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Frequently Asked Questions

Purchasing an Experian AutoCheck

Buying a used car can be risky, and many problems are impossible to spot just by looking at the vehicle. Experian's data shows that 73% vehicles checked have a hidden history issue*, meaning there's a real chance a car may have been written off, stolen, or still have outstanding finance without the seller disclosing it. An Experian AutoCheck gives you vital information about a vehicle's past, including whether it has ever been written off, has active finance, or is currently recorded as stolen. It also verifies key details provided by the seller, helping you confirm the vehicle's true identity and avoid costly mistakes. AutoCheck is quick, affordable, and easy to use. By running a trusted vehicle history check before you buy, you can make a confident, informed decision — and increase your chances of buying a car you'll genuinely love. * Based on web-based AutoChecks between 1 Jan 2026 - 31 Mar 2026

An Experian AutoCheck offers great value compared with other UK vehicle history checks. You can run a single vehicle check for £7.99, or choose the MultiCheck bundle, which lets you check up to 5 vehicles for £16.99 within 365 days — ideal if you're comparing several used cars. This pricing compares favourably to alternative providers such as the AA, RAC, HPI and Car Vertical, while still delivering comprehensive Experian powered data including write off status, outstanding finance, stolen checks and more — giving you premium insight at one of the most competitive price points in the market.

A multiple Experian AutoCheck has a 365-day time limit from the date you made the purchase; check when you purchased your Experian AutoCheck to see if the remaining checks have expired.

The 365 days start from the date the Experian AutoCheck bundle is purchased.

Unused checks within a MultiCheck bundle are non-refundable. When you purchase a MultiCheck, you are buying the ability to check up to 5 vehicles, but any checks you don't use within the 365 day validity window cannot be refunded. However, you do retain your standard consumer rights. You may still be eligible for a refund if you cancel your purchase in line with the terms outlined on the AutoCheck Cancellation and Refunds page. This policy ensures fairness while keeping the MultiCheck bundle a competitively priced option for buyers comparing multiple vehicles.

No — Experian AutoCheck can only be purchased and completed online. All vehicle history checks must be carried out through the AutoCheck website, where you can enter the vehicle registration and instantly access your report. Using the online system ensures you receive accurate, real time vehicle history data and immediate access to your results.

No — Experian AutoCheck is not an HPI Check. HPI is one example of a UK vehicle history check provider, and Experian AutoCheck is a trusted alternative, delivering equivalent and often broader provenance insights. AutoCheck combines data from a wide range of authoritative sources — including the DVLA, the Police National Computer, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) , and finance and insurance databases such as MIAFTR — to provide a comprehensive view of a vehicle's history. With its comprehensive data coverage and competitive pricing, AutoCheck offers one of the most cost effective and reliable HPI Check alternatives on the market.

Your Experian AutoCheck report is delivered instantly. As soon as you complete your purchase, the full vehicle history report appears immediately on screen, allowing you to review all key details straight away. You'll also receive an email containing a downloadable PDF copy of your report and a secure link to access it online, which you can access at any time. You can also register for an account at AutoCheck with the same email address to view the report online. This instant on screen delivery plus email access ensures you always have quick, reliable access to your vehicle history information.

No — you do not need to create an account to purchase an Experian AutoCheck. You can buy a vehicle history check as a guest, which is ideal if you're in a hurry, checking a car on the spot, or simply don't want to manage another username and password. However, creating an account does offer additional benefits. If you register, you can: Revisit your report at any time Carry out additional vehicle checks from your dashboard Activate the Experian AutoCheck Data Guarantee, which requires your report reference and account access Accounts are secured using email, password, and multi-factor authentication, giving you safe, convenient access to your vehicle checks whenever you need them.

