A complete, step-by-step guide to running vehicle history checks and making the most of your Vinfo reports.
Getting Started
Vinfo makes it simple to check any UK-registered vehicle's history in seconds. Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious about a vehicle's background, our platform provides instant access to comprehensive reports.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Enter a Valid UK Registration Number
What you need:
- The vehicle's registration number (number plate)
- Example format: AB12 CDE, AB12CDE, A123 BCD or any other Personal number plate
Where to find it:
- Front and rear number plates on the vehicle
- Vehicle listing if buying online
- V5C logbook (registration certificate)
Tips:
- Don't worry about spacing - we format it automatically
- Double-check for accuracy - one wrong character changes everything
- Can't read a plate? Use the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) if available
Step 2: Choose SMART Check or Full Check
Every check starts with a free SMART Check. Upgrade to a Full Check for the complete history:
🔍 SMART Check — Free
- Make, model, year and technical specification
- Tax and MOT status
- Mileage and technical analysis
- AI-assisted market analysis
⭐ Full Check — Recommended before buying
- Everything in the SMART Check, plus:
- Outstanding finance check
- Stolen vehicle check
- Insurance write-off check
- Full detailed MOT history
- Full previous owners list
- Import / export check
- AI-assisted valuation analysis
- AI predictive maintenance insights
Step 3: Review Your Report
Your report will be generated instantly. Here's how to read it effectively:
🎯 Focus on Key Areas First
- Outstanding Finance Alert: Check this immediately. If present, the vehicle shouldn't be purchased unless finance is settled first.
- Stolen Vehicle Status: If flagged as stolen, stop immediately and report to police.
- Write-Off History: Category S/N write-offs are repairable but significantly reduce value. Never buy Cat A/B write-offs.
- Mileage Discrepancies: Look for any drops or unusual patterns in the mileage graph.
📊 Understanding the Summary Panel
At the top of your report, you'll see a quick summary with color-coded indicators:
- Green/Pass - No issues found
- Amber/Warning - Items requiring attention
- Red/Alert - Critical issues found
🔍 Diving Into Details
After checking critical alerts, review:
- Vehicle Specification: Confirm matches seller's description
- MOT History: Look for patterns of failures or recurring issues
- Keeper History: Multiple owners in short periods can be a red flag
- Plate Changes: One change is normal, multiple changes need explanation
Step 4: Take Action Based on Results
- Proceed with physical inspection of the vehicle
- Verify report details match physical vehicle and documents
- Check the V5C logbook confirms the information
- Test drive and assess condition
- Use the valuation to negotiate price
- Previous Cat N write-off (cosmetic damage)
- MOT advisories for future attention
- Slightly higher than average mileage
- Multiple previous owners
What to do:
- Ask seller to explain any issues found
- Request repair documentation for write-offs
- Factor issues into price negotiations (10-30% reduction typical)
- Consider getting independent inspection if concerned
- Proceed with caution but don't necessarily walk away
- Outstanding finance
- Stolen vehicle marker
- Category S write-off (structural damage)
- Significant mileage discrepancies
- Multiple plate changes
- Outstanding Finance: Do not purchase until seller provides proof of settlement. Consider using a settlement company to handle the transaction.
- Stolen: Walk away immediately and report to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) or local police.
- Cat S or Clocking: Either walk away or get professional inspection and demand significant price reduction.
Step 5: Complete Your Purchase Confidently
If the report is satisfactory and you decide to proceed:
Pre-purchase checklist
- Vehicle history report matches vehicle and documents
- V5C logbook is present and correct
- Service history is complete
- Keys (including spare) are present
- Test drive completed successfully
- Professional inspection (if required)
- Price negotiated based on report findings
📄 Required Documents
- V5C registration certificate (logbook)
- MOT certificate (if older than 3 years)
- Service history and receipts
- Owner's manual and service book
- Insurance write-off repair documentation (if applicable)
💡 Final Tips
- Never pay cash - use secure payment methods
- Get a receipt with both parties' details
- Register the vehicle in your name immediately
- Keep your vehicle history report for insurance and resale purposes
Advanced Features
📱 Mobile Access
Run checks from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet. Perfect for checking vehicles while viewing them.
📧 Email Reports
All reports are automatically emailed to you for permanent record-keeping and easy sharing with others.
🔄 Report History
Access all your previous checks from your account dashboard. Compare vehicles side-by-side.
💾 Download Reports
Download reports as PDF files for offline viewing, insurance claims, or documentation purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
💡 Pro Tips for Best Results
- Check vehicles BEFORE traveling to view them
- Run reports on multiple similar vehicles to compare
- Save reports for all vehicles you're seriously considering
- Use the valuation tool to avoid overpaying
- Share reports with family/friends for second opinions
- Keep reports for insurance and resale purposes