Frequently asked questions
Learn more about a Car data check Report
- How long does it take to get my RAC Car data check results and how will I receive them?
- Will I receive a copy of my RAC Car data check in the post?
- What do I do if I have difficulty in obtaining my RAC Car data check results?
- What type of information does an RAC Car data check provide?
- What type of information does an RAC Car data check not provide?
- Where does RAC Car data check information come from?
- What should I do if an interest is recorded?
- What does "not recorded" indicate?
- Can I get a report for a non-UK registered vehicle?
Technical questions
Website security & information
Your Car Data Check guarantee
- I just purchased an RAC Car data check. What should I do next?
- What do I do if the logbook/V5 and/or MOT certificate number are missing or are different to details supplied before the purchase?
- I have questions about my guarantee. Who can help me?
- When will my guarantee coverage expire?
- Is the guarantee transferable?
- Can I view the guarantee terms and conditions before I purchase an RAC Car Data Check?
- Do I need to carry the guarantee with me or in the car?
- Does the guarantee cover me if I lose money having decided not to go through with the purchase of the car?
- What do I do if I have a claim?
How long does it take to get my RAC Car data check results and how will I receive them?
The report is delivered on screen to you immediately after you purchase it. You will also get an email with a pdf version of the results attached. You should save this email for future reference as you will require the reference number to update your check.
Will I receive a copy of my RAC Car data check in the post?
No, we do not send out any information in the post. The report is delivered on screen to you immediately after you purchase it. You will also get an email with a pdf version of the results attached. You should save this email for future reference as you will require the reference number to update your check.
What do I do if I have difficulty in obtaining my RAC Car Data Check results?
First, please verify that personal details you entered are correct and that your credit card information is valid. If there is a problem with your browser and the results page is not displayed, please wait a few minutes for the results and email to arrive.
If there is still a problem, please contact us on 0800 975 5867. We are available to assist you Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm. You will receive an email the same day acknowledging your enquiry, or the next day if you sent your enquiry after 3pm. Depending on the nature of your enquiry, providing a resolution may take a little longer.
What type of information does an RAC Car data check provide?
Your RAC Car data check will confirm the following details:
1. Vehicle description - Using the Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM) your RAC Car Data Check will confirm the vehicle description registered with the DVLA. This will include the year of manufacture and date of first registration with the DVLA. In addition you will be advised of the number of previous keepers registered and the date of last keeper change.
2. Vehicle title - Using the Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM) your RAC Car Data Check will identify whether this vehicle is
subject to:
- Outstanding finance
- A current police interest
- Has been registered as an insurance write-off
Where the vehicle has undergone one or more registration plate changes, you will be advised of each previous registration plate and the date it was applied to the vehicle. Each previous plate will be checked for any current title interests as described above.
What type of information does an RAC Car data check not provide?
Your RAC Car data check does not provide the names of or information pertaining to a vehicle's previous or current owner(s).
Your RAC Car data check will not provide information on every accident a vehicle has been in. Accident damage is only identified where an insurance company has registered the vehicle as a write-off.
Your RAC Car data check will not provide any details on the service history of a vehicle. Your RAC Car data check will not assess the mechanical condition of a vehicle. If you would like to have an independent inspection of a vehicle, you will need to contact organizations such as the RAC and book a vehicle inspection.
Where does RAC Car data check information come from?
Information provided in your RAC Car data check comes from a variety of data sources. These include: the DVLA, Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT), the Police, The Association of British Insurers, and numerous finance companies.
What should I do if an interest is recorded?
Where an interest is recorded you will be advised as to the type of interest as well as an explanation as to what the interest means. If you are unsure what to do next please contact the seller and seek an explanation. If you are still unsure about the vehicle purchase, do not go ahead with the transaction.
What does "not recorded" indicate?
"Not recorded" indicates that your RAC Car data check found no information registered in that category at that particular point in time. This could mean that we have not yet received that data or it could be mean there are no current interests recorded.
Can I get a report for a non-UK registered vehicle?
No, since RAC Car data check only reports on vehicles registered with the DVLA and DVLNI.
What if my Internet connection is lost before I view my report?
If your local Internet connection fails, after your credit card has been entered, but before you see your report online, please wait a few minutes for the results and email to arrive. If you are still experiencing problems please contact us on 0800 975 5867. We are available to assist you Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm. You will receive an email the same day acknowledging your enquiry, or the next day if you sent your enquiry after 3pm. Depending on the nature of your enquiry, providing a resolution may take a little longer.
Is my on-line transaction safe?
Protecting your information is a priority. We therefore utilize Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to protect all personal information including your card number, name and address when ordering a report from our web.