No — an Experian AutoCheck cannot tell you whether you should buy the vehicle. What it does provide is detailed, trusted information about the car's history, including whether it has been written off, has outstanding finance, or is recorded as stolen. This insight helps you have better informed conversations with the seller and make a more confident decision. However, AutoCheck does not assess the mechanical condition of the vehicle or whether it meets your specific needs. You should still carry out your own inspections, test drives, and, if necessary, arrange an independent mechanical check. AutoCheck equips you with essential background information, but the final buying decision is always yours.

Experian is the world's leading information services company, providing trusted data and advanced analytical tools to organisations across the globe. Its solutions help businesses manage credit risk, prevent fraud, create targeted marketing offers, and automate key decision making processes. Experian also supports individuals through services such as Experian CreditExpert, which helps consumers understand, manage and protect their personal financial information — giving them greater control over their credit health and financial decisions. As a global leader in data intelligence, Experian is widely trusted by businesses, financial institutions, insurers, and consumers — including those using Experian AutoCheck to verify used vehicle histories. Find out more about Experian at Experian.co.uk

Experian AutoCheck Data

Before you buy an Experian AutoCheck, the system confirms the make, model, colour, fuel type and the year of registration of the vehicle you're checking. This helps ensure you're purchasing a history check for the correct vehicle, giving you confidence right from the start. A full Experian AutoCheck provides over 85 key data points, covering the most important aspects of a vehicle's background. This includes: • Whether the vehicle has been written off by insurers • If it has any outstanding finance • Whether it's recorded as stolen • If it has been through a salvage auction • Plate changes, MOT history, mileage history, keeper numbers, scrapped status, imports/exports, CO₂ emissions, VIN confirmation and more These insights are shown clearly in your report, and you can view an example layout on the Sample Report page. For a fully detailed breakdown of what is included in an AutoCheck, you can refer to the useful information section and the Sample Report on the AutoCheck website.

To provide full transparency, the Experian AutoCheck does not supply certain types of information. AutoCheck will not provide: • The names or addresses of current or previous registered keepers (DVLA data protection). • Details of a vehicle that was previously stolen but later recovered. • Information on every accident the vehicle has had — only accidents registered as an insurer write off will appear. • Mechanical history, service records, or the vehicle's physical condition. AutoCheck does not assess roadworthiness. • Confirmation of whether a vehicle is a clone (with false plates/VIN) or if it was originally purchased or imported from another non UK EU country. AutoCheck focuses on authoritative provenance data, giving you the information needed to identify risks such as write offs, theft, finance issues, or identity concerns so you can make informed decisions.

Experian AutoCheck sources its vehicle history data from a wide range of authoritative UK and industry databases to ensure accuracy, reliability and comprehensive coverage. AutoCheck uses data from: • The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) , which provides core vehicle identity information such as registration, make, model and colour. • The Police National Computer (PNC) , used to identify whether a vehicle is currently recorded as stolen. • The SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) , which helps confirm key vehicle specifications and build data. • Finance companies to check for outstanding finance • Insurance companies , via the MIAFTR (Motor Insurance Anti Fraud and Theft Register), to check for insurance write offs and theft related records. By combining these trusted sources and many more, Experian AutoCheck provides one of the most accurate and detailed vehicle history reports available in the UK — helping buyers avoid hidden risks like write offs, stolen vehicles, and finance issues.

Vehicles often have plate changes because owners choose to add or remove a cherished (personalised) registration plate. This is a common and legitimate process in the UK. When an owner assigns their personalised plate to a vehicle, the original age related registration is replaced. Later, if the personalised plate is removed, the original age related plate is automatically returned to the vehicle. Plate changes can appear on an Experian AutoCheck report and are useful for verifying a vehicle's identity, helping to confirm that the car's registration history is consistent and transparent.

If Experian AutoCheck has no record of the vehicle, the first step is to confirm the registration number (VRM) with the seller. An incorrect VRM is the most common reason a vehicle cannot be found. If the VRM is correct, it is likely that AutoCheck does not yet have this vehicle recorded in its database. One of the most common reasons for this is a recent plate change. When a cherished or personalised plate is added or removed, it can take a short time for the update to propagate through all vehicle data sources. In this case, we recommend asking the seller for the previous registration plate and completing an Experian AutoCheck using that earlier VRM instead. This often resolves the issue while the new plate details are still being processed.

