WEHPICHECK / BUY WITH A CLEARER PICTURE
Start with the free records. Know what is missing.
A free car check is a useful first step when you are researching an advert or planning a viewing. Available registration and MOT records can help you compare basic details and test history. They should not be described as a complete finance, theft or insurance-history report.
Explore vehicle checks →What you can look at without a paid report
Our vehicle page displays available identity and MOT information after a registration lookup. Returned details can include make/model, recorded colour, fuel, manufacture year and dated test observations. Some fields may be absent. The model picture is an illustration rather than a photograph identifying the actual vehicle.
Use official services for the right question
GOV.UK provides free MOT history and basic vehicle-information services. Use the official tax-status service when you need a current tax or SORN answer. A DVSA MOT result alone does not establish tax status, and we do not fill missing tax information with an assumption.
What requires a different search
Recorded finance, stolen markers, insurance write-offs and salvage evidence are separate questions from basic MOT history. Compare the paid package searches if you need that wider context. A free HPI-check search term is not a promise that the official HPI Check or an equivalent full report is available free here.
Move from records to evidence
Check that the advert’s identity is consistent with the returned details, then compare the actual car and documents at the viewing. Keep a note of missing information and ask the seller for supporting evidence. No free record service can replace inspecting the car’s current condition.
Your questions, answered.
Is the free lookup a complete history report?
No. Basic identity and MOT information are distinct from the finance, theft, write-off and other searches in paid packages.
Does DVSA MOT data show whether a car is taxed?
No. Tax status is a different record; use the appropriate DVLA service when it is not supplied.
Continue your research.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Know the history. Ask better questions.
Choose the searches that matter for your next car or van.
Start your car check →