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

HPI Check alternative

Looking for an alternative way to check a used car's history?

HPI is a well-known name in vehicle history, but buyers can compare services based on the actual checks provided, report clarity and price. The important question is whether the report covers the risks relevant to the car you are considering.

UK registration lookupMOT & tax contextBuyer-focused reports

Compare features, not brand recognition alone

Look at whether the service covers stolen vehicle markers, insurance write-off history, keeper and plate changes, outstanding finance and salvage or auction information where available.

Use free information before paying

MyPlateCheck separates public vehicle information from paid history data. This means you can check MOT, tax and mileage context first, then decide whether Buyer or Ultimate is justified.

Choose the report depth that fits the purchase

A lower-value car may not need the same depth as a high-value vehicle with an uncertain history. Ultimate is designed for buyers who specifically want finance and salvage information in addition to Buyer-level checks.

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.

Is MyPlateCheck the same as HPI?+

No. MyPlateCheck is an independent vehicle-information service with its own Free, Buyer and Ultimate report structure.

Does MyPlateCheck include finance checks?+

Yes. Outstanding finance is included in the Ultimate report.

Can I compare report contents before buying?+

Yes. Review the pricing and sample report pages to see how MyPlateCheck separates free information from deeper checks.

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.