No — Experian AutoCheck can only provide reports for vehicles registered with the DVLA. This means AutoCheck cannot check vehicles that were registered outside the UK or do not appear in the DVLA database. If you are considering a non-UK vehicle, you will need to use the appropriate history check service in the country where the vehicle was originally registered.

A VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17 character code made up of letters and numbers that is assigned to every vehicle at the point of manufacture. It acts as the vehicle's permanent identity throughout its entire lifetime. Unlike a registration number (VRM), which can be changed over time — for example, when a personalised or cherished plate is added or removed — the VIN never changes. It stays with the vehicle for its whole life, making it one of the most reliable identifiers when checking a car's history, confirming its authenticity, or detecting potential cloning. Because the VIN is fixed and unique, it's a key part of the information verified in an Experian AutoCheck report.

No — Experian AutoCheck cannot provide the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) for any vehicle. This is for security reasons and helps reduce the risk of vehicle cloning, where criminals use genuine VINs to create false identities for stolen or written off cars. To obtain the correct VIN, you should always check the vehicle itself. The VIN can typically be found: • On the VIN plate (often visible through the windscreen) • On the driver side door frame • Inside the engine bay Once you have the VIN, you should verify it against the details shown on the V5C logbook and then enter it into your AutoCheck report to confirm the vehicle's identity. To do this, click the 'VIN Check' button on the report and input the VIN when prompted. This ensures the history check is accurate and protects you from potential fraud.

If Experian AutoCheck reports that the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) doesn't match, the first step is to carefully re check the VIN on both the vehicle and the V5C logbook. VIN characters can sometimes be misread, especially because a genuine VIN never includes the letters O or I — these are always shown as the numbers 0 (zero) or 1 (one). If the VIN on the vehicle and the V5C do not match: We suggest you do not purchase the vehicle. A mismatch is a major warning sign and may indicate issues such as vehicle cloning, identity fraud, or mistakes in documentation. If the VIN on the vehicle does match the V5C: If both match but AutoCheck still reports an error, you should contact Experian AutoCheck directly, or email trade.investigations@uk.experian.com and they will investigate the issue for you. Ensuring the VIN is correct is essential for confirming the vehicle's true identity and protecting you from potential fraud.

If your Experian AutoCheck report shows different vehicle specification details compared with what the seller has told you, the next steps depend on which details match. If the V5C logbook and the vehicle match each other, but the AutoCheck report is different In this case, you should contact Experian AutoCheck Service Support. They will investigate why the data in your report doesn't align with the physical vehicle and V5C details. A discrepancy here may indicate outdated records or a data mismatch that needs reviewing by the support team. If the V5C logbook and the AutoCheck report match each other, but the vehicle does not match what's described If both the V5C and AutoCheck report show the same details, but the vehicle itself appears different, this is a red flag. In this scenario, the vehicle may not be correctly registered, or its identity may have been tampered with. Experian advises that you should contact the DVLA help and guidance, as the DVLA is responsible for correcting or investigating official vehicle registration data. Why this matters Spec discrepancies can indicate issues such as: • Administrative errors • Incorrect seller information • Vehicle identity concerns (e.g., plate changes or potential tampering) • Outdated or incomplete records Following the steps above ensures you stay protected and gives you an authoritative way to verify which information is correct.

If the transmission shown in your Experian AutoCheck report appears to be incorrect, it's important to know that this information is supplied directly by the manufacturer when the vehicle is first registered with the DVLA. Experian does not manually alter or override these details. Because manufacturer supplied data can occasionally differ from what is physically on the vehicle — especially after modifications, replacement parts, or historical recording errors — we recommend contacting your local dealership for confirmation. The dealership can verify the correct transmission type based on the vehicle's VIN and manufacturer records. This ensures you have the most accurate and up to date information before making any purchasing decisions.