To confirm that your connection is secure, simply look at the lower right-hand corner of your browser window after accessing a server. If you see an unbroken key or a closed lock (depending upon your browser), the SSL is active and your information is secure. You can also double-check by looking at the URL line of your browser. When accessing a secure server, the first characters of the site address will change from 'http' to 'https.' Some versions of browsers and some firewalls don't permit communication even though the server is secure.
We designed our web site with multiple layers of security. We utilize state-of-the-art software solutions to prevent unauthorised access and improper use of our site.
Can I order over the phone?
Yes. The RAC Car data check call centre is available on 0800 975 5867.
Opening hours
Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm
Saturday 9am to 5pm and
Sunday 10am to 4pm
What about my privacy?
We are committed to protecting your privacy. User information is only used to support RAC Car data check we provide to you. This use includes, but is not limited to order fulfillment, customer service, billing, collections and other similar. Except as noted otherwise, user information will not be shared with third parties for any purpose.
What about my credit card information?
All credit card information you enter through RAC Car data check site is saved in secure sockets layer (SSL) technology. Credit card information is never displayed or saved on the RAC Car data check server. It is used solely to complete RAC Car data check transactions. Other than verifying credit card information, we will never wilfully disclose credit card information to any third party for any purpose. Feel free to review our privacy policy.
Who do I contact if I have difficulty in obtaining my check results?
First, please verify that the personal data you entered is correct and that your credit card information is valid. Then wait a few minutes for the results and email to arrive. If there is still a problem, please contact us on 0800 975 5867. We are available to assist you Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm. You will receive an email the same day acknowledging your enquiry, or the next day if you sent your enquiry after 3.00 pm. Depending on the nature of your enquiry, providing a resolution may take a little longer.
I just purchased an RAC Car data check. What should I do next?
Once you have purchased your RAC Car data check, before you conclude your vehicle purchase, you must complete the following steps:
- Make sure the vehicle details on your RAC Car data check match both the actual vehicle and its documentation.
- Check that all the VIN markings on the vehicle match each other and the V5 and they are the originals.
- Make sure the seller's address matches the current keeper's address on the V5 or obtain proof that they have the right to sell the vehicle.
- Obtain a written receipt detailing the seller's details, VRM and mileage, purchase date and amount paid.
Failure to complete these steps may nullify your guarantee.
What do I do if the logbook/V5 and/or MOT certificate number are missing or are different to details supplied before the purchase?
If the seller cannot provide these details, or the actual document details differ from those previously supplied by the seller you should contact the DVLA to seek clarification prior to completing the vehicle purchase.
A claim under the guarantee will not be considered if the V5 information has not been validated by us as part of your RAC Car data check before you buy the vehicle.
I have questions about my guarantee. Who can help me?
If you have questions about your guarantee, please contact us on 0800 975 5867. We are available to assist you Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm. You will receive an email the same day acknowledging your enquiry, or the next day if you sent your enquiry after 3pm. Depending on the nature of your enquiry, providing a resolution may take a little longer.
When will my guarantee coverage expire?
A guarantee is valid for a twelve month term from the date your product name was purchased, or for as long as you hold the title to your car, which ever is the shortest.
Is the guarantee transferable?
No, the guarantee is specifically for your benefit and reflects the status of the vehicle as at the date your RAC Car data check is made. You cannot pass on the benefit of the guarantee, even if you simultaneously transfer the vehicle
Can I view the guarantee terms and conditions before I purchase an Car Data Check?
Yes, please go to guarantee terms and conditions page.
Do I need to carry the guarantee with me or in the car?
No.
It is recommended that you print and keep your guarantee in a safe place with your other important personal and financial papers.
Does the guarantee cover me if I lose money having decided not to go through with the purchase of the car?
No.
The guarantee is there to protect you if, having purchased the vehicle, you fail to secure good title to the car, ie the car was stolen or had outstanding debt, or if you suffer financial loss as a result of he car being classified as an insurance write-off.
If you decide not to complete the purchase of the car you will not be covered by the guarantee for any financial losses resulting from your decision.
What do I do if I have a claim?
If you believe you have experienced a loss covered by the terms of your guarantee, please take the following steps:
- Read your policy. Knowing exactly what your guarantee covers is very helpful.
- Gather all of your policy documents. Well-organized records will speed-up the claim settlement process. Locate the vehicle's title, registration, and your guarantee print-off. Make a note of the vehicle's VIN, its purchase price, and its date of purchase.
- Contact us on 0800 975 5867 about details of your claim. We are available to assist you Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm.
Please make sure you send your claim ID. For more information about our claims process, please refer to your guarantee.
Call 0800 975 5867
Calls are free from UK landlines, mobile network charges apply. To ensure levels of service, calls may be recorded or monitored.
Opening hours
Monday to Friday - 8am to 8pm
Saturday - 9am to 5pm
Sunday - 10am to 4pm
