What is a Car History Check Report?
When buying a used car, the excitement of finding the perfect vehicle can sometimes cloud our judgment. However, the savvy motorist understands the significance of a comprehensive car history check report.
According to a recent report, almost 52% of all used cars have a hidden past, which can pose a slew of issues for new owners. Before diving into the specifics, let’s define a car history check report. This document compiles various data points related to a vehicle, creating a comprehensive snapshot of its history. It is an invaluable tool for buyers, helping them make informed choices and avoid potential pitfalls.
At Car Analytics, we’ll check for things like Stolen history from the Police National Database, MOT & Tax status, colour changes, and scrapped data (including passes and failures) as part of our vehicle history check.
The full car history report also includes information such as accident history, write-off status, thefts, outstanding finance, mileage discrepancy, along with 20+ data points.
You may not be aware of most of the following factors when you go to view the used car in person:
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How can you tell by seeing the vehicle is stolen or written-off before?
Request the registration certificate to be seen (V5C logbook). Verify that the vehicle’s registration number matches. Make sure that the name and address listed as the registered keeper match the place where you are viewing the vehicle.
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How will you determine whether the vehicle has any outstanding finance?
You may discover if a vehicle has an outstanding loan or financial agreement against it by looking into its past with our car history check. If it occurs, you run the risk of losing both the car and the money you spent on it.
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How can I check the car insurance claims history?
To check insurance claims history , You can make a subject access request via the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) website and access records going back six years for free, as long as your request is reasonable. Reports arrive within 10 to 30 working days.
How to Obtain a Car History Check Report
You can check a car’s history for free on our website by entering the vehicle’s registration number. Our free car history check provides essential information without any cost. Caranalytics offers both free and paid car checks. The free check provides basic vehicle information, while the paid version offers a comprehensive report that includes additional details. Prices start at just £1.99 for the basic check and £4.99 for the full report.
Then, what is covered under the car history report?
Here are the quick ways for our free vehicle data checks: To view basic vehicle information, enter your vehicle registration number (VRM) and click “Check Vehicle.” Our free checks included tax (VED status), MOT, import/export verification, and more. To obtain all features and checks for complete peace of mind, get a Premium report at just £9.95 .
Below are the details you can benefit from us. When you’re purchasing a used vehicle, this makes it simple to make a decision.
Check the car category
It helps to know the car accident history through the category which insurers used to classify according to the car condition, market value, and price.
It is a valid concern for all used car buyers to find out if the vehicle they are focused on has been written off by its insurer. When an insurance firm declares a vehicle a “total loss,” they assign a category to it.
You can find the car has any adverse history through these four car write-off categories:
Cat A – Extreme Damage – Beyond Repair
Cat B –Severe Damage – Salvageable Parts
Category S (Previously known as Category C) – Structural Damage Requiring Professional Repair
Category N (Previously known as Category D)- Non-Structural Damage – Cosmetic or Electronic Issues
Read this blog to know how to check write-off categories and its reasons.
Know the vehicle make and model
To discover your car’s make and model, you have two options online. You either query the Driver Vehicle and Licencing Agency (DVLA) database, or you can run a car’s history for free on Car Analytics.
When you run our free car check report, you will get vehicle tax status, MOT history, last log book (V5C) issue date, car’s year of manufacture, fuel type, economic & environmental comprising fuel consumption, CO2 emission figures, performance data and a lot more.
Find your car’s worth
Knowing the vehicle worth is vital for buyers and sellers. Unfortunately, there is no fixed formula to know your vehicle’s value. Based on the car mileage, condition, service history, previous owners, warranty, and age, you can evaluate the price.
Our five-band valuation will cost you £1.99, which is completely based on the vehicle’s recorded mileage.
Additionally, you can get to know about the last five-digit VIN, engine number, colour & number plate change, number of the previous owner, and scrapped status.
Also read: What factors determine the car value?
What isn’t covered in car history check report?
Car service history
Most of the buyers don’t mind checking the car service history, and also, it is not mandatory. However, when you want a car with long life, do consider the service history as one of the primary checks.
Our car history check does not include data on maintenance and repairs. You can get the hint from the MOT history with advisory failures notes. We advise you to ask for the seller’s service booklet or digital service record to make sure that you are taking a genuine and reliable car.
Want to know more about vehicle service history? Maybe this article would be helpful.
Conclusion
To sum up, a car history check is your only tool to safeguard yourself from a car scam. A seller can hide so many things from you, and the only way to find out the hidden past is to review the history report. Ensure you pay for the used car once you know its history; in case of finding the mismatched details, walk away from the deal.
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1. Used Car Checklist- What to check when buying a used car ? (Updated 2024)