Unit Stocking is a type of motor dealer finance agreement. It is used by dealerships to fund their vehicle stock, allowing them to hold multiple cars on their forecourt without paying for each one upfront. If Unit Stocking appears on your Experian AutoCheck report, it usually isn't something to worry about, as it simply indicates that the dealer has financed the vehicle through their stocking facility. If you have any concerns, you can ask the dealer for written proof that they will clear the finance agreement before you buy the vehicle. This helps ensure the finance agreement is fully cleared before you buy the vehicle, giving you complete peace of mind.

Buying a written off vehicle can be an option, but it comes with important risks and considerations. Before making a decision, you should think carefully about the following factors: Inform your insurance company Always check with your insurer before buying a written off car. If you fail to declare it, your insurer may refuse a claim, even if the write off category doesn't affect your premium. Some insurers will still cover a written off vehicle, but payouts may be significantly reduced if a claim is made. Get a full mechanical inspection An MOT certificate does not confirm that the car has been repaired to a safe standard. Written off vehicles — especially those previously classed as Category S (structural damage) or Category N (non structural damage) — should undergo a professional mechanical inspection to ensure repairs were completed correctly and safely. Expect a lower market value A car that has been written off will typically have a much lower market value than an equivalent non damaged vehicle. You should never pay full price for a written off car, and you should factor in the long term impact on depreciation. Consider future resale challenges Written off vehicles can be harder to sell later. Many dealerships will not accept a previously written off car as a part exchange, and private buyers may be reluctant to purchase one. Anyone buying the car in the future will likely have the same concerns you have now. Summary: Is it worth buying a written off car? You can buy a written off vehicle safely if it has been repaired properly and the price reflects its reduced value — but only after completing thorough checks, including an Experian AutoCheck and an independent mechanical inspection. Written off cars often offer good value but come with higher risk, lower resale potential, and extra due diligence requirements.

Categories of Write-Off

Category	Description
A	This vehicle is beyond repair and must be crushed in its entirety. No parts can be reused.
B	The vehicle is beyond repair. The shell must be destroyed, but usable parts may be recycled.
C	A vehicle with extensive damage that the insurer has chosen no to repair, but could be repaired and safely returned to the road. (Older category - now replaced by S/N but still appears for historical records.)
D	A damaged vehicle the insurer has chosen not to repair, despite repair being possible. (Also an older category now replaced by S/N.)
F	A vehicle damaged by fire, that the insurer has decided not to repair.
S	A structurally damaged repairable vehicle where the insurer or owner has chosen not to complete the repair. The vehicle HAS sustained structural damage.
N	A non-structurally damaged repairable vehicle. The vehicle HAS NOT sustained structural or chassis damage, but may still require significant mechanical or cosmetic repairs.

An Experian AutoCheck will only show accident damage if the vehicle has been recorded as an insurance write off. This means the vehicle must have been subject to an official write off claim through an insurance company for the damage to appear in the report. If a vehicle has been damaged and repaired privately by the owner, or repaired by an insurance company without it being classed as a write off, there will be no record of this damage in the AutoCheck report. Minor accidents, cosmetic repairs, and unreported incidents are not captured. AutoCheck focuses on verifiable, insurance recorded events, making it a powerful tool for identifying serious historical damage — but it cannot detect every repair made during the vehicle's lifetime.

Yes - an Experian AutoCheck can show the approximate area of damage on a written-off vehicle. Insurance companies supply Experian with write-off data, which may include the severity of the damage and the areas of the vehicle that were affected. If you need more details about where exactly the damage occurred or how extensive it was, the best next step is to arrange an independent mechanical inspection. A qualified inspector can assess the quality of repairs, confirm whether structural work was carried out, and help you understand the true condition of the vehicle before you commit to buying it.

