Are HPI Checks Worth It?

Written by Danny Collins
Last updated: January 26, 2024

When buying a used car, should you get an HPI check? An HPI check, or a full car check, can tell you about a used car, such as whether it has been in an accident or has outstanding finances. This blog post will explore the pros and cons of getting an HPI check for a used car.

What Is an HPI Check?

An HPI check is a service that checks a car’s history. This includes information such as whether the car has been in any accidents, if it has outstanding finance, or if it has been stolen. This information can be important when considering buying a used car, as it can give you an idea of any potential problems that the car may have.

An HPI check on your car can tell you several things about a vehicle’s history, such as:

  • Whether it has been in any accidents
  • If it has outstanding finance
  • If it has been stolen
  • Its mileage history
  • If it has been previously written off
  • The number of previous owners who have owned the item previously
  • The number of changes to the number plate and colour
  • The VIN (vehicle identification number)
  • If the vehicle has been scrapped or exported
  • If the car has a current MOT

These checks can be important when considering buying a used car, as they can give you an idea of any potential problems that the car may have.

How Much Does an HPI Check Cost?

An HPI check can cost anywhere from £20 to £40. This may seem like a lot of investment, but it is important to remember that an HPI check can give you valuable information about a car. Sometimes, this information could save you from buying a car with hidden problems.

Why Get an HPI Check?

You may want to get an HPI check for a used car for several reasons. As we mentioned, an HPI check can reveal important information about the car’s history. This can help you to make a sound decision about whether you should buy the car.

In addition, an HPI check can give you peace of mind. If you are buying a car that is significantly cheaper than similar models, an HPI check can help you to find out why. For example, the car may have been in an accident or have outstanding finance.

Are There Any Drawbacks to HPI Checks?

One potential drawback of getting an HPI check is that it can be expensive. As we mentioned, the cost of an HPI check can range from £20 to £40. This may not seem like a lot of money, but it can add up if you check multiple cars.

In addition, an HPI check can sometimes give false positives. This means that the check may say that an automobile has been in an accident when it hasn’t or that it has outstanding finance when it doesn’t. While this is not common, it is something to be aware of.

How Can I Tell If My Car is HPI Clear?

How to tell if the car is HPI-clear? You can ask the seller if they have an HPI certificate for the car. This certificate confirms the car is HPI-clear.

You can also do an online HPI check. You will need the car’s registration number and mileage to do this. Once you have this information, you can enter it into the HPI website, and they will tell you if the car is clear or not.

Is It Worth It To Get An HPI Check?

Whether or not you should get an HPI check for a used car is a decision you will need to make based on your circumstances. If you are buying a car that is significantly cheaper than similar models, it may be worth getting an HPI check to find out why. In addition, an HPI check can give you peace of mind if you are worried about the car’s history. However, if you are buying a car from a reputable dealer and are not concerned about the car’s history, you may not need to get an HPI check.

The bottom line is that an HPI check can be a valuable tool when buying a used car. However, it is not necessary for all situations. You will need to decide whether or not an HPI check is right for you based on your circumstances.

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