**NEW** HPI CHECK - Don't believe the hype

The HPI report is a great way to start checking the history of your prospective purchase.

What MOST car dealers 'omit' to mention is, ANY accident damage that does not write the car off, repairs NOT reported to the insurance companies or minor repairs are NOT on the register.

The HPI website also does NOT bring to your attention the limitations of their reports.
It does quote:
4 out of every 100 vehicles checked with HPI has been written-off as a result of damage or theft. Although some can be safely repaired and put back on the road, others are only fit for scrap. Since 1997, the HPI Check has used the Association of British Insurers' coding on the level of damage sustained, helping you tell the difference.

So, if you have a brand new car worth £30k, that has sustained £29k worth of damage, repaired through insurance (or a back street garage)-this will NOT show on the HPI report.

Dealers like to give the impression that the HPI certificate proves the vehicle has NO adverse history - this is not true - it's good if it's HPI clear, but still check the car out fully!

Many times I've asked a dealer if a car has had any accidents, the reply is usually "it's HPI clear mate". Which wasn't the answer to my question - but most of us assume this means it's never had any paintwork or damage & move on to looking at the car.