What is a HPI Check?
What is a HPI Check?

What is a HPI Check?

10th Dec 2024

There are many important things you’ll need to do when buying a car – and one of them might be a HPI check.

You may have seen ‘HPI’ on an advert for a used vehicle, but it can cover a wide range of inspections.

This buying and selling guide covers all you need to know about HPI checks.

HPI check

A HPI check – also known as a vehicle history check – is an important tool used to uncover critical information about a vehicle's history before purchasing it.

The primary goal of an official HPI check is to protect buyers from fraud and other issues that could arise when purchasing a used vehicle.

Buying a used car without a HPI check is a risk, as it can expose any potential problems that could cost you dearly in the future.

HPI check involves looking at the MOT history, if the vehicle has ever been written off, number of previous owners, the correct road tax information – and so much more.

A full HPI check will give the purchaser peace of mind and helps them make an informed decision before agreeing a deal for a used vehicle.

What is covered in a HPI check?

An HPI check typically provides information relating to MOTs, services, repairs, mileage, road tax, number plate changes, and if the vehicle has ever been written off.

It also covers whether the car has unpaid loans or financing against it. This is to ensure that it doesn’t actually belong to a finance company.

In-depth HPI checks will also look to see if the car has been reported as stolen or if it has been marked as scrapped at any point in its history.

The check will also tell the potential buyer the number of former owners of the vehicle, the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), chassis number, and the correct car registration details.

A part of the HPI check will also look into the vehicle’s export/import status or whether it has ever been a part of a safety recall from the manufacturer.

Some HPI checks will also look at the fuel costs and emissions standards.

Where can I get a HPI check?

The RAC offers three tiers of HPI check that are available to members and non-members – basic, full, and multi-check.

Offering the most comprehensive car check in the UK, RAC’s Vehicle History Check gives you the vital information you’ll need when buying a used car.

The RAC’s car check covers a multitude of crucial aspects, providing you with an in-depth analysis of the vehicle's past.

Click here to carry out a HPI check on a vehicle.

How much does a HPI check cost?

When choosing a HPI check, it is important to see what is covered within it. Here at the RAC, we have basic, full, and multi-check.1

A basic check costs £9.98 and covers if the vehicle is stolen, an insurance write-off, its import/export status, and if there is any outstanding debt. It does not include any financial information.

For a full HPI check, the price is £14.99 and covers everything for a single vehicle.

A multi check is a full HPI check for up to five vehicles – and this costs £29.97.

1 All pricing is correct as of December 2024

Cheaper than AA Price Promise^

Cheaper than AA Price Promise^

  • Roadside cover from £5.29 a month*
  • We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
  • Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns on the spot
Buy now

*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.

You might also like

VIN number – what is it and why is it important?

VIN number – what is it and why is it important?

Every car on the planet has a VIN number, but what is it and why is it important? Read the RAC's guide on this 17-digit number on a car's chassis.

7 surprising things you won’t fail your MOT for

7 surprising things you won’t fail your MOT for

Sometimes you may have an advisory note attached to your MOT. Here are more surprising issues you can still pass your MOT with.

Driving without an MOT – what’s the risk?

Driving without an MOT – what’s the risk?

If you’re unsure about using your car after failing an MOT test, or driving without a valid certificate, read on for answers.

Everything you need to know about an MOT retest

Everything you need to know about an MOT retest

Every year, every vehicle over three years old will to pass its MOT – but what happens if it fails? Here, we outline what an MOT retest is.

MOT advisories – all you need to know

MOT advisories – all you need to know

If your vehicle has just passed its MOT, and you have received some a list of advisories from the garage. This guide explains all you need to know.

MOT checklist and comprehensive guide

MOT checklist and comprehensive guide

Looking to find out more about MOTs? We've created a truly comprehensive UK MOT guide, covering every aspect from costs to laws and tips to checklists.

How often should I service my car?

How often should I service my car?

How often should you service your car? Find out with our guide to all car servicing. From an interim service to a full service, our guide explains all.

mechanic carrying out a car service

How to find your car's service history

Your car's service history is a critical piece of data. We tell you how to check your car's service history and why it is important.

How to service your car: car servicing checklist

How to service your car: car servicing checklist

If the thought of paying out for servicing once or twice a year fills your bank balance with dread, you could consider servicing your car yourself.

Petrol and diesel prices

Petrol and diesel prices

Find the latest petrol and diesel fuel prices with RAC Fuel Watch. In-depth insight into fuel pricing in the UK with the latest data and analysis.