Service History Check vs HPI Check: Which Do You Need?
When buying a used car, you'll hear about service history checks and HPI checks. Both are essential, but they serve completely different purposes. This comprehensive guide explains what each check reveals, when you need them, and how they complement each other to protect your purchase.
The Quick Answer
Here's the fundamental difference:
- Service History Check: Shows maintenance and care – what work has been done to keep the car running
- HPI Check: Shows legal and financial status – shows if the vehicle has outstanding finance, is stolen, or has been written off
You ideally need both for a comprehensive used car purchase.
What Is a Service History Check?
A service history check accesses records from manufacturer databases and service centres to show you the complete maintenance history of a vehicle. It reveals:
What Service History Checks Reveal:
- ✓Service dates and mileage: When the car was serviced and at what mileage
- ✓Type of service: Interim, full, or major service carried out
- ✓Work completed: Parts replaced, repairs made, maintenance performed
- ✓Servicing dealer/garage: Where the work was done
- ✓Service schedule adherence: Whether manufacturer intervals were followed
- ✓Warranty work: Any repairs under manufacturer warranty
- ✓Recalls: Whether safety recalls have been completed
Service history checks help you understand how well the car has been maintained and predict future reliability. A comprehensive service history typically increases a car's value by 10-20%.
What Is an HPI Check?
An HPI check is a vehicle history check that searches databases for legal, financial, and insurance records associated with a vehicle. HPI (Hire Purchase Inspections) is one of the UK's most established vehicle checking services, though the term is often used generically for any vehicle history check.
What HPI Checks Reveal:
- !Outstanding finance: Whether money is still owed on the vehicle
- !Stolen status: If the vehicle is recorded as stolen on police databases
- !Insurance write-off history: Category A, B, C, D, S, or N damage
- !Scrapped/exported status: Whether the car is recorded as scrapped or exported
- !Mileage anomalies: Clocked mileage or inconsistent readings
- !Number plate changes: History of registration changes
- !Number of previous keepers: Ownership history
- !Vehicle specifications: Make, model, engine size, colour
HPI checks protect you from buying a vehicle with hidden legal or financial problems that could result in the car being repossessed or being unsafe to drive.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Service History Check | HPI Check |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Assess maintenance and mechanical condition | Verify legal and financial status |
| Main Benefit | Predict reliability and future costs | Avoid legal problems and repossession |
| Shows Maintenance | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Shows Finance | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Shows Write-offs | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Shows Stolen Status | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Typical Cost | £5-£15 | £10-£30 |
| Data Source | Manufacturer databases, service centres | Finance companies, insurance databases, police records |
When Do You Need Each Check?
When You Need an HPI Check
You should always get an HPI-type check when:
- →Buying any used vehicle from a private seller
- →Purchasing from an independent dealer you don't know
- →The price seems unusually low for the vehicle
- →You're buying a higher-value or premium vehicle
- →The seller doesn't have all the documentation
- →Buying from online marketplaces or classified ads
Important Note:
Reputable franchise dealers typically provide an HPI check as part of their approved used car programmes. However, always verify what's included and consider getting your own independent check for peace of mind.
When You Need a Service History Check
You should get a service history check when:
- →The seller claims "full service history" but has no documentation
- →Buying a vehicle over 3 years old
- →Purchasing a premium brand (Mercedes, BMW, Audi, etc.)
- →You want to verify claimed service history before paying full price
- →The vehicle has high mileage and you need to assess condition
- →You're considering a vehicle with incomplete paper records
- →Planning to negotiate price based on service history gaps
What Neither Check Will Show
It's important to understand the limitations of both checks:
Limitations of Both Checks:
- ✗Current mechanical condition: Neither check is a substitute for a professional inspection
- ✗Future reliability: Past service doesn't guarantee future performance
- ✗Unreported issues: Problems unknown to databases won't appear
- ✗Quality of previous repairs: Just that work was done, not how well
- ✗Test drive issues: You still need to drive the car yourself
For high-value purchases or older vehicles, consider adding a professional mechanical inspection (pre-purchase inspection) to your checks for comprehensive protection.
