HPI Check UK: How to Check Whether a Car Has Finance Owing or Is Stolen

Why check a car before buying it in the UK

A used car from the UK market may have outstanding finance (a loan, lease or hire purchase agreement), may be stolen, or may have a write-off history. The UK registration certificate (V5C, or log book) shows the registered keeper but does not tell you whether finance is secured on the vehicle, so it is not enough on its own. A vehicle history report closes that gap before you pay rather than after. If you then plan to bring the car to Poland, see also car customs clearance from the UK to Poland.

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What an HPI Check covers

According to the provider’s website (HPI Check), the report covers, among other things:

• outstanding finance – whether a loan or finance agreement is secured on the car,
• theft – whether the vehicle is recorded as stolen on the Police National Computer,
• insurance write-off – whether the car has been declared a total loss,
• mileage discrepancies – where mileage data is available,
• number plate changes, plus VIN and V5C data.

As of 25 October 2026 the provider lists a basic check from £9.99 and its most popular check at £19.99 with a guarantee of up to £30,000 (the basic check does not include the guarantee, mileage or write-off information). Prices and coverage change, so check the current offer. Other providers, such as Experian AutoCheck, offer similar reports.

How to check a car step by step

1. Get the registration number and VIN and ask the seller for a photo of the V5C. Compare the VIN with the document and with the number on the vehicle – a mismatch is a warning sign.
2. Check the free data on gov.uk. The DVLA vehicle information service shows, for example, vehicle tax, MOT expiry, the date first registered and the date the last V5C was issued, and the MOT history shows test results. These tools are not a check for finance. Gov.uk also advises checking that the log book is not for a stolen vehicle.
3. Buy an HPI Check (or a comparable report) for the registration number.
4. If the report shows finance, do not pay until the seller has settled it. Ask for written confirmation of settlement from the finance company and run the check again.
5. Keep your evidence: the report, the invoice or sale agreement and your correspondence with the seller.

If you buy a car with outstanding finance, you may lose it to the finance company – which is why the report is worth having before you transfer any money. A stolen car can be seized, and recovering your money from the seller may be impossible.

Taking the car from the UK to Poland

After buying and checking the car, plan the formalities on both sides of the border:

• In the UK: if you are taking the car abroad permanently (for 12 months or more), you must tell DVLA by sending in the completed permanent export section of the V5C (gov.uk: taking vehicles out of the UK). Whether an export declaration is needed, and which, we confirm case by case – see how to submit a customs declaration in the UK.
• In Poland: import clearance with duty, VAT and excise, followed by a technical inspection and registration at the vehicle registration office. Prepare the proof of purchase and the V5C. Details: customs duty on cars from the UK and registering a UK car in Poland.
• Moving back for good: if you are returning to Poland permanently and the car qualifies, see a car as relocation goods.

Importing a car from the UK and need customs clearance?

Once you have checked the vehicle’s history, we can help with customs clearance and import formalities. Call: +44 333 335 5072 or go to the contact form. Individual quote after documents are submitted.

Customs agency registered with CDS, UK EORI number.

Frequently asked questions