HPI Check: Spot Hidden Issues Before You Buy
An HPI check helps you spot hidden risks before buying a used car. Outstanding finance, write-off history, stolen records and mileage problems are among the issues that cost buyers thousands.
Carpeep brings the checks that matter into one clear report, so you can decide whether to proceed, negotiate, or walk away.
Run an HPI check now
Enter a registration number to check for finance, theft, write-offs and mileage issues before you commit.
No account needed • Apple Pay accepted • £30,000 data guarantee
What is an HPI check?
HPI stands for Hire Purchase Investigation. It originally referred to checking whether a vehicle had outstanding hire purchase finance. Today, an HPI check covers much more, including finance, write-off history, stolen status, mileage and previous keepers.
It is one of the most important steps you can take before buying a used car. Without it, you risk paying for a vehicle that has hidden debt, undisclosed damage, or a history that does not match what the seller claims.
What does an HPI check include?
A thorough HPI check should cover the key risk areas that affect whether a car is safe to buy.
Outstanding finance
Check whether a lender still has a financial interest in the vehicle. If finance is outstanding, the lender can legally repossess the car, even after you have paid the seller.
Write-off history
See whether the vehicle has been recorded as an insurance write-off. Categories range from cosmetic damage (Cat N) to structural damage (Cat S) and beyond.
Stolen vehicle records
Check whether the car has been reported stolen. If you unknowingly buy a stolen vehicle, the police can seize it and you lose both the car and your money.
Mileage verification
Review mileage readings from MOT records over time. Inconsistencies or sudden drops can indicate clocking, where the odometer has been tampered with to inflate the car's value.
Previous keepers
See how many previous owners the vehicle has had. A high number of keepers relative to the car's age can indicate underlying problems.
MOT history
Review past MOT results, failures and advisories. This gives you a clear picture of the car's mechanical condition over time.
Why you should run an HPI check
A used car can look perfect on the outside and still carry serious hidden risks. Outstanding finance means the car is not legally the seller's to sell. A write-off history affects safety and resale value. Stolen markers mean the car can be seized at any time.
Running an HPI check before you pay protects you from problems that are impossible to spot during a test drive or viewing. It takes minutes and can save you thousands. You can view a sample report to see exactly what you get.
What risks can an HPI check reveal?
| Risk | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Outstanding finance | A lender still has a claim on the vehicle. | The car can be repossessed even after you buy it. |
| Insurance write-off | An insurer previously declared the car a total loss. | May affect safety, insurance costs and resale value. |
| Stolen marker | The vehicle has been reported stolen to police. | Police can seize the car and you lose your money. |
| Mileage discrepancy | MOT mileage readings do not add up over time. | Could indicate clocking, inflating the car's apparent value. |
| Identity issues | Registration or VIN details do not match records. | May indicate cloning or vehicle identity fraud. |
Ready to check a car?
Enter the registration to run an HPI check before you go any further.
No account needed • Apple Pay accepted
Free vs paid HPI checks
You can get some vehicle information for free. The government's MOT history service shows past test results and mileage readings. Basic registration lookups show tax status and vehicle details.
But the checks that protect you from the biggest financial risks, such as finance, stolen status and write-off history, require data from lenders, insurers and police databases. These are only available through a paid check.
Free checks
- • MOT history and mileage readings
- • Tax status
- • Basic vehicle details (colour, engine size)
Full HPI check
- ✓ Outstanding finance check
- ✓ Stolen vehicle records
- ✓ Insurance write-off history
- ✓ Mileage and MOT history
- ✓ Previous keepers and vehicle details
Carpeep offers a free car check that covers the basics. For the full picture, run a complete check.
What a Carpeep HPI check includes
Every Carpeep report works as a full car history check, giving you the information you need to buy with confidence.
Finance, theft and write-offs
The three checks that matter most. See whether the car has outstanding finance, theft markers or write-off history before you commit.
Mileage and MOT history
Review mileage alongside MOT results to spot gaps, inconsistencies or recurring problems over time.
Previous keepers and vehicle details
See the ownership history and background details that help you compare one car against another.
A report you can act on
Clear layout, key risks highlighted upfront. Use it to move forward, negotiate harder, or rule the car out.
Built for modern buyers
- • No account needed
- • Apple Pay accepted
- • Clear report summary first
- • Deep data without the clutter
- • Faster from reg search to result
When should you run an HPI check?
Run the check before you pay a deposit, transfer money, or invest time arranging a viewing. If a car looks better than the rest of the market, a history check matters even more. It can reveal problems that are easy to miss.
It is especially important when buying privately, where there is no dealer warranty or legal obligation for the seller to disclose the car's full history. But even dealer cars benefit from an independent check.
Bottom line
Check the history before you buy
An HPI check is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself when buying a used car. Carpeep gives you the key checks in one clear report, including finance, write-offs, stolen records, mileage and MOT history, so you can make a confident decision before any money changes hands.
Run your HPI check
Enter the registration and get the key facts before you commit to the car.
No account needed • Apple Pay accepted • £30,000 data guarantee