The original and the best

HPI have been checking the histories of used cars since 1938. We were the first to introduce this invaluable service and our many years of experience in the industry means that out HPI Check service represents the very best in vehicle history checks.

Historic beginnings

HPI was formed in 1938. When the fraudulent re-financing of motorcars was becoming a real problem, the six main lenders gathered data on their hire purchase agreements, to ensure that people couldn't repeatedly use their cars as security for multiple loans.

Why HPI is important

HPI's role in the second-hand car market is crucial. It provides private car buyers, car dealers, finance houses, and the insurance industry with access to information on all UK registered vehicles.

Our products not only help in the fight against vehicle fraud, they can also protect our clients in many different ways.

The HPI Check allows users to check for outstanding finance, write off information and whether a vehicle has been registered as stolen. This protects dealers and the public from buying vehicles that are either unsafe or that they will never rightfully own. HPI Checks come with a consumer warranty and a variety of different levels of warranty cover for established motor dealers.

HPI is also able to provide registered dealer customers with an NMR Investigations service, where previous keepers are contacted to verify mileages on a vehicle, can demonstrate that a dealer has met their duty of care under the Consumer Protection Regulations and the Sale of Goods Act. This service is not available to the public.

Working with the Industry to drive policy

HPI takes its position as the oldest vehicle check provider very seriously. We aim to lead by example and to set the standards for best practice.

To do this we work with government agencies, including the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, (BIS formally the DTi), the Home Office and the Department for Transport as well as with agencies like the Office of Fair Trading, the ACPO Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service, the DVLA and the DVA in Northern Ireland, Trading standards and trade associations including the SMMT, BVRLA, RMI and FLA, to name just four.

The way forward

HPI is continually looking for ways to support the Automotive Industry. We are continually identifying new ways to help our clients to carry out their businesses more accurately, more efficiently and more profitably.

This means embracing new technologies as they become available in ways that are relevant and work for our clients.

Important dates in HPI's history

1938

HPI founded

1947

Police provide HPI with stolen vehicle information

1980s

Leading insurers provide car accident history data

1990s

HPI are sold to two leading credit referencing organisations; first Infolink, then Equifax, further expanding our range of services

1992

HPI appointed to run CRiS on behalf of NCC

1993

HPI used car information becomes nationally available to the general UK public

1996

HPI electronically tag all new CRiS registered caravans

1997

HPI and IMVA (Independent Mileage Verification Association) jointly launch the National Mileage Register

1999

HPI launch a convenient online vehicle data check service

2000

HPI and IMVA merge to create a new independent information company dedicated solely to the needs of the motor industry and the motoring consumer

2001

HPI launch consumer check service online

2001

HPI launch Motorhome MINDER on behalf of SMMT

2002

HPI launch online service to motor trade customers, including HPI Exchange, the online vehicle stock publishing facility

2004

HPI acquired by Norwich Union Insurance, the UK's largest insurer

2005

HPI launches Driveaway Insurance, the free 7 day insurance cover from Aviva.

2008

HPI celebrates 70 years of providing services to the automotive industry.

2008

Mobile check service launched for the Trade

2008

HPI is acquired by Solera Inc, a leading global provider of claims solutions

2009

HPI launches HPI CrushWatch so Police Forces and Enforcement Agencies can check vehicles prior to disposal.

2009

HPI Finance Gateway launched, allowing dealers to provide forecourt finance to their customers.

2010

HPI launches HPI Readycover the flexible short term insurance underwritten by Provident Insurance.

2010

HPI CrushWatch is now the sole provider of pre-disposal checks to Enforcement Agencies and UK Police Forces.