Question 1

How do I check a vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Enter the UK registration on the home page and choose Check vehicle. We show the free facts first; you can then unlock the full report if you need the complete history and buying tools.

Question 2

What information do I need to perform a check?

Accepted Answer

Only the vehicle registration number shown on the front and rear plate, for example AB12 CDE.

Question 3

How long does it take to get a report?

Accepted Answer

The free check normally appears within seconds. Paid reports begin generating after payment is confirmed and show progress while the available registers are checked.

Question 4

Can I check any UK vehicle?

Accepted Answer

You can check vehicles held in the UK registration data available to our suppliers. Very recent registrations, imports and some specialist vehicles can have incomplete or delayed records.

Question 5

What information is included in a vehicle report?

Accepted Answer

A full report can include identification, MOT and tax, mileage, keepers, finance, stolen and write-off checks, recalls, valuations, specifications, equipment, running costs and tailored questions for the seller. Availability varies by vehicle.

Question 6

My report says finance owing — what now?

Accepted Answer

Do not hand over money until the seller shows written confirmation from the lender that the agreement is settled.

Question 7

How do I read the MOT history section?

Accepted Answer

Read the tests in date order and look for repeat advisories, dangerous or major defects, retests and a consistent mileage sequence. The report summarises these patterns, but it does not replace an inspection.

Question 8

What does the valuation mean?

Accepted Answer

The figures describe different market positions: dealer forecourt, private sale, part exchange, trade and auction. They are estimates based on the vehicle data available when the check runs, not a guaranteed sale price.

Question 9

What is a write-off category?

Accepted Answer

Category A and B vehicles should not return to the road. Category S records structural damage and Category N non-structural damage. A category does not describe the quality of any repair, so ask for evidence and arrange an independent inspection.

Question 10

How can I tell if mileage has been clocked?

Accepted Answer

The mileage chart puts recorded readings in sequence and flags reductions or other anomalies. A clean sequence is useful evidence, but no data check can prove every unrecorded mile.

Question 11

Where does your data come from?

Accepted Answer

We use DVLA, DVSA and licensed supplier feeds covering areas such as finance, insurance history, policing-related records, manufacturer information and professional valuations.

Question 12

How accurate is the information?

Accepted Answer

We present the latest records made available to us. Source data can be delayed, incomplete or corrected later, so verify anything important with the seller, paperwork and an independent inspection.

Question 13

How often is data updated?

Accepted Answer

Each source follows its own timetable. A report records what was available when it was generated; where appropriate, the report shows that check date.

Question 14

What if information is missing from the report?

Accepted Answer

Recent imports, young vehicles, private work and source coverage can all cause gaps. Missing information is shown as unavailable rather than guessed.

Question 15

How much does a vehicle check cost?

Accepted Answer

The essential check is free. A full report is £12.99 at the standard price, with credit packs available for people comparing several vehicles. The checkout always shows the amount payable before payment.

Question 16

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Checkout uses Stripe and supports the card and wallet methods shown in the secure payment form. Ultimate Car Checker does not receive your full card details.

Question 17

Can I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

Paid reports are digital products supplied immediately. If we take payment but cannot supply the purchased report or credit because of a failure on our side, we will re-supply it or refund the amount paid in line with the live terms.

Question 18

How long are bundle credits valid?

Accepted Answer

Unless checkout states otherwise, credits expire 12 months after purchase. The current expiry terms are shown before you buy.

Question 19

The search is not working. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Check the registration against the plate, remove punctuation and try again. If the service still cannot complete the check, keep the error message and contact us so we can investigate.

Question 20

Why can’t I find my vehicle?

Accepted Answer

The registration may be mistyped, newly issued, recently imported, registered outside the UK or not yet available in a source feed. Nothing is charged for a free check that cannot find a vehicle.

Question 21

Can I save or print my report?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Owned reports can be opened again from Saved reports and downloaded as a PDF. Access remains subject to the account, guest or share permissions attached to the report.

Question 22

Is my search history stored?

Accepted Answer

We keep limited search, report and security records where needed to deliver the service, support purchases and prevent misuse. See the privacy notice for the current details and your rights.

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