CARCHECKHQ REPORT GUIDE
Stolen car check and vehicle risk markers
A recorded theft marker is a reason to stop and investigate, not a detail to overlook because a car looks convincing. Other risk markers need their own explanation too.
Current coverage
CarCheckHQ displays theft and related markers returned by its UK source. It does not claim direct access to every police record or guarantee that an unreported or recent event will appear.
How to interpret coverage and missing informationDifferent markers answer different questions
The section can include stolen, scrapped, imported, exported and high-risk indicators. Where supplied, it also displays a police marker date or source contact information. An import marker is not a theft finding, and a generic high-risk marker does not explain a specific offence.
An absent field is not a negative result. Check the section's coverage note and the time of the response before drawing a conclusion.
Compare records with the vehicle itself
A number plate can return plausible details even when the physical vehicle needs further investigation. Compare the VIN and V5C with the vehicle, and ask the seller about any mismatch. Do not rely only on a screenshot of someone else's report.
If the report or documents suggest theft, pause the transaction and seek advice from the relevant authority using official contact details. CarCheckHQ cannot establish a seller's legal title or clear a police marker.
Before you make a decision
- Compare the physical VIN, registration and V5C.
- Read the specific marker rather than treating all warnings as theft.
- Resolve suspicious information before handing over money.
Common questions
Does an import or export marker mean a car is stolen?
No. These are separate recorded facts. An import can also mean the available UK records do not describe the vehicle's entire overseas history.
Does a clear theft result replace a physical inspection?
No. Source coverage and timing have limits, and a database check cannot inspect the vehicle's identity or documents.
Further guidance
These links provide independent guidance. The coverage statement above describes what CarCheckHQ currently supplies.
Related reading
See how the report presents the evidence
The sample shows the layout and source notes, including unavailable sections. Its gallery illustrations are labelled; they are not real historical photographs.