Cost vs Benefit Analysis
| Check Type | Typical Cost | Potential Savings | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPI Check | £10-£30 | £5,000-£30,000+ (avoiding finance issues or write-offs) | Excellent |
| Service History | £5-£15 | £500-£3,000 (price negotiation, avoiding poor maintenance) | Very Good |
| Both Checks | £15-£45 | Comprehensive protection (legal + mechanical insights) | Outstanding |
Value Perspective:
Spending £30-£45 on both checks is negligible compared to the potential thousands you could lose buying a car with hidden problems. On a £10,000 purchase, that's just 0.3-0.45% for comprehensive protection.
The Recommended Approach
For the most comprehensive used car purchase protection, follow this sequence:
Initial Viewing & Assessment
Check the car's general condition, test drive, and verify it matches the description. Request the V5C logbook.
Run an HPI-Type Check First
Before investing more time or money, verify there are no legal or financial issues. This is your go/no-go check.
Get a Service History Check
Once legal status is clear, assess the maintenance history. This informs your negotiating position and future costs.
Consider Professional Inspection
For vehicles over £10,000 or with incomplete history, invest £100-£150 in a mechanic's inspection.
Make an Informed Decision
With all information gathered, negotiate the final price and proceed with confidence – or walk away if issues arise.
International Considerations
While this guide focuses primarily on the UK market where HPI checks originated, vehicle history checking services exist globally:
Europe
Most European countries have equivalent services (e.g., Carfax in Germany, Cartell in Ireland). Service history checks are often available through manufacturer dealer networks across Europe.
North America
Carfax and AutoCheck are the dominant vehicle history providers. Service records may be less centralised, often requiring contact with specific dealerships.
Australia & New Zealand
PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) searches are standard for finance checks. Service history may be available through official service centres.
Other Markets
Check local automotive authorities and consumer protection agencies for recommended vehicle checking services in your region.
Regardless of location, the fundamental principle remains: verify both the legal status AND maintenance history before purchasing any used vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between a service history check and an HPI check?
A service history check reveals a vehicle's maintenance records, including services and repairs. An HPI check focuses on legal and financial issues like outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, theft records, and mileage discrepancies. They serve different purposes and complement each other.
Can a service history check replace an HPI check?
No, a service history check cannot replace an HPI check. Service history checks focus on maintenance records, whilst HPI checks verify legal ownership, finance status, and accident history. For comprehensive protection, both checks are recommended when purchasing a used vehicle.
Which check should I do first?
Start with an HPI-type check to verify there are no legal or financial issues with the vehicle. If that clears, proceed with a service history check to assess the vehicle's maintenance condition. There's no point checking service history if the car has outstanding finance or is stolen.
Do I need both checks when buying a used car?
Yes, ideally you should conduct both checks. An HPI-type check protects you from legal and financial issues, whilst a service history check helps you assess the vehicle's mechanical condition and future reliability. Together, they provide comprehensive due diligence.
How much do these checks typically cost?
Service history checks typically cost £5-£15, whilst HPI checks range from £10-£30. Combined, you're looking at £15-£45 for comprehensive protection – a small investment compared to the thousands you could lose buying a problematic vehicle.
Will these checks guarantee the car is in good condition?
No. Whilst these checks provide valuable information about legal status and maintenance history, they don't assess current mechanical condition. For high-value purchases, consider adding a professional pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic.
Can I negotiate the price based on service history findings?
Absolutely. If a service history check reveals missed services, deferred maintenance, or gaps in the service record, this is legitimate grounds for price negotiation. Missing service history typically reduces a car's value by 10-20%.
Final Thoughts
Service history checks and HPI checks aren't competitors – they're complementary tools that protect different aspects of your used car purchase. Think of them as two sides of the same coin:
- •HPI checks protect you from legal and financial nightmares
- •Service history checks protect you from mechanical and maintenance issues
For the cost of a tank of fuel, both checks together provide comprehensive protection worth thousands of pounds. Whether you're buying a £3,000 runabout or a £30,000 executive car, investing in both checks is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
Remember:
A car might have a clean HPI check but poor maintenance history (expensive repairs ahead). Or it might have excellent service history but outstanding finance (legal problems). You need both pieces of the puzzle for complete peace of mind.
Don't let the small cost of these checks prevent you from making an informed decision. The one time these checks save you from a problematic purchase, they'll have paid for themselves dozens of times over.
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