Car buying. It’s an exciting time for sure, but it’s also potentially a risky undertaking. Indeed, hidden accident damage, outstanding finance, or even a seemingly legitimate car being stolen. These are all simple examples of the way a fraudulent seller could catch you out. Fortunately, there are ways you can check this. And running a car history check is often the first port of call for this. But which options are the most efficient? 

The Best Car History Checking Tools You Need to Know

If you’re buying second-hand, never take a chance just by assuming it’ll be okay. Even if the seller is genuine, they may not know the whole history of the car themselves. So, it’s crucial to do your own due diligence first.

Full Car Checks

If you’re looking for comprehensive results, Full Car Checks lives up to its name. And, with hundreds of reviews averaging nearly 5 stars, it’s no wonder so many people have chosen them to help. 

Providing both a free plan and a choice of two paid options, Full Car Checks is one of the most versatile, accurate car history checking tools. Even the free plan offers 20 different checks. However, the two paid plans then bump that to an incredible 50+ and 80+ data points, making it one of the most thorough tools available anywhere.

Reg Check UK

Checking a car’s history shouldn’t have to cost the earth – and luckily, with Reg Check UK, it doesn’t. This excellent tool offers a simple, straightforward, and budget-friendly choice, allowing you to check many of the key elements of the car for free. 

Plus, for a small fee, you can also invest in a full report covering numerous additional factors, providing invaluable data. In short – it’s the ideal way to double check a car’s history quickly and effortlessly.

DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service

The classic place to start for a car history check has to be directly through the DVLA itself. Still, this service can sometimes be a little more limited than dedicated checking tools. Nonetheless, for a free and official check, the DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service is a good place to start. It allows you to view critical information, including MOT expiry dates, road tax status, emissions data, vehicle specs, and more. So, while it’s not necessarily as thorough, it’s also an ideal way to cover all the bases.

Vehicle Check

Need an easy way to check a car’s history on-the-go? The Vehicle Check mobile app might be right for you! This tool allows you to perform instant car history checks from an easy to use app – that’s especially helpful if you’re viewing multiple cars in a short span of time. Plus, it also includes handy reminders for MOT and tax renewals, making it a long-term tool rather than just a one-off. Paid versions expand the data available, offering insights into accidents, stolen status, and finance history.

Total Car Check

WIth over 50 million completed checks in the last year alone, it’s easy to see that Total Car Check is one of the most widely trusted platforms out there. Plus, the site offers an excellent range of services and over fifty individual checks; this is all backed up by an impressive £30,000 data guarantee! As such, it could be an excellent place to start when it comes to your car history check.

HPI Check

As a paid software, HPI Check might not be for everyone. Nevertheless, the brand is perhaps one of the most well-known names in the industry, trusted by car dealers and private buyers alike. Founded in 1938, it’s built a reputation for delivering top-quality, thorough car history reports; so, if you’re not too worried about the price, this could be the tool you need.

Car Checker

Backed up by AI technology, Car Checker makes the checking process even simpler. This handy platform allows you to simply upload a photo of the car and its plate; from this, it’ll automatically run a car history check scan with detailed reports. The paid plan also includes valuations and AI insights, making it an even more intriguing option.

Final Thoughts

If you’re buying second-hand, running a car history check’s a must. Our recommendation is Full Car Checks because it’s the most comprehensive option. It covers everything, including finance details and salvage history. It’s also supported by thousands of five-star Trustpilot reviews and comes with a £30,000 data guarantee.

Don’t take the chance on buying a car that’s got more baggage than it seems; always double check first, just to be sure!