What the finance check tells you
The Full Report searches licensed register data for finance records against the registration. It shows the returned status and available agreement details. Read the actual finance section: an MOT pass, a low mileage reading or a convincing advert cannot answer this question.
If finance is recorded
Pause the purchase and ask the seller to obtain a current settlement statement from the lender. Confirm the agreement and settlement arrangements directly with the lender using independently verified contact details. A screenshot or the seller's assurance is not evidence that the lender has received payment.
- Check the registration and vehicle identity match the agreement.
- If the seller says it has been settled, ask for written lender confirmation; register updates can lag.
- Agree a documented settlement process with the lender before money changes hands. If you cannot verify it, do not proceed.
What a finance result cannot promise
A clear result means no relevant agreement was returned by the checked register at that time. It is not a guarantee that every possible debt or ownership dispute has been identified. The result is dated, and a later viewing or purchase may need a fresh check. A history report is not legal advice about an existing dispute.
Questions before you check
Can I check outstanding finance for free?
Our free check does not include finance records. The finance check is part of the paid Full Report, alongside stolen and write-off checks. DVLA vehicle details and MOT history alone do not establish whether a finance agreement is recorded.
What if the seller says the finance has been paid?
Ask for written confirmation from the lender and verify it directly. The register may not yet reflect a recent settlement, so resolve the discrepancy before buying.
Does a V5C prove the seller owns the car?
No. The V5C records the registered keeper and is not proof of ownership. Check the car's identity, the seller's authority to sell and any finance record separately.
What else is included in the Full Report?
The £14.99 Full Report includes recorded stolen and write-off checks, keeper and plate history, the Trust Score and other available vehicle records. You pay once as a guest and receive an emailed link with 12 months' access to the dated report and a PDF.