Around 49% of vehicles* checked with Experian AutoCheck have outstanding finance, meaning the vehicle is still legally owned by the finance company until the debt is fully settled. If you buy a car that has outstanding finance and the seller doesn't clear the agreement, the finance company may repossess the vehicle, leaving you without the car and without the money you paid. Many people buy cars using finance, which works similarly to a mortgage. The registered keeper of the car (the person whose name appears on the V5C) is not necessarily the legal owner if finance is still owed. The finance company remains the legal owner until the loan is settled in full. What to do if AutoCheck shows outstanding finance If your Experian AutoCheck report confirms that the vehicle has active finance, we strongly recommend speaking to both: • The seller, to understand their intentions, and • The finance company, to confirm the amount owed and ensure the agreement will be cleared before purchase. This step protects you from the risk of unintentionally buying a vehicle that legally still belongs to someone else. * Based on web-based AutoChecks between 1 Jan 2026 - 31 Mar 2026

An Experian AutoCheck will alert you if a vehicle has been reported as stolen, because Experian receives daily updates from the Police National Computer (PNC). This means you'll know before you purchase whether the car is currently listed as stolen. If you buy a vehicle that has been reported stolen, the consequences are serious: The police will seize the vehicle A stolen vehicle legally belongs to its original owner or their insurer. If you unknowingly purchase it, the police will take the vehicle from you, and it will not be returned. You will lose the money you paid Because the vehicle was never legally the seller's to sell, you have no legal right to keep it, and you may not be able to recover the money from the seller — especially if the seller cannot be traced. Stolen vehicles are more common than many buyers realise In 2025, 90,625 vehicles were recorded as stolen* on the Police National Computer, showing just how important a history check is in protecting used car buyers. How AutoCheck protects you By running an Experian AutoCheck before buying, you reduce the risk of unintentionally purchasing a stolen car — potentially saving you from losing both the vehicle and the money you paid. *Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) lost or stolen (LoS) data for 2025.

A mileage anomaly appears when a vehicle's recorded mileage is not sequential, meaning the mileage has decreased at some point rather than increased. This kind of discrepancy can indicate that the vehicle may have been 'clocked', where the odometer (milometer) has been altered to show a lower reading than the true mileage. How to investigate a mileage anomaly To understand whether the mileage is genuine, you should: • Check the vehicle's service history and compare the recorded mileages to the current reading • Review MOT certificates, where applicable, for mileage consistency • Speak to the seller and request proof of any legitimate odometer replacement or correction • If needed, contact a franchise dealership to verify mileage related repairs or replacements These steps can help you confirm whether the discrepancy is a harmless administrative error or a sign of deliberate mileage tampering. Important note about DVLA mileage rounding The DVLA may sometimes round mileage readings to the nearest thousand, which can create minor inconsistencies in the recorded mileages shown in your AutoCheck report. This rounding does not indicate tampering.

Sometimes an Experian AutoCheck report may show no mileage data at all, and this can happen for several legitimate reasons. Mileage information is not guaranteed because it relies on third party submissions, and gaps in reporting are common. Why mileage data might be missing Mileage may not appear on your report if: • A dealer has serviced the vehicle but did not submit the mileage during the service. • A vehicle keeper failed to enter the mileage on the V5C logbook when notifying the DVLA of a keeper change, resulting in no DVLA provided record. • The vehicle had an early mileage record when new, but no further updates were submitted for several years. This can occur when service centres or owners don't pass mileage records to the relevant databases. Missing mileage is not unusual and does not necessarily indicate a problem, but it does require further checks.

