The red flags sellers hope you miss
Every report turns thousands of official records into a few clear answers, so you know exactly what to ask before you hand over any money.
Full MOT history
Every test since the car's first MOT: passes, fails, advisories and recorded mileage.
FreeFaults never fixed
Advisories that come back MOT after MOT, a sign the car has been patched, not repaired.
FreeClocked mileage
We flag any test where the mileage went down, the classic sign of a clocked car.
FreeMissing MOT years
Long gaps with no MOT can mean the car was off the road, abroad or on another plate.
FreeOutstanding finance
If money is still owed on the car, the lender can take it back, even after you've paid.
History checkInsurance write-off
Cat S, Cat N and older categories, so a repaired write-off can't be sold as clean.
History checkStolen marker
Checked against police records reported to Experian, before you become the victim.
History checkPlates and keepers
Plate changes, number of previous keepers, last keeper change and import status.
History checkThirty seconds on the forecourt
Enter the reg
Type the number plate from the advert or the car in front of you. No account, no sign-up.
Read the red flags
Get the full MOT history for free, with every warning sign pulled to the top in plain English.
Go deeper if it's the one
Serious about the car? Run a history check for finance, write-off and stolen records before you pay.
Don't buy someone else's debt
Thousands of cars are sold every year with finance still owed, or after being written off and quietly repaired. The history check uses Experian data to show you before you buy.
- Outstanding finance agreements
- Insurance write-off category
- Stolen vehicle marker
- Plate changes, keepers and import status
Data provided by Experian. For information only. Records can be incomplete or out of date. Always check the V5C logbook and get the car inspected before you buy.
See a full example report →- The MOT flagged "front brake discs worn" on 3 tests since May 2023. Has it been repaired? Can I see the invoice?
- The mileage went down from 62,000 to 60,000 in May 2024. Do you have service records that explain this?
- There is no MOT on record from Mar 2021 to May 2022. Was the car off the road, abroad or on a different plate?
- Can I see the V5C logbook and the service history?
Know exactly what to ask
Every report ends with a list of questions written from what we found. Send it to the seller before you travel, or read it out on the driveway. Their answers tell you a lot.
Never miss an MOT again
Save your own cars and Reg Detective reminds you 30, 7 and 1 day before the MOT runs out. Driving without a valid MOT can mean a fine of up to £1,000.
Free to check. Pay only when it matters.
Look at as many cars as you like for free. Run a history check on the one you're serious about.
MOT report
- Full DVSA MOT history
- Faults never fixed
- Mileage and MOT gap checks
- Questions for the seller
- Garage and MOT reminders
History check
- Shown on its own screen, separate from the free DVSA MOT report
- Outstanding finance
- Insurance write-off
- Stolen marker
- Plate changes, keepers and imports
Questions buyers ask
Where does the data come from?
MOT history comes straight from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). The vehicle history check uses Experian data supplied through One Auto API. Reg Detective is not affiliated with or endorsed by the DVSA, DVLA or Experian.
Is the MOT report really free?
Yes. You can check the MOT history of as many cars as you like without paying or creating an account. You only pay if you choose to run a vehicle history check.
Do I need to create an account?
No. The app doesn't ask for your name, email or phone number. Your recent checks and saved cars are stored on your phone.
Can I rely on the report alone?
No report can catch everything. Records can be incomplete or out of date, so always check the V5C logbook and the seller's identity, ask for the service history and get the car inspected by a qualified mechanic before you buy.
What if a paid check doesn't work?
If a history check fails or is clearly wrong because of a fault on our side, contact us and we'll re-run it or arrange a refund. See our terms of use.
Check the car, not just the photos
Reg Detective is coming to Google Play and the App Store.