Car HPI checks are extremely useful when considering buying a car.

An HPI check can confirm:

• that the vehicle is not stolen
• there is no outstanding finance
• the vehicle has not been written off
• whether vehicle is recorded as imported, exported or scrapped
• if vehicle has been involved in any plate changes
• if vehicle has correct vehicle identification number (VIN)

Guide to HPI Terms

Clocking

This is when the mileage has been altered to make it appear much lower than it actually is. Last year 1 in 12 checked cars had mileage discrepancies. It could mean that you pay far in excess of what the car is actually worth. Signs of clocking include wear around the gear stick, steering wheel and driver seat, that would indicate the car is older than its mileage would suggest.

Stolen

375,000 vehicles are stolen every year, many of which are sold on at cheap prices. If it is discovered that you have purchased a car that is stolen, you are required to hand the car over. This means you will lose your money spent on purchasing the car, as well as the car itself.

Written Off

This is when a vehicle is declared a total loss by an insurer due to accidental damage or theft, and they have decided it is not worth repairing. If your insurance company discover your vehicle has been written off they may not be willing to offer insurance, and in the case of a claim, may not pay out. Some write-offs are legally allowed back on the road after repair, but around half are too badly damaged. The Car HPI check allows you to ensure you do not purchase a car that will be a danger to drive. There are five categories of write-off (Association of British Insurers):

• Scrap only.
• Bodyshell to be crushed. Spare parts can be used.
• Extensive damage-insurer decided not to repair.
• Damage-insurer decided not to repair
• Damage by fire- insurer decided not to repair. Often also category A.

Ringing

This is the practice of changing the identity of vehicles. The registration mark is often taken from another vehicle, often one that has been written off. The vehicle identification number (VIN) and the chassis number may also be changed. The vehicle identification number is stamped onto the bodywork of the car, on the chassis plate and behind the windscreen. Check that these match, and walk away from the vehicle if they do not.

Cloning

This is very similar to ringing, except that in this case the identity of a legitimate vehicle is cloned. One other way to check for this is to see whether the chassis and vehicle identification number match what is in the log book. If it does not match, then you should walk away. The vehicle may well be a clone, and probably a stolen vehicle.

Outstanding Finance

The previous owner has taken out finance in the vehicle, but has not completed the repayments. In this case, you could lose you money and the car. As two-thirds of new cars are bought on finance this is a serious problem, but is easily clarified with a Car HPI check.

HPI Check Top Tips

When buying a car, it is worth compiling a checklist to ensure you do not miss or forget anything that could be important.

• Set a realistic budget, including insurance, fuel and servicing.
• View the car in good light at the sellers address.
• Ask for and carefully check all keys and paperwork.
• Look for signs of clocking.
• Take a varied test drive.
• Use the log book to check the vehicles history.
• An inspection by an independent automobile association may be well worth the money.
• HPI before you buy!
• If there is something you are not happy with-just walk away. There are lots more vehicles to choose from.

Where to get Car HPI checks

www.hpicheck.com £39.95. Immediate online report. Confirmation pack and certificate will follow by post within 48 hours.

www.ukcarcheck.com £36.99.

www.channel4.com/4car/buying-guide/hpi/check £39.95 online. £42.95 by phone -Tel: 01722 422422.

Remember to:

• Have your credit card details available.
• Have the number plate details of the vehicle you want to check.
• Have the vehicle identification number, mileage and MOT certificate details (for maximum protection).

Most HPI checks offer £10 000 worth of protection for any financial losses you suffer due to inaccurate or incomplete information supplies as part of the HPI check.