Check a Car

MyPlateCheck

Check the car before you buy it.

Start with a free vehicle check, then go deeper only when you need to.

Run a Free Vehicle Check

Before you buy

Run the history checks before the seller has your money.

The best time to discover a vehicle-history problem is before a deposit or final payment. Use free public information first, then investigate the deeper risks that could affect ownership, value or whether you should buy the car at all.

UK registration lookupMOT & tax contextBuyer-focused reports

Check the vehicle identity and public record

Confirm the registration, vehicle details, MOT history, tax status and recorded mileage. Compare the VIN and V5C with the physical vehicle when you view it.

Investigate the expensive hidden risks

For a serious purchase, consider stolen vehicle markers, write-off history, outstanding finance and salvage information. These risks are not answered by a current MOT certificate.

Use the report to guide the physical inspection

History data should improve the questions you ask. If a write-off or salvage record is found, inspect the relevant repair areas. If mileage or keeper history looks unusual, ask for supporting documentation.

How to use this information

MyPlateCheck combines available vehicle data into buyer-focused checks. Data can contain omissions or recording errors, so use it alongside the V5C and VIN, service history, seller evidence and a physical inspection. Resolve material inconsistencies before paying for a vehicle.

Compare report coverage

Free, Buyer and Ultimate side by side.

Compare the checks that are actually included rather than choosing from a headline alone. Start with free public vehicle facts, use Buyer for the core paid history checks, and use Ultimate when you also need finance and auction or salvage information.

CheckFreeBuyerUltimate
MOT, tax and core vehicle detailsIncludedIncludedIncluded
MOT and recorded mileage historyIncludedIncludedIncluded
Stolen and insurance write-off checks—IncludedIncluded
Keeper, plate and V5C history—IncludedIncluded
Outstanding finance——Included
Auction and salvage history——Included

Use the comparison to match the report to the purchase.

A free check is useful for confirming public facts before you spend anything. Buyer adds the paid history checks that can reveal theft, write-off and ownership-related context. Ultimate adds the finance and salvage information that is not included in Buyer.

Report data should still be checked against the V5C, VIN, service history, seller evidence and the physical vehicle. See current report pricing and bundle options.

Questions buyers ask

Useful answers before you check.

When should I run a car history check?+

Run the free checks before travelling where possible, and complete any deeper paid history checks before paying a deposit or final purchase price.

Is an MOT check enough before buying?+

No. An MOT does not confirm finance, theft, insurance write-off or salvage history.

Should I still inspect the car after a clean history report?+

Yes. A history report does not replace checking the vehicle, documents and mechanical condition.

Start with the registration

Check the vehicle before you commit.

Run the free vehicle check first, then choose deeper history checks if the purchase needs them.