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Free Car History Check
Enter your registration or VIN to check car history instantly. See accidents, finance, owners, MOTs, and more.


What is a Car History Check?
A car history check allows you to find vehicle history using just a registration plate or VIN. You’ll get vital information such as MOT records, write-offs, previous owners, and more. For complete peace of mind, upgrade to a full auto history check including HPI car check data, theft status, outstanding finance, and import/export history.
MOT & Mileage History
Check car history instantly to view full MOT records, mileage patterns, and failed test alerts.
Stolen Vehicle Alerts
Find out if the vehicle was ever reported stolen using police records and insurance databases.
Outstanding Finance & Write-Offs
Uncover outstanding finance, past accidents, and HPI vehicle check data before you buy.
Ownership & Vehicle Identity
Get vehicle history including previous owners, plate changes, import/export status and scrappage data.

How Do I Check Vehicle History?
To view car history, just enter the reg or VIN and click 'Check History'. Our tool runs a full vehicle history lookup using official DVLA, police, and HPI car check sources.
Enter Registration or VIN
Start by entering the vehicle’s registration number or 17-digit VIN to begin your auto history check.
Check Car History
Click the button to instantly run a car history search. We find car history across all trusted UK sources.
Get Full Report Instantly
Your detailed vehicle history report will be available within seconds—complete with HPI check info.
Common Car History Report Issues
A full car history lookup can uncover hidden issues that cost buyers dearly. Below are the most common flags people discover when they check vehicle history before buying.
Why Does Outstanding Finance Matter?
If you find outstanding finance on a car, it means a lender still owns it. Buying it puts you at risk of losing the vehicle. Our HPI car check ensures finance issues are spotted early.


Can I See if a Vehicle Was Written Off?
Yes. Our car history search will tell you if the vehicle was previously written off or damaged in an accident. This affects value, safety, and resale.
What Is a Mileage Discrepancy?
Mileage discrepancies show when someone may have tampered with the odometer. We cross-check multiple records to uncover mileage fraud before you buy.

Why Use a Vehicle History Check?
Buying a used car without a history check is a huge risk. Our tool helps you find car history, view hidden problems, and get full confidence before you buy.
Trusted HPI Vehicle Checks
Access official HPI vehicle check data to protect yourself from hidden finance and legal risks.
Complete Auto History Reports
Get vehicle history with details on ownership, colour changes, MOT fails and more.
Check Car History Instantly
Check any car’s history by registration or VIN—view it in seconds before making a costly mistake.
Run a Full Car History Lookup Now
Fast, Accurate & Trusted by Thousands
Use our powerful car history search to uncover everything you need to know about a used vehicle. Run a check today to see car history instantly and avoid expensive surprises.
Get Full Vehicle History
View car history in one easy report—accidents, finance, MOT history, theft and more.
Find & Check Car History
Looking to find car history fast? Our tool gives you a complete vehicle background check instantly.
Start Your Car History Check Today
Ready to view vehicle history? With Car Owl, you can access trusted auto history reports powered by official DVLA, police, insurance and HPI data. Instantly uncover hidden issues such as outstanding finance, previous accidents, mileage discrepancies and theft status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I run a free car history lookup?
Enter your number plate or VIN on our homepage to start a free car history lookup. You’ll instantly see basic vehicle details like engine size, fuel type, and model.
What’s the difference between a free check and a full car history report?
The free check gives you essential details. A full report uncovers outstanding finance, write-offs, stolen status, MOT history, mileage issues, and 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 (VIN).
What details are included in the full car history check?
Our full check reveals outstanding finance, write-off history, theft alerts, mileage discrepancies, colour changes, MOT history, previous owners, scrapped status, imports/exports and more.
Is this the same as an HPI check?
Our car history check includes an official HPI check alongside extra data from the DVLA, police records, and trusted third parties for a full vehicle history view.
How quickly do I get results?
You’ll get your report instantly. Once you’ve entered your details and chosen your plan, your full vehicle history report is available within seconds.
Do you offer a money-back guarantee?
Yes. If we fail to find any data when there should be history available, we’ll refund your report—no questions asked.
Why should I check a car’s history before buying?
A car that looks fine on the surface may hide serious issues like unpaid finance, write-offs or theft. A full history check gives you peace of mind and protects your money.