Do I Need To Do An HPI Check Before Buying A Car?

When buying a car, especially a used one, there’s a lot to consider before you sign on the dotted line or hand over your hard earned cash 💸

As well as checking the condition of the vehicle, you’ll also want to check it doesn’t have any hidden nasty surprises.

An HPI check can show you whether the car has outstanding finance, if it’s been written off, and if it actually belongs to the seller.

Here, you’ll discover everything you need to know about HPI checks and why you absolutely need one 😀

Got a specific question? Why not jump to:

• What is an HPI check?
• When do you need an HPI check?
• What does an HPI check cover?
• How can I get an HPI check?

What is an HPI check?

An HPI check digs into a car's past to uncover any secrets it might be hiding.

It checks whether the car has any outstanding finance, if it's been reported stolen, or even if it's been in a major accident.

You wouldn’t want to find out after the purchase that your brand-new car was once a write-off or that it still belongs to a creditor due to an unpaid car loan.

With an HPI check you can buy with confidence, knowing the car’s history is as clean as its shiny exterior.

When do you need an HPI check?

It’s important to get a HPI history check any time you're buying a used car.

Whether you're buying from a dealer or a private seller, it gives you peace of mind that you’re investing in a reliable vehicle.

While it might not be a legal requirement to get one, you should still consider an HPI check essential when buying a car.

It’s about being informed so that when you do make your purchase, you're as sure as you can be that it's the right decision.

More car finance guides

• HP vs PCP: Which is Right For Me?
• What is Hire Purchase (HP) finance?
• Hire Purchase vs Leasing: Which is Better?
• How Does Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) Finance Work?

What does an HPI check cover?

An HPI check is thorough and ensures the vehicle has no hidden issues such as:

• If it has outstanding finance
• If it has previously been written off
• If it’s been stolen
• If the mileage showing is legit and matches the car’s previous MOT
• If it has a current MOT
• The number of previous owners
• Identification details such as the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
• The number of the number plate, as well as colour changes
• If the vehicle has been scrapped or exported

An HPI check uncovers a whole range of things that tell you about the car's past.

All this info helps paint a full picture of the car’s history, helping you buy with confidence and avoid any potential pitfalls.

How can I get an HPI check?

Getting an HPI check is easy, and you can do it right from your phone or computer.

The first step is to find a reliable HPI service. There are plenty of them online and all you need is the car's registration number to get started.

Simply enter the number into the service's website or app, and voila, you're on your way to uncovering the car's history.

There's usually a small fee for this service, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind. Within minutes, you'll get a report that tells you all about the car's past.

So, before you shake hands on your next car, take a few minutes to do an HPI check. It’s a small step that can save you a lot of hassle and heartache down the road.

Get unlimited free HPI checks with Carmoola car finance

When you apply for HP finance with Carmoola, you get free HPI checks for the car or cars that you're considering. You can do unlimited history checks right from your phone in a matter of minutes.

Start by downloading the Carmoola app and getting your budget. In just about a minute, you'll know exactly how much you can spend.

Once your application has been accepted and processed, you can buy your car straight away using your Carmoola virtual card.

It’s like having a fast pass to your new car – no waiting, no fuss!