Free vs Paid Car History Check: Which Do You Need?
When buying a used car in the UK, you have access to both free and paid vehicle history checks. But what's the difference? And more importantly, which one should you use?
Quick Answer:
Free checks show MOT history and basic vehicle data, but miss the first 3 years (when no MOT is required) and contain no service history. Paid checks access manufacturer databases for complete service records from day one. Both checks are essential for a complete picture.
What Free Car History Checks Provide
🆓 GOV.UK Free MOT History Check
The UK government provides a completely free MOT history check through GOV.UK. This is the most commonly used free check and provides valuable information.
What's Included:
- ✓MOT pass/fail history
See if the vehicle passed or failed each test
- ✓Mileage recordings
Track odometer readings at each MOT to spot clocking
- ✓Failure reasons
Detailed list of what failed at each test
- ✓Advisory notices
Minor issues noted by the tester that weren't failures
- ✓Test location
Where each MOT was performed (requires V5C logbook number)
- ✓Next MOT due date
When the current MOT expires
- ✓Vehicle safety recalls
Some manufacturer recalls are shown (not all)
Coverage Period:
- • Cars, motorcycles, vans: MOT results from 2005 onwards
- • HGVs, trailers, buses, coaches: Results from 2018 onwards
- • Northern Ireland: Results from 2017 onwards
What Paid Service History Checks Provide
💳 Manufacturer Service History Checks
Paid service history checks access official manufacturer databases directly, revealing the complete maintenance history of a vehicle from the day it was first registered. These checks typically cost between £5.99-£9.99 depending on the provider and vehicle make.
Note: The level of detail in service history reports can vary depending on the manufacturer and even the specific car model. Some manufacturers provide comprehensive records while others may have more limited information available.
What's Included:
- ✓Complete service records
Every service logged by manufacturer-approved dealers
- ✓Service dates and mileages
Exact dates and odometer readings for each service
- ✓Work performed
Detailed breakdown of maintenance and repairs done
- ✓Parts replaced
Record of replaced components (brakes, filters, fluids, etc.)
- ✓Warranty work
Repairs completed under manufacturer warranty
- ✓Recall work completed
Safety recalls that have been addressed
- ✓Dealer service stamps
Digital proof of franchise dealer maintenance
- ✓Vehicle specifications
Factory options, engine details, original color
⚠️ Important: Service history checks only show work completed at manufacturer-approved and garages. Services done at independent garages won't appear unless the garage uploaded the data to the manufacturer system. This doesn't mean the car wasn't serviced—just that it was serviced elsewhere.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Free Check (MOT) | Paid Check (Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £0 - Completely free | £5.99-£9.99 |
| Data Source | DVLA/Government | Manufacturer databases |
| MOT History | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Service History | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| First 3 Years Coverage | ✗ No data (no MOT required) | ✓ Full coverage from day 1 |
| Mileage Verification | ✓ MOT mileage only | ✓ Service mileage records |
| Maintenance Records | ✗ None | ✓ Complete details |
| Parts Replaced | ✗ None | ✓ Full record |
| Failure Reasons | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Advisory Notices | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
The Key Takeaway:
Free and paid checks provide different but complementary information. Neither replaces the other. For a complete picture when buying a used car, you need both: the free MOT check for safety and roadworthiness data, and the paid service history check for maintenance records.
The Critical MOT Gap: Why Free Checks Miss the First 3 Years
This is the most important limitation of free MOT history checks: new cars don't require an MOT until they're 3 years old. This creates a significant data gap.
What This Means in Practice:
🚗 Car registered in January 2023
First MOT due: January 2026
Free check shows: Zero data until 2026
Reality: The car could have 30,000+ miles and 3 years of use that's completely invisible
💳 With a paid service history check
Coverage: From day one (January 2023)
Shows: All services, repairs, warranty work
Mileage: Verified at each service visit
Result: Complete picture of the car's first 3 years
Why This Matters:
- 1.Highest mileage period:
Many cars rack up significant miles in the first 3 years (company cars, rental fleets, etc.)
- 2.Early problems hidden:
Manufacturing defects, warranty claims, and early repairs won't show on MOT history
- 3.Mileage verification gap:
You can't verify if the odometer is accurate for years 0-3 using free checks alone
- 4.Maintenance verification:
Can't confirm the car was actually serviced during the critical first 3 years
Real-World Example:
A 2023 BMW 3 Series with 45,000 miles is for sale in December 2025. The free MOT check shows:"No MOT history available" because the first MOT isn't due until 2026.
