Could it have been in an accident?

Catonthemoon

Considering buying a used car from a private seller. All looks good… the only question I haven’t asked is if it had ever been in an accident. 

(1) I know the registration but I can’t remember how you go about finding out this information. What’s the procedure?

(2) The seller said that it’s currently being driven on a private plate, which would be replaced with the original upon sale. I was wondering… what if it had an accident on the private plate (I don’t know this number), would this be recorded/logged on a database so that it would be picked up? In other words, I’d know either way, whichever plates were on at the time.

TIA

paul_c123

There are about 200 data providers that provide car checks, based on the registration. If I mention one, someone will say its crap and suggest another. I use the one I like though.

The record is based on the VIN. If its had a private plate, the record will 1) show this, 2) still be accurate throughout the life of the car.

fatbelly

The check will tell you if it's ever been declared a write-off by an insurance company.

Whether it's been in an accident is a different question.

Car_54

Catonthemoon said:

Considering buying a used car from a private seller. All looks good… the only question I haven’t asked is if it had ever been in an accident. 

(1) I know the registration you don’t know  but I can’t remember how you go about finding out this information. What’s the procedure?

(2) The seller said that it’s currently being driven on a private plate, which would be replaced with the original upon sale. I was wondering… what if it had an accident on the private plate (I don’t know this number), would this be recorded/logged on a database so that it would be picked up? In other words, I’d know either way, whichever plates were on at the time.

TIA

You say you don’t know the current reg. no.

So you haven’t seen the car? So how do you know “All looks good”?

Anyway, all you’d be able to check from a database is whether it’s been a write-off, which you’d see for fess from the V5C. Have you seen that?

facade

Run it through one of those vehicle checkers, under £10 which is nothing compared to what you would lose paying full price for an undeclared write-off on a mid- priced car (I wouldn't bother on a £500 banger, I'd just look at it)

That will tell you if there is outstanding finance, if it was a taxi, if it has been written off- and often it has the pictures from Copart of the "cosmetic damage" where one of the wheels is completely missing...

However, if the car was in a serious accident but wasn't written off by an insurer information will NOT be available. You will need to have it physically inspected thoroughly for signs of repaired accident damage- a few hundred pounds, but worth it on a £20,000 car that you intend to keep.