An HPI check for vans in the UK provides information about a vehicle’s history, helping buyers ensure the van is legitimate and free from hidden issues.
Outstanding finance
You can find out whether there is a finance agreement or loan secured against the van. If there is outstanding finance, the lender technically owns the vehicle until this has been paid off.
Stolen vehicle register check
This verifies whether the van has been reported stolen. Buying a stolen van could lead to it being reclaimed by the rightful owner.
Information on insurance write-off status
The check also determines whether the van has been written off by an insurance company due to damage or theft.
Verifies the mileage
The HPI check will also cross-reference the van’s recorded mileage against databases to identify potential clocking, which is tampering with the odometer to show a lower mileage than normal.
Halfords recently brought in new web technology to track the driving habits of the 700 vans in its fleet with a view to improving safety.
Previous owners
You can find out the number of previous owners. This gives you an idea of the van’s usage history.
If you are wondering ‘Are there any used vans for sale near me?’, you can check out local dealerships such as https://cotswoldvancentre.co.uk/buy/used-vans-for-sale for reliable options.
Scrapped status will show up
You can check to see whether the van has been officially scrapped, which would make it illegal to drive or sell.
Registration plate changes
An HPI check also highlights any previous registration plate changes, which could signify a personal plate change or an attempt to disguise the vehicle’s history.
Why an HPI check is essential
An HPI check protects you from potential legal, financial, and safety risks when buying a used van. It ensures the vehicle identification number, or VIN, matches the records and hasn’t been altered or cloned, which could indicate illegal activity. It provides peace of mind by verifying that the van is roadworthy, legally owned, and accurately described by the seller.