A paid service history check reveals: The car was a fleet vehicle, serviced every 10,000 miles at BMW main dealers, with 4 service stamps and all maintenance up to date. Without this check, you'd have no idea about those 45,000 miles.
When to Use Free vs Paid Checks
Use Free Checks When:
- ✓Car is older than 3 years (has MOT history)
- ✓Initial screening of multiple vehicles
- ✓Checking MOT status before buying
- ✓Verifying mileage consistency post-MOT
- ✓Checking for repeated MOT failures
- ✓Looking for major safety issues
- ✓Budget-conscious initial research
Best For: Older vehicles (4+ years), high-mileage cars, quick screening
Use Paid Checks When:
- ✓Car is under 3 years old (no MOT yet)
- ✓Serious about buying a specific vehicle
- ✓Verifying "Full Service History" claims
- ✓Premium or luxury vehicle purchase
- ✓Car sold without service book
- ✓Suspiciously low mileage for age
- ✓Final checks before purchase
Best For: Nearly-new cars, premium brands, final due diligence
📋 Recommended Strategy
Total cost: £0 for screening + £5.99-£9.99 for serious candidates = Smart buying
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check car service history for free?
No, you cannot check official manufacturer service history for free. Free checks (like GOV.UK MOT history) only show MOT test results, not service records. Service history is held in manufacturer databases and requires paid access. Some dealers may provide service history documentation when selling a car, so it's worth asking the seller for these records. However, it's still advisable to purchase an independent service history check before completing your purchase to confirm that the dealer or seller has provided all information accurately and nothing has been omitted.
Is a free MOT check enough when buying a used car?
No, a free MOT check alone is not sufficient, especially for cars under 6 years old. MOT checks miss the critical first 3 years entirely (when no MOT is required) and provide no service history. You need both: a free MOT check for safety data, and a paid service history check for maintenance records. This combination gives you complete visibility into the vehicle's past.
Why doesn't my free check show any history for my 2-year-old car?
This is normal. New cars don't require an MOT until they're 3 years old. Free MOT history checks only show MOT test data, so vehicles under 3 years old will have zero MOT history. This is why paid service history checks are essential for nearly-new cars. They show the complete maintenance record from day one, including all services, repairs, and mileage verification during those first 3 years.
Will a paid check show if the car was serviced at an independent garage?
It depends on where the car was serviced. Paid service history checks access manufacturer databases, which primarily record work done at manufacturer-approved dealers and garages. Most specialist garages (such as BMW specialists or Mercedes independents) will record their services on the manufacturer databases, so these should appear in your check. However, small independent and non-specialist garages typically don't upload data to manufacturer systems, so their work won't appear. This doesn't mean the car wasn't properly maintained—just that it was serviced outside the franchise network. Always ask the seller for independent garage invoices if the paid check shows gaps.
How much does a paid car history check cost?
Paid service history checks from manufacturer databases typically cost between £5.99 and £9.99, depending on the vehicle make and the provider you use. This is a one-time fee per vehicle. Premium brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) tend to be at the higher end. This cost is minimal compared to buying a car with hidden problems—a single missed major service could cost £500+ to rectify.
What's the difference between MOT history and service history?
MOT history shows annual safety tests: whether the car passed or failed, what failed, advisories, and mileage at each test. It's about roadworthiness and safety compliance. Service history shows routine maintenance: oil changes, filter replacements, brake servicing, and scheduled maintenance. It's about care and upkeep. Both are essential but show completely different aspects of a vehicle's life. MOT checks are free but miss the first 3 years; service history checks are paid but cover the entire vehicle lifetime.
Can a seller refuse to let me run a service history check?
A seller cannot legally stop you from running a service history check using the vehicle's registration number, as this is publicly visible information. However, if a seller becomes defensive or refuses to provide the registration for a check, this is a major red flag. Legitimate sellers with well-maintained vehicles welcome checks because it validates their asking price. Be very cautious of sellers who discourage vehicle history checks of any kind.
Do I need both checks if I'm buying from a main dealer?
Yes, absolutely. Even when buying from a main dealer, you should run both checks independently. Dealers can make mistakes, and having your own documentation protects you. Additionally, free MOT checks reveal historical issues that dealers might not mention, and paid service checks confirm the "Full Service History" claim they're advertising. Think of it as insurance—£10-20 to verify claims on a £10,000+ purchase is sensible due diligence.
Get Your Complete Vehicle History Report
Access official manufacturer service records and verify your vehicle's complete maintenance history
💡 Pro tip: Run the free MOT check first, then get the paid service history for serious candidates