Used car guide

What Is a Salvage Car?

This guide explains car salvage check and how UK drivers can use a free car check, car MOT check, car tax check and car history check before buying a vehicle.

Why this matters

A vehicle may look clean in an advert but still have hidden issues such as outstanding finance, previous write-off records, salvage history, MOT failures, mileage problems or tax issues.

What to check first

Start with a free vehicle check using the number plate. Then review the MOT history, mileage trend, tax status, make, model, colour and first registration details.

When to use a paid car history check

Use a paid car history check before paying a deposit or buying privately. It can help identify finance, stolen vehicle records, insurance write-offs, salvage markers and mileage issues.