If a seller cannot provide a V5C logbook or a valid MOT certificate (for vehicles that require one), you should not purchase the vehicle. Without these documents, you will not be covered under the Experian AutoCheck Data Guarantee, and you may be at significantly higher risk of fraud or hidden issues. If the seller claims the V5C has been sent to the DVLA Sometimes sellers say they have posted the V5C to the DVLA—for example, to update keeper details or after a plate change. If this happens, you should: • Wait until the V5C is returned before completing the purchase • Ensure the seller is the registered keeper (if buying privately) • Check their ID — a passport and recent utility bill should match the name and address on the V5C once it arrives If anything seems inconsistent, we suggest you walk away. If you are buying from a trader A trader should always have the V5C and a valid MOT available. If they don't: • Ask why the documents are missing • If the V5C is at the DVLA due to a number plate change, wait for the updated document • If the dealer cannot produce the correct paperwork, it is safest to walk away from the purchase Missing documentation can indicate problems with ownership, identity, or legality. Why this matters The V5C confirms registered keeper details and helps verify the vehicle's identity. The MOT confirms the vehicle meets minimum roadworthiness standards (where applicable). Without these documents, you expose yourself to risks such as: • Buying a stolen or cloned vehicle • Inheriting undisclosed write off damage • Being unable to tax or sell the vehicle • Losing Data Guarantee protection

The Experian AutoCheck Data Guarantee

If you believe you need to make a claim under the Experian AutoCheck Data Guarantee, you can request a claim form directly from Experian. To begin the process, you must contact the Experian Automotive Claims Department using one of the following methods: By email Send your request to: AutomotiveClaims@uk.Experian.com By post Write to: Experian Automotive Claims Department The Sir John Peace Building Experian Way NG2 Business Park Nottingham NG80 1ZZ Experian will then provide you with a claim form and details of the documentation you'll need to supply. Completing the claim promptly and accurately will help Experian investigate your case as efficiently as possible.

The Experian AutoCheck Data Guarantee protects you for up to £30,000 for a period of two years against specific losses arising from incorrect data supplied in your AutoCheck report, such as if a car you purchase is later revealed to be a write-off. This guarantee gives you added confidence when buying a used vehicle, ensuring you're financially protected if certain key information later proves to be inaccurate. Full details of what is and isn't covered under the Data Guarantee — including eligibility requirements and claim conditions — can be found in the Terms and Conditions PDF available on the AutoCheck website.

Site Security on Experian AutoCheck

Protecting your personal and payment information is a top priority for Experian. That's why all online transactions on the Experian AutoCheck website are processed securely using Barclays Unified Checkout, our trusted payment provider. Barclays Unified Checkout uses advanced encryption and fraud prevention technologies to ensure your payment details are protected at every stage of the transaction. This includes industry-standard Transport Layer Security (TLS) technology, which safeguards sensitive information such as your card number, name, and address so it cannot be intercepted or read by unauthorised parties. In addition, you may be asked to complete extra security checks (such as identity verification through your bank) to further protect your transaction.

Experian is fully committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring your personal information is handled securely at every stage of the AutoCheck process. Your data is only used to support the Experian AutoCheck service, meaning it is processed strictly for purposes such as order fulfilment, customer service, billing, and payment collection. It is never used for unrelated activities. Unless Experian specifically states otherwise, your personal information will not be shared with third parties for any other purpose. This ensures that your details remain private and are only used to deliver the services you've requested. For full transparency, you can review all data handling practices in the Experian Privacy Policy, which explains how your information is stored, processed, and protected. Experian's strict privacy controls, combined with industry leading security measures, mean your AutoCheck purchase remains both safe and confidential.

Experian is fully committed to protecting the security of your credit card information. All payments made on the AutoCheck website are processed securely using Barclays Unified Checkout, our trusted payment provider. When you enter your payment details, they are handled directly within Barclays' secure payment environment. Barclays uses advanced security measures, including and fraud prevention tools to protect your information during transmission and processing. Experian does not store your credit or debit card details on its systems. Access to any transaction data is strictly controlled, and we apply appropriate security measures to protect your information. For more information on how we handle your personal data, please refer to our Privacy Policy available on the website.