Hire Purchase Information Check (HPI Check)
What is an HPI check and do I need one when buying a used car?
An HPI check – which stands for Hire Purchase Investigation – is an in-depth look at the vehicle’s history, designed to uncover anything that a buyer needs to know. So, for example, it will flag up whether the car is an insurance write-off, if it has been stolen or has outstanding finance on it, or if it's been clocked.
It's the car-buying equivalent of having a survey before buying a house. Don’t buy a used car without one.