CARCHECKHQ REPORT GUIDE
Vehicle history timeline: dates and evidence explained
A timeline helps you compare records from different parts of a report. Its value comes from preserving what each event actually means, including gaps and conflicting information.
Current coverage
CarCheckHQ combines supported dated events where supplied. Unknown dates stay unknown, and the sequence is not a complete ownership, journey or sales history.
How to interpret coverage and missing informationKeep each kind of event distinct
The timeline can include first registration, mileage observations, keeper changes, plate changes, V5C issues and dated auction evidence. A previous history enquiry remains an enquiry; it does not prove a purchase, sale or keeper change.
A V5C issue and a keeper change are separate events. An auction or lot date is not automatically a completed sale. Read the event label and source note rather than inferring a transaction from its position in the timeline.
Read dates and gaps carefully
Dates use UK day-first presentation. A date of collection describes when the report obtained information; an event date describes the source record. Missing event dates are not replaced with today's date.
A quiet period means there are no displayed dated events for that period, not that nothing happened. Compare the timeline with the seller's documents and the physical vehicle.
Before you make a decision
- Read the event label, date and source together.
- Keep record dates separate from the report collection time.
- Ask about gaps or conflicts without inventing a missing event.
Common questions
Are previous history enquiries previous sales?
No. They show that a recorded enquiry occurred. The report does not infer a sale, owner or keeper change from an enquiry.
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.