When you buy a used car, you want to be sure the history of that car is clean and legitimate.
A car history check can save you from making expensive mistakes, from identifying previous ownership to ensuring an MOT has been carried out and the mileage is correct. Luckily, there are many tools available for free that will do a quick and reliable car history check.
We will be discussing five of the best platforms for running a free car history check, beginning with the leading choice—Motorscan.
1. Motorscan
As the top platform to run free car history checks in the UK, Motorscan stands out. Motorscan was designed to be user friendly by offering detailed reports covering critical aspects of a vehicle’s history. By simply entering the car’s registration number, you can access:
- MOT History: View past MOT results, including advisories and failures.
- Tax Status: Verify if the car is taxed and road-legal.
- Mileage Records: Check for mileage discrepancies to detect potential odometer fraud.
- Additional Details: Discover past ownership records and car valuation estimates.
The difference between Motorscan and other car buying services is that it is so easy to use, and its reports are so thorough that they cover both the novice and the experienced car buyer. The design of the platform is very user friendly, so even people who don’t know much about car history checks can get around it easily. Motorscan is more than just the basics, offering detailed insights into the important parts of a vehicle’s history to offer unparalleled reliability and convenience.
In addition to free services such as tax and MOT status checks, Motorscan’s premium options bring you advanced features including accident history, outstanding finance records and mileage discrepancy reports. Because of this, it is a very useful tool for anyone who wants to do the proper due diligence before making a purchase. Additionally, Motorscan’s real time updates and accuracy give you confidence that you’re not buying a car that has hidden repairs or is encumbered financially. Motorscan isn’t just a tool for anyone looking to make informed decisions about a car’s history, it’s a trusted partner.
2. DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service
The DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service is an official government platform offering free access to essential vehicle information. By entering the vehicle’s registration number, users can:
- Check the vehicle’s MOT status and due date.
- Confirm its tax status and renewal dates.
- Access limited technical details about the car.
Although the service doesn’t do a full history check, it is a great way to verify a cars legal roadworthiness. The information is accurate because it’s backed by the government.
3. FreeCarCheck
FreeCarCheck is another valuable tool for conducting quick and free car history checks. With this platform, users can:
- Verify the car’s MOT status and tax compliance.
- Check basic information about the vehicle, such as make, model, and age.
- Access free data on whether the car has been stolen or scrapped.
FreeCarCheck’s free reports don’t go too far, but it does offer paid options such as outstanding finance, accident history and mileage verification. For users that simply need basic checks, it’s a good option to go for.
4. Vehicle Smart
Vehicle Smart offers a user-friendly platform and mobile app for checking a car’s history. The free features include:
- Checking the car’s MOT status and advisories.
- Verifying road tax compliance.
- Setting up reminders for MOT and tax renewals.
vehicle smart mobile app makes it easy for users to access vehicle details on the go. The free tier does not yet have detailed reports, but there are premium options that have automobile valuations, accident history and more. It’s a good tool for tech savvy users looking for a quick reference to basic car details.
5. Total Car Check
Total Car Check is a popular option for conducting free car history checks. With this platform, users can:
- Confirm the car’s MOT status and expiry date.
- Check whether the vehicle has been written off.
- View basic vehicle specifications, such as engine size and fuel type.
However, if you need more detailed information such as mileage verification, previous ownership and any outstanding finance, it is possible to buy paid reports from Total Car Check. If you’re in a hurry to find out what a car’s history is without spending a penny, then it’s a reliable choice.
Why Running a Free Car History Check Matters
A free car history check is a crucial step in the car-buying process.
Here’s why:
- Avoiding Fraud: Verifying a car’s history can help identify issues like odometer fraud, outstanding finance, or stolen vehicle records.
- Ensuring Legal Compliance: Tools like Motorscan and the DVLA service confirm whether a car is road-legal by checking its tax and MOT status.
- Making Informed Decisions: Knowing a car’s past ensures that you’re paying a fair price and not inheriting hidden problems.
Choosing the Right Tool
While all the tools listed above offer free services, each has unique strengths. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Motorscan: Best for comprehensive free reports and an easy-to-use interface.
- DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service: Ideal for official MOT and tax verification.
- FreeCarCheck: A solid choice for basic checks with affordable paid upgrades.
- Vehicle Smart: Perfect for mobile users who want reminders and on-the-go access.
- Total Car Check: Reliable for quick checks with options for detailed paid reports.
Final Thoughts
Anyone buying a used car needs to run a car history check. This makes sure you are making a safe and educated choice so you won’t get scammed or get stuck with something out of nowhere. If you’re looking for free tools, Motorscan is the best one, providing comprehensive and accurate reports without any hassle. When combined with other resources like the DVLA service or Total Car Check you can see the complete story of a vehicle’s history.
These five tools all offer valuable insights at no cost to either buyer, seller or to anyone looking to make sure their car is compliant. A thorough car history check can save you from purchasing a vehicle with unresolved finance, incorrect mileage readings or a history of being written off. The best of the best tools like Motorscan strive to make your car buying experience seamless, accurate, and accessible.
Using these resources helps you determine whether a car is roadworthy, legal, etc. Use Motorscan to get started with its easy to use platform and free services, and add on the extra tools below. It’s never been easier to ensure peace of mind and make informed decisions.
