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HPI car history
check.
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.
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