Outstanding Finance Check
Supports all UK registration formats: AB12 CDE, A123 ABC, ABC 123A
About outstanding finance
Check for outstanding finance before you buy
Buying a car is an exciting prospect, but it’s easy to rush into a decision. However, if the car you buy has outstanding finance attached to it, you run the real risk of having the vehicle repossessed.
Carrying out a vehicle history check (often called an HPI check) is essential before committing to a purchase. It is worth remembering that while many private sellers may genuinely be unaware that finance is still owed, others are less scrupulous. If you fall victim to a dishonest seller looking to make a quick profit, you could end up significantly out of pocket.
What is included in a Finance Check?
When you buy a car check, you can instantly verify whether a vehicle is free of outstanding finance. You will also be able to view details of any active finance agreements, including:
Number of outstanding finance agreements
Type of agreement (e.g. PCP, HP, etc.)
Agreement reference number
Start date of the agreement
Finance provider / Lender
Contact telephone number
Vehicle Finance Status Check
Checking a car for finance is simple—don’t leave it to chance. Just enter the registration number in the box above and select “Check Vehicle.” You could lose thousands if you unknowingly buy a car with unpaid finance attached to it.
Frequently Asked Questions
This check confirms whether there is any active debt secured against the vehicle. Additionally, it provides specific details regarding the finance agreement, including the start date, the type of finance, and the term length. It will also reveal the finance company’s name, address, and the unique agreement number.
If you purchased a vehicle on finance and wish to change cars, you must settle the finance agreement before doing so. You cannot legally sell a car with outstanding finance, as the lender remains the legal owner of the vehicle until the debt is paid in full.
If you purchase a vehicle that still has finance attached to it, the lender may still hold legal title to the car. This means you could be at risk of having the vehicle repossessed or becoming liable for the debt. For further guidance, please visit Citizens Advice.
If the seller does not have full legal ownership of the vehicle (because it is still owned by a lender), the finance company has the right to repossess the vehicle if the outstanding balance is not settled. A check protects you from losing the car or your money.
Yes. You should contact the finance company immediately. We recommend doing this via email to ensure all discussions are recorded in writing; this helps demonstrate that you acted in "good faith" when purchasing the vehicle. In most cases, you may need to arrange a payment plan or settlement with the finance company to retain the vehicle.
