What is a HPI Check?

You may have seen ‘HPI’ on an advert for a used vehicle, but it can cover a wide range of inspections.

This buying and selling guide covers all you need to know about HPI checks.

A HPI check – also known as a vehicle history check – is an important tool used to uncover critical information about a vehicle's history before purchasing it.

The primary goal of an official HPI check is to protect buyers from fraud and other issues that could arise when purchasing a used vehicle.

Buying a used car without a HPI check is a risk, as it can expose any potential problems that could cost you dearly in the future.

HPI check involves looking at the MOT history, if the vehicle has ever been written off, number of previous owners, the correct road tax information – and so much more.

A full HPI check will give the purchaser peace of mind and helps them make an informed decision before agreeing a deal for a used vehicle.

An HPI check typically provides information relating to MOTs, services, repairs, mileage, road tax, number plate changes, and if the vehicle has ever been written off.

It also covers whether the car has unpaid loans or financing against it. This is to ensure that it doesn’t actually belong to a finance company.

In-depth HPI checks will also look to see if the car has been reported as stolen or if it has been marked as scrapped at any point in its history.

The check will also tell the potential buyer the number of former owners of the vehicle, the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), chassis number, and the correct car registration details.

A part of the HPI check will also look into the vehicle’s export/import status or whether it has ever been a part of a safety recall from the manufacturer.

Some HPI checks will also look at the fuel costs and emissions standards.

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The RAC offers three tiers of HPI check that are available to members and non-members – basic, full, and multi-check.

Offering the most comprehensive car check in the UK, RAC’s Vehicle History Check gives you the vital information you’ll need when buying a used car.

The RAC’s car check covers a multitude of crucial aspects, providing you with an in-depth analysis of the vehicle's past.

Click here to carry out a HPI check on a vehicle.

When choosing a HPI check, it is important to see what is covered within it. Here at the RAC, we have basic, full, and multi-check.¹

A basic check costs £9.98 and covers if the vehicle is stolen, an insurance write-off, its import/export status, and if there is any outstanding debt. It does not include any financial information.

For a full HPI check, the price is £14.99 and covers everything for a single vehicle.

A multi check is a full HPI check for up to five vehicles – and this costs £29.97.

^{1 All pricing is correct as of December 2024}