HPI Check vs CarLook AI — What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?
HPI has been the go-to vehicle history check in the UK for decades. Most buyers have heard of it. But the market has changed, and there are now better options available.
Here's an honest comparison of what HPI and CarLook AI offer — and which is right for you.
What HPI Checks
HPI is a well-established service that checks:
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A, B, S, N)
- Stolen vehicle status
- Number of previous owners
- Mileage anomaly check
- Import/export history
- Plate changes
HPI also offers a guarantee — if they miss something and you suffer a loss, they'll compensate you up to a certain amount.
Cost: £19.99–£29.99 depending on the package.
What CarLook AI Checks
CarLook AI checks everything HPI checks, plus:
- AI-powered deal scoring — is the price fair for the market?
- AI listing analysis — is the listing description consistent with the history?
- MOT history with AI analysis — automatic flagging of mileage anomalies and recurring faults
- ULEZ compliance check — is the car compliant with clean air zones?
- Market price comparison — how does the price compare to similar cars?
- Negotiation guidance — what should you negotiate on?
Cost: Free basic check (VRM + MOT status), £4.99 for full report.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | HPI Check | CarLook AI |
|---|---|---|
| Outstanding finance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Write-off history | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stolen check | ✓ | ✓ |
| MOT history | Basic | Full with AI analysis |
| Mileage anomaly detection | Basic | AI-powered |
| Market price analysis | ✗ | ✓ |
| AI deal scoring | ✗ | ✓ |
| ULEZ compliance | ✗ | ✓ |
| Negotiation guidance | ✗ | ✓ |
| Cost | £19.99–£29.99 | Free / £4.99 |
Which Should You Use?
For most used car buyers, CarLook AI's £4.99 full report provides better value than HPI. You get all the essential history checks plus AI-powered analysis that helps you make a smarter buying decision.
If you want the additional peace of mind of HPI's guarantee, you can use both — CarLook AI for the analysis and deal scoring, HPI for the guarantee.
→ Get a CarLook AI full report for £4.99
The Bottom Line
A vehicle history check is not optional when buying a used car. The question is which service gives you the best value.
CarLook AI gives you more information for less money — and the AI analysis helps you understand what the data means, not just what it says.
→ Start your free VRM check now
CarLook AI uses official DVLA and DVSA data. This comparison is for information only.
Ready to check a car?
Use official DVLA & DVSA data to verify any UK vehicle in seconds — free basic check, full report for £4.99.
