Car scrap check
If a car has been registered as scrapped but still appears for sale, it could indicate fraud or hidden issues that could cost you time and money. Use our scrapped vehicle check today to confirm a car’s status before you buy.
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What's included in a scrapped vehicle check?
Check if a vehicle has been scrapped with us and we’ll provide you with crucial information that can help you make an informed purchase.
With hpi check®, you’ll receive:
✔ Scrapped vehicle status: Instantly find out if a car, van or motorbike has been declared scrapped and is no longer legally allowed on the road.
✔ DVLA & insurer records: Verify if the vehicle has been flagged as scrapped by insurers, salvage yards or the DVLA.
✔ Write-off history check: See if the car was declared a total loss by an insurance company, as well as what category of write-off it was if so.
✔ Full vehicle identification: Cross-check the vehicle’s make, model, colour and VIN to confirm they match official records.
✔ Additional vehicle checks: With our full pi check®, you’ll also get details on outstanding finance, mileage discrepancies, previous theft records and more.
How much does it cost to check if a car has been scrapped?
A full hpi check® costs £19.99 and includes a detailed report covering over 80 key data points about the vehicle’s history – including whether it has been registered as scrapped with DVLA.
If you’re checking multiple cars, our MultiCheck package lets you check three vehicles for £29.99, saving you 50% compared to individual checks.
For a basic scrapped vehicle check, our £9.99 option will tell you if the car is recorded as scrapped but won’t include our £30,000 data guarantee or additional insights like write-off details or mileage discrepancies.
Why should I check if a vehicle has been scrapped?
Buying a scrapped car unknowingly could lead to:
✔ Safety risks: A car that has been registered as scrapped will have been deemed completely unsafe to be driven again. Unknowingly driving a car in this condition can put you at significant risk.
✔ Legal issues: A scrapped vehicle is no longer road-legal. If caught driving one, you could have your vehicle seized and face other penalties. You could even face a £1,000 fine simply for owning the vehicle if its scrapped status has not been passed on to DVLA.
✔ Financial loss: If you unknowingly purchase a scrapped car, you will not be able to register, insure, tax or legally drive it, meaning you lose all your investment.
✔ Hidden vehicle fraud: Some unscrupulous sellers try to sell scrapped vehicles with fake paperwork or altered VINs to hide their history.
With hpi check®, you can see instantly if a car has been scrapped and avoid these costly mistakes.
Signs that a car for sale might be scrapped
If you’re considering a vehicle purchase, look out for these warning signs that indicate a vehicle may have been scrapped:
✔ No valid V5C logbook
✔ Significantly lower price than similar models
✔ Altered or missing Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
✔ No service history or past MOT records unavailable
✔ Signs of heavy repairs or non-standard welding on key parts
✔ Seller avoids answering questions about the vehicle’s past
If you notice any of these red flags, run a car scrap check before making a purchase.
Why choose hpi® car scrap check?
When it comes to verifying a vehicle, hpi check® offers industry-leading protection.
✔ Unrivalled experience: We’ve been helping UK drivers avoid vehicle fraud since 1938.
✔ Direct access to official records: We check DVLA and insurance databases to uncover the truth about your vehicle’s write-off status and if it has been registered as scrapped.
✔ £30,000 data guarantee: Our data accuracy means you’re financially protected if you suffer any kind of financial loss to due inaccurate reporting.
✔ Genuine hpi check®: We are the only provider of the authentic hpi check® – don’t trust cheap or free alternatives.
✔ Seven-day UK-based support team: Get expert help anytime you need it.
Every year, we help thousands of buyers avoid costly mistakes and fight back against fraudsters. Make sure you’re one of them.
Buy smarter with a car safety recall check today
Don’t take any chances when purchasing a used car. A quick and easy safety recall check with hpi check® provides you with essential information to ensure your safety and peace of mind.
Visit our knowledge hub for more information on what to look out for when you buy a used car.