New car check service undercuts HPI, AA, and RAC with comprehensive 50+ point vehicle history reports for only £8.99. Finance, stolen, and write-off checks included.
A new player has entered the UK vehicle check market - and they're undercutting everyone. Cheap As Checks has launched with full car history reports starting at just £8.99, making it the cheapest comprehensive vehicle check available in the UK.
But is the cheapest option actually any good? We've compared what you get for your money against established providers like HPI, AA, and RAC.
Before we dive into pricing, let's understand what a comprehensive vehicle history check reveals:
Outstanding finance is one of the biggest risks when buying a used car. If the previous owner hasn't paid off their finance agreement, the finance company can legally repossess the vehicle from you - even if you paid the seller in full. A finance check searches databases from major lenders including Experian to identify any active HP (Hire Purchase), PCP, or loan agreements secured against the vehicle.
Nobody wants to unknowingly buy a stolen car. A stolen vehicle check searches the Police National Computer (PNC) database to verify the car hasn't been reported stolen. If you purchase a stolen vehicle, you'll lose both the car and your money when it's recovered.
Insurance write-offs are categorised as:
A full car check reveals any write-off history, helping you make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the purchase.
While you can check MOT history for free (including here on Free MOT Check), a full report presents this information alongside other data to help identify mileage discrepancies - a key indicator of odometer tampering or "clocking."
Track how many previous owners the vehicle has had, when the registration was changed, and any V5C (logbook) updates. Frequent keeper changes or unexplained gaps can indicate problems.
Car check prices in the UK vary dramatically. Here's how the major providers compare in 2025:
| Provider | Single Check Price | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Cheap As Checks | £8.99 | 50+ checks including finance, stolen, write-off, MOT, valuations |
| HPI Check | £19.99+ | Finance, stolen, write-off, mileage |
| AA Car Check | £9.95-£19.95 | Varies by package |
| RAC Vehicle Check | £9.99-£14.99 | Varies by package |
| Experian AutoCheck | £14.99+ | Finance, stolen, write-off |
| Total Car Check | £9.99+ | Finance, stolen, write-off, MOT |
Note: Prices are indicative and may change. Always check current pricing on provider websites.
At just £8.99, Cheap As Checks offers the most affordable comprehensive vehicle check in the UK. But cheap doesn't mean basic - every report includes over 50 checks:
One of the unique features of Cheap As Checks is their automatic discount system. Each report you purchase reduces the price by £1 until you reach £4.99 - making it even cheaper for regular users like dealers or car enthusiasts who check multiple vehicles.
Free car checks are great for basic information, but they have limitations:
For a complete picture before buying a used car, a paid check is essential. The question is simply which provider offers the best value.
Run a check before you visit to view a vehicle. This saves time if the check reveals problems, and means you arrive informed and ready to ask the right questions.
If you viewed a car without checking it first, run a check before you commit to buying. The cost of a check is nothing compared to discovering finance or write-off issues after purchase.
Consider running a check on your own vehicle before selling. This helps you understand what buyers will find and allows you to address any questions proactively.
If a vehicle has outstanding finance, the finance company has a legal claim on it. Walking away is usually the safest option unless the seller can provide proof of settlement before completion.
Repaired write-offs can be good value if properly fixed, but require careful inspection. Ask for documentation of repairs and consider an independent inspection before buying.
If MOT records show the mileage going backwards or jumping unexpectedly, the odometer may have been tampered with. This is illegal and suggests the seller isn't trustworthy.
While not always a problem, many owners in a short time can indicate underlying issues that cause people to sell quickly.
A changed registration plate isn't necessarily suspicious - many people buy private plates. But combined with other red flags, it could indicate an attempt to hide the vehicle's history.
Running a car check is just one part of safe used car buying:
A full vehicle history check is essential when buying a used car, but you don't need to pay premium prices. At just £8.99, Cheap As Checks offers the cheapest comprehensive car check in the UK with over 50 checks including finance, stolen, and write-off data from trusted sources like Experian.
Start with a free MOT history check, then unlock the full report when you find a car you're serious about. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Related Resources:
Part of
Complete mot guide Guide →Learn everything about MOT tests - what MOT stands for, why it's required, when you need one, and what gets checked during the annual vehicle inspection.
Vehicle HistoryLearn why checking a vehicle's service history is essential when buying or selling a used car. Discover how official manufacturer service records work and protect yourself from fraud.
Before Your MOTComplete pre-MOT checklist to help you prepare your vehicle and pass first time. Learn what to check before your MOT test and simple DIY fixes you can do yourself.