Car history checks compared
HPI check
An HPI check is a car history check for finance, theft and write-offs. HPI's own full check costs £19.99; our Full Check covers the same records on Experian data for £9.99.
Full Check
£9.99
Everything you need to know before you buy: finance, stolen, write-off, keepers, plates, valuation and mileage.
Enter the registration
Or start with the free MOT and mileage check.
The name
Why everyone says "HPI check"
HPI (Hire Purchase Information) ran the first UK register of cars on finance, and its name stuck: most people now say "HPI check" for any car history check, like Hoover for vacuum cleaners.
Today two companies hold most of the UK's finance, theft and write-off records: HPI and Experian. Our Full Check uses Experian's data.
Compared
HPI check vs our Full Check
Every provider compared on price, data and guarantee: best car check UK.
| HPI Check | GetFreeCarCheck Full Check | |
|---|---|---|
| Price for one full check | £19.99 | £9.99 |
| Three checks | £29.99 | £14.99 |
| Finance, stolen, write-off | Yes | Yes |
| Data source | HPI | Experian |
| Free MOT and mileage history first | No | Yes |
Questions
HPI check questions
What is an HPI check?
A car history check for outstanding finance, theft and insurance write-offs, named after HPI, the company that started the first finance register.
How much is an HPI check?
HPI's full check is £19.99 (8 November 2026). Our Full Check covers the same records on Experian data for £9.99.
Is there a free HPI check?
No full history check is free, because the finance and theft records cost money to search. Our free check covers the MOT, mileage, ULEZ and tax.
Keep checking
Related checks
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MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.