivers and dealers across the UK rely on Car Owl for accurate data and plain English answers. We only use verified sources and present results in a way anyone can understand.
Verified official data
Live checks from DVLA, police databases, finance lenders and insurers.
Rated excellent by users
Users rate Car Owl highly for saving them from risky cars and costly mistakes.
Money back guarantee
If we cannot find records where there should be data, we refund you. No hassle.
Your Wise Platform When Buying Vehicles
Everything you need in one place.
Car Owl gives you clear car history checks and simple cost tools. We only use trusted official data from the DVLA and police sources. Check for stolen records, write offs, outstanding finance, previous keepers, plate changes, imports and colour changes. See full MOT history and mileage trends. Then view running costs. Buy with clarity and confidence.
Know the true cost of ownership
Our smart buying tools can easily calculate tax, insurance, servicing, fuel and depreciation for your desired length of ownership.
Find hidden problems before you buy
Use our known issues tool to spot common mechanical faults and repair costs.
One platform. All your car buying answers.
Start with a free reg check to see key facts in seconds. Upgrade for a full car history check and smart tools. From number plate check to final choice, we have you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I run a free car history lookup
Enter your number plate or VIN to start a free lookup. You will see basic vehicle details such as engine size, fuel type and model.
What is the difference between a free check and a full car history report
The free check shows essentials. A full report reveals outstanding finance, write offs, stolen status, MOT history, mileage issues, keeper changes and more. It also includes an official HPI check.
Can I check any UK vehicle by reg or VIN
Yes. You can run a car history check on any UK registered vehicle using its registration number or Vehicle Identification Number.
What details are included in the full car history check
You get finance, write off history, theft alerts, mileage discrepancies, colour changes, MOT history, keeper changes, scrapped status, imports and exports plus spec and registration details.
Is this the same as an HPI check
Our full car history check includes an official HPI check together with extra data from DVLA, police records and trusted third parties.
How quickly do I get results
You get your report instantly. After you enter details and choose a plan the report appears in seconds and is emailed to you.
Do you offer a money back guarantee
Yes. If we fail to find data when there should be history available we refund your report.
Why should I check a car history before buying
A car that looks fine can hide unpaid finance, write offs, theft or mileage issues. A full report protects your money and safety.