Best car check UK 2026: every provider compared
Before you buy a used car, a history check can save you from a costly mistake — hidden finance, a written-off car, a clocked odometer, or worse. But there are a dozen providers, prices run from free to about £35, and most read the same underlying data. Here's how the main options compare in 2026.
Most providers pull from the same official sources — DVLA, DVSA MOT, and provenance data (Experian, Cap HPI, MIAFTR). So the real differences come down to price, presentation and extra features, not secret data.
At a glance
| Provider | Typical price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| HPI | ~£19.99 (full) | The established brand name on a single car |
| CarVertical | ~£33.99 | Cars with imported / European history |
| Total Car Check | Free basic · ~£1.99 full | The cheapest paid basic check |
| CarCostCheck | ~£4.99 | A cheap full check with valuation |
| PlateInsight | Credit-based / app | App users who want a quick AI read on one car |
| Verdari | £2.99 Light · £6.99 Full | Comparing several cars + an AI verdict on which to buy |
How to choose
- Checking one car on a tight budget → Total Car Check or CarCostCheck.
- A car imported from Europe → CarVertical (its overseas data is its strength).
- You want the famous brand name → HPI.
- You're comparing a shortlist, or you want an AI verdict telling you which car to buy → Verdari.
Our take
Most checks hand you the same data and leave you to interpret it. But that's not how people actually shop — you're usually weighing up two or three cars at once. Being able to see them side by side, with a 0–10 score and a single recommended pick, is the difference between guessing and knowing.
Prices are indicative and correct at the time of writing — check each provider for current pricing. Verdari is independent and not affiliated with the other services listed.