Check the accident history of my car
Check if a car has been in an accident before purchasing a used vehicle and you could avoid buying something that will cost you a lot more in the long run.
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What's included in a vehicle crash history check
An hpi check® will tell you if a car has previously been written off and the extent of the damage done.
As well as a vehicle’s write-off status, an hpi check® includes details on its MOT history and scrappage status – further clues about the vehicle’s past scrapes.
Check this sample hpi check® report to see the wealth of information that you’ll get if you want to check a vehicle’s accident history.
✔ Mileage discrepancies: We compare the vehicle’s recorded mileage against data from various sources, including the National Mileage Register, to detect any inconsistencies.
✔ Mileage anomaly alerts: If the vehicle shows signs of clocking (odometer rollback), we’ll alert you so you can avoid a potentially fraudulent purchase.
✔ Full vehicle history: In addition to mileage, you’ll receive information on outstanding finance, previous write-offs, theft status and more.
How to check a car for signs of a crash
Of course, a car may have been involved in an accident where it was not written off by insurance. Some cars may be listed as scrapped after being damaged, then repaired and sold on with little information about what happened. hpi check® also offers help in this circumstance with a car scrap check that gives you the vital information needed to back out of a potentially dangerous deal.
Other vehicles may have been involved in an accident and repaired without being written off. Depending on what was damaged and how it was repaired, this could influence your ultimate decision to part with your money.
Look out for these signs that a car has had repairs and ask the seller for details if you spot them.
✔ Mismatched paint: Look for slight colour variations, especially in direct sunlight. This could indicate a panel has been repainted or replaced after significant damage.
✔ Scratches and dents: While minor blemishes are common, be wary of deep scratches, uneven repairs or dents that appear poorly filled. These could be attempts to cover an impact.
✔ Misaligned doors or panels: Uneven gaps between doors, the boot or the bonnet can indicate the car’s frame has been bent in an accident and poorly repaired.
✔ Weld marks: Rough welds, particularly beneath the car or around the chassis and engine, could be a sign of major repairs after a collision.
✔ Rust spots: Excessive rust, particularly around previous repairs or near welds, can indicate moisture trapped beneath the paint, potentially weakening the bodywork.
✔ Headlights: Check that both headlights are aligned properly and appear the same age. A mismatch may suggest a previous front-on collision.
✔ MOT checker: Has the vehicle previously failed an MOT due to structural issues? You can find this information for free using our MOT history check.
How much does it cost to check vehicle accident history?
A full hpi check® costs £19.99 and offers a comprehensive report detailing if the vehicle has been written off as well as the extent of the damage. This report covers over 80 critical data points, giving you complete peace of mind before you commit to a purchase.
If you’re evaluating multiple vehicles, our Multicheck package gives you access to three full reports for £29.99. That’s a 50% saving compared to buying individual reports, enabling you to thoroughly compare several options for less.
For those who need just the basics, we offer a vehicle accident history check starting from £9.99. This package will inform you if the car has been recorded as written off. This option does
not include information on what category of write-off was recorded and is not backed by our £30,000 data guarantee.
Why should I check if a car has been in an accident?
Purchasing a car without knowing its accident history can lead to unforeseen costs and safety risks. A third of all the vehicles in our database have something to hide. Yours may have been in a serious collision and have underlying structural issues, even if it appears fine on the surface. These hidden problems can affect the car’s performance, longevity and – most importantly – your safety.
By checking if a car has been in an accident, you can:
✔ Ensure safety: Verify that the vehicle meets safety standards, protecting you and your passengers from potential hazards.
✔ Avoid unexpected costs: Prevent expensive repairs down the line due to hidden damage.
✔ Negotiate better deals: Use the information to negotiate a fair price based on the car’s true condition.
✔ Make informed decisions: Gain full transparency about the vehicle’s history to buy with confidence.
Why choose hpi check® for a car's crash history?
When it comes to revealing a vehicle’s accident history, hpi check® is your trusted partner:
✔ Industry leaders: With over 80 years of experience, we are pioneers in vehicle history reports and the UK’s only provider of the genuine hpi check®.
✔ Comprehensive data: Our reports include over 80 data points, giving you detailed insights into any past accidents or write-offs.
✔ Exclusive guarantee: We stand by the accuracy of our information, offering you financial protection up to £30,000 against any discrepancies.
✔ Exceptional customer support: Our dedicated UK-based team is available seven days a week to assist you with any questions.
✔ Millions of satisfied users: See below some of the success stories from customers who have used hpi check® to buy better when shopping for used cars.
Check your vehicle's accident history today
Don’t leave your next car purchase to chance. An hpi check® provides essential insights to ensure the vehicle you’re considering is safe, reliable and worth your investment. Uncover any hidden accident history and buy with confidence.
Visit our knowledge hub for more tips on avoiding common pitfalls when buying a used car.