Outstanding finance
Check whether the licensed provenance source returns a finance marker that should be resolved before purchase.
CAR HISTORY CHECK UK
Car and vehicle history check by registration
A vehicle can look right in an advert and still carry important history. Start with the free UKVEC first look, then use the Full UKVEC Report for licensed finance, stolen and write-off markers where supplied.
Free first lookNo account requiredFull buyer report £5.99
Free first look · No account required
WHAT TO CHECK
What to investigate in a used car's history
The strongest buying decision combines identity, MOT and mileage evidence with provenance checks and a physical inspection.
Stolen status
A stolen marker is a major warning. Do not proceed until the status has been independently resolved.
Insurance write-off history
Understand whether the vehicle has a recorded write-off category and investigate the quality of repairs.
MOT history
Review failures, advisories and recurring defects to understand maintenance patterns.
Mileage progression
Compare recorded odometer readings over time and investigate obvious inconsistencies.
Vehicle identity
Compare available make, model, fuel, colour and other details with the advert, V5C and physical vehicle.
Free vehicle history check or full report: which do you need?
Use the free first look to shortlist a car: compare its identity, available MOT records and recorded mileage with the advert. If you are ready to consider paying for it, the £5.99 full vehicle history check adds supplied finance, stolen and insurance write-off provenance markers. The free check does not establish that these risks are clear.
- Before a viewing: check the registration, mileage timeline and recurring MOT defects.
- Before a deposit: review supplied provenance markers and ask the seller to explain discrepancies.
- At the viewing: match the VIN, documents and physical car; inspect condition separately.
- Before payment: resolve finance or identity concerns and retain the report with your purchase paperwork.
How to read a full vehicle history report
Read each result individually. A returned marker needs investigation; an unavailable field remains unknown. A report with no returned markers is not a guarantee against unrecorded history. Check when the report was obtained, ensure it matches the vehicle and review it alongside the seller’s supporting documents.
Vehicle history tells you what happened. UKVEC helps you decide what it means.
UKVEC is designed around the buyer's decision. Use the data to create specific questions for the seller, identify evidence to request and decide whether the vehicle deserves a viewing, inspection or walk-away.
Do not rely on one clean-looking result
No single database is a substitute for checking the vehicle itself. Match the registration and VIN, inspect the V5C, review service records, verify the seller and consider an independent mechanical inspection.
FREE VS FULL
Start free. Go deeper only when the car is worth pursuing.
Free UKVEC first look
- Vehicle identity details
- MOT status and history
- Recorded mileage signals
Full UKVEC Report — £5.99
- Outstanding finance markers
- Stolen markers
- Insurance write-off markers
- Buyer-focused provenance review
Missing supplier data is shown as unavailable rather than treated as a clean result. UKVEC is a data-based buyer aid, not a mechanical inspection or guarantee of vehicle condition.
BUYER ACTION
Check the vehicle before money changes hands
Start with the free UKVEC first look. If the vehicle is worth pursuing, unlock the £5.99 Full UKVEC Report for licensed provenance checks where supplied by the provider.
Free first lookNo account requiredFull buyer report £5.99
COMMON QUESTIONS
Buyer FAQs
Can I get a vehicle history check free?
Yes. UKVEC provides a free first look at available vehicle details, MOT history and recorded mileage by registration. Finance, stolen and insurance write-off provenance checks are part of the £5.99 Full UKVEC Report where supplied, rather than the free first look.
What does a car history check include?
UKVEC's free first look focuses on available vehicle, MOT and mileage information. The £5.99 full report adds licensed provenance checks such as finance, stolen and write-off markers where supplied.
Can a V5C prove the seller owns the car?
No. The V5C identifies the registered keeper and is not proof of legal ownership.
Should I buy a car with a write-off marker?
It depends on the category, repair quality, inspection evidence, insurance implications and price. Investigate carefully before proceeding.
Can a history check replace a mechanical inspection?
No. Data can expose recorded history, but it cannot confirm the vehicle's present mechanical or structural condition.
What if a supplier field is unavailable?
UKVEC shows unavailable supplier data as unavailable rather than treating the absence of data as a clean result.
How much is the Full UKVEC Report?
The Full UKVEC Report is £5.99 as a one-off check.
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