When should I run the check — before or after viewing?

Run the registration check before you travel so you can review the returned vehicle, MOT and paid-history information first. The damage scan is best done during the viewing, while you can walk around the car.

What if the seller won't let me scan the panels?

That is a red flag. A genuine seller has nothing to hide. If they refuse a 30-second photo scan, walk away — the vehicle may have undisclosed damage or a mismatched VIN. If you still want to proceed, switch to manual inspection: check panel gaps with a credit card, look for overspray in door shuts, and run a magnet over repairs to detect filler. Ask direct questions: 'Has this panel ever been repaired or resprayed?' 'Do you have invoices for any bodywork?' 'Why does the paint look different under this light?'

Does the report prove the car is clear of finance?

A completed finance check shows the status returned by the history-data provider at the recorded lookup time. If the check is unavailable, the report says so; if a marker appears, ask the seller for current settlement evidence.

Can I use the damage scan for an insurance claim?

The damage scan is a guidance aid and does not replace an insurer, engineer or body-shop inspection. Keep your original photographs and follow the evidence requirements of the organisation handling the claim.

What happens if I find a problem during the viewing?

Pause the purchase, ask the seller for supporting documents and arrange an independent inspection where needed. A report can inform your decision, but it cannot verify physical repair quality by itself.

Is this a subscription or one-off?

Every report is a one-off purchase per vehicle. No recurring fees, no auto-renewal, and no account lock-in. Pay once, get the report, done.

Buyer Protocol

The Expert Car Check buyer journey

Buy your next car with eyes wide open.

A straight, three-step path from registration plate to keys in hand — no surprises on the driveway.

Vehicle · MOT · history · availability

Viewing a car this week?

Three steps. No surprises on the driveway.

01
Check the reg
Enter the plate, then review which vehicle, MOT and history checks completed or were unavailable.
02
Run the AI damage scan
Point your camera at any panel. We flag dents, scratches, rust and cracks in real time.
03
Drive home with proof
Open the report and distinguish returned findings from checks that were unavailable.

Start with the reg check

Viewing this weekend?

The 48-hour buyer checklist.

From Friday evening research to Saturday signature — every checkpoint that separates a bargain from a write-off waiting to happen.

Phase 01

Friday evening

Run the reg check — finance, write-offs, stolen marker, MOT
Check the MOT history for consistent advisories
Set your walk-away price before you arrive

Research phase

Phase 02

Saturday morning

Arrive in daylight — panel defects hide in shade
Cold-start the engine — listen for knocks and smoke
Walk around with the AI damage scan — every panel

Inspection phase

Phase 03

During the test drive

Test brakes at low and high speed — no pulling or vibration
Check all electrics — windows, AC, infotainment, lights
Verify the VIN matches the logbook and the report

Test drive

Phase 04

Before you hand over cash

Confirm the seller's ID matches the V5C registered keeper
Check for outstanding recall campaigns
Get a receipt with the vehicle details, price, and both signatures

Close the deal

Start the reg check now

FILE / 005 — FREQUENTLY ASKED