What is an HPI check?
An HPI check is a specialist vehicle‑history report that looks for outstanding finance, previous write‑offs, mileage discrepancies and whether the car has been reported stolen or written‑off by the police or an insurer.
Where you can get an HPI check
The quickest way to obtain a legitimate HPI report is to use an authorised provider such as HPI Check Ltd, the official company behind the HPI brand. You can also order the same data through reputable comparison sites that partner with HPI, including motorpeek.com, which pulls the information directly from the HPI database.
Official data sources behind the report
HPI collates information from the DVLA, the Police National Computer, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, finance lenders and the MOT database. While you can view some of this data yourself – for example the MOT history on the GOV.UK site – only an HPI‑linked service can combine it into a single, easy‑to‑read report.
What the report covers
Typical sections of an HPI report include:
- Outstanding finance – any loan that has not been cleared.
- Write‑off categories – whether the vehicle was recorded as a Cat A, B, S or N by an insurer.
- Stolen or recovered status – a PNC marker if the car was reported stolen.
- Mileage verification – checks for clocking or odometer tampering.
- Previous keepers – number of owners and any short‑term registrations.
How to read the results
If the report shows “no records found”, the vehicle has no finance, no write‑offs and no police alerts in the databases checked. Any positive finding – for example “Finance secured” or “Category S write‑off” – should be investigated further with the seller before you commit.
Cost and speed of an HPI check
Most providers charge between £15 and £30 for a single‑car check, and the result is delivered instantly online. Bulk checks for dealers are usually cheaper per vehicle, but for a private buyer a single report is the most cost‑effective choice.
Tips for a reliable check
• Use a provider that states it accesses the official HPI database.
• Verify the registration number you enter matches the number on the V5C document.
• Combine the HPI report with a separate MOT history check on the DVSA site for a full picture.
Common pitfalls to avoid
Do not rely on free “vehicle check” tools that only scrape MOT data – they will miss finance and write‑off information. Also, beware of services that claim a “guarantee” or a “refund” if a problem is later discovered; no third‑party can guarantee the completeness of historic data.
Next steps after you get the report
If the HPI report is clean, arrange a thorough visual inspection and a test drive. If any issues appear, ask the seller for proof of resolution – for example a finance settlement letter or a repair invoice for a Category N write‑off.
Why check with motorpeek.com?
Motorpeek.com offers a fast, fully‑compliant HPI check that pulls the same data as the official HPI service, and it presents the results in a clear, UK‑focused layout. You can quickly check the vehicle’s registration on motorpeek.com and make an informed buying decision.