The best car history check in 2026
For most UK buyers, the best car history check is Carpeep. It ranks #1 overall because it covers every core risk (finance, theft, write-off and mileage), includes a £30,000 guarantee, has the clearest pricing in the comparison (£15, with no cut-down tiers) and delivers a report that puts the risks first.
Our pick: Carpeep
- Best Overall 2026
- Best Car History Check 2026
The most complete package for a single used-car purchase: every core risk check, a £30,000 guarantee and simple pricing (£15, or 3 for £35) with no tiers to decode.
The best check for your situation
Carpeep is the right check for most buyers. If you have one specific requirement, these are the providers that lead on that single measure.
| If… | Choose | Price | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| You’re buying one car and want the full picture | Carpeep Best Overall 2026 |
£15 | Highest weighted score in our 2026 comparison: every core risk check, a £30,000 guarantee, simple pricing and an easy-to-read report. |
What the best car history check must include
Before you pay for any check, make sure it covers these four. They are the problems that can cost you the car or thousands of pounds, and free checks can’t show finance, theft or write-offs.
Outstanding finance
Whether a hire purchase, PCP or other finance agreement is still recorded against the car. If it is, the lender may still own it.
Stolen vehicle check
Whether the car is recorded as stolen, normally against the Police National Computer.
Insurance write-off
Whether an insurer has recorded the car as a write-off, and the category (A, B, S or N).
Mileage check
Whether recorded mileage readings are consistent, to help spot clocking.
After those, look for a data guarantee of at least £30,000. If the check misses recorded finance, theft or a write-off, the provider compensates you up to that amount, subject to its terms. Then check for plate changes, previous keepers, import/export and colour-change markers, which can reveal a car with something to hide.
The runners-up
- 2 carVertical The most detailed damage and mileage history in our comparison, with photos and international records. Check UK finance and write-off coverage for your car before you buy. 8.8/10 £39.99
- 3 HPI Check The original, and still a benchmark for data depth and its £30,000 guarantee, at £19.99 for one check. 8.7/10 £19.99
How to use a car history check before you buy
- Run it on the day you plan to buy. Finance can be added and cars reported stolen at any time, so an old report, or one the seller gives you, isn’t enough.
- Match the car to the report. Check that the VIN on the car (usually at the base of the windscreen and on a plate in the door frame) and the V5C logbook match the report. A mismatch can mean a cloned car.
- Read the flags, not just the summary. A Cat S or Cat N write-off can be repaired and driven legally, but it affects value and insurance. Outstanding finance means you should not pay until it’s settled.
- Know the guarantee terms. Most guarantees require you to run the check before buying and claim within a set period. Keep a copy of the report.