Comparison

HPI Check vs MotorFile: What Each Includes and What It Costs

Both can check a UK registration for write-off, stolen, finance and mileage records. They differ on price and on whether a data guarantee comes with the report. Here is each side as the providers publish it.

Published · Rival details checked 25 Oct 2026

Check a registration free

Enter a UK registration for the standard check, then add the Full Vehicle Check if you need it.

GB

Try

Side by side

Rival entries are what each provider says on its own public pages, checked 25 Oct 2026. Numbers in brackets link to the source. Prices and features change, so confirm on the provider's site before you buy.

Price
MotorFileStandard check free (no account). Full Vehicle Check £9.99 per vehicle.
HPI CheckFull check £19.99. Basic check £9.99. MultiCheck: three full checks for £29.99.[1]
Free option
MotorFileYes. The standard check is free: DVLA vehicle details, MOT status and full MOT history from DVSA records, tax status and a mileage chart. No account needed.
HPI CheckLists a Free MOT History Check on its site. The page does not describe a free HPI Check.[1]
Stolen
MotorFileFull Vehicle Check: police stolen marker.
HPI CheckLists a check against the Police National Computer for stolen status.[2]
Write-off
MotorFileFull Vehicle Check: insurance write-off record with category, loss date and insurer.
HPI CheckLists insurance write-off history. The Basic check leaves out write-off details.[1][2]
Outstanding finance
MotorFileFull Vehicle Check: outstanding finance with lender, agreement type, start date and term where an agreement is on record.
HPI CheckLists outstanding finance secured against the vehicle.[2]
Mileage
MotorFileStandard check: mileage chart from MOT tests. Full Vehicle Check: industry mileage register records.
HPI CheckLists mileage discrepancies, where data is available. The Basic check leaves these out.[1][2]
Plate changes
MotorFileFull Vehicle Check: previous registration plates with transfer dates.
HPI CheckLists number plate changes since April 1990.[2]
VIN
MotorFileFull Vehicle Check: shows the full 17-character VIN.
HPI CheckLists VIN/chassis checks against the V5C.[2]
Valuation
MotorFileFull Vehicle Check includes Verified Specs, with market valuations at four price points.
HPI CheckLists a guide valuation, where available.[2]
Data guarantee
MotorFileNo. MotorFile does not offer a data guarantee or cover. A report shows what the source databases hold at the time of the check, and anything not returned is shown as "Not checked".
HPI CheckStates cover of up to £30,000 if you lose money because of its data. To activate it you enter the chassis number (VIN) and logbook (V5C) details. The Basic check does not carry the guarantee.[1][2]

Where the two overlap

Both products cover the headline provenance checks buyers ask about: whether the car is recorded as stolen, whether it has an insurance write-off record, whether finance is outstanding against it, and whether the mileage history looks consistent. Both give you the MOT history, which MotorFile shows free.

Where they differ

Price is the most visible difference: the published single-check price for HPI's full check is higher than MotorFile's Full Vehicle Check. The other is the guarantee. HPI publishes a data guarantee on its full check. MotorFile does not offer one. If a written guarantee matters to your decision, that is a real reason to look at a provider that offers it, and to read the terms first.

A free MotorFile check is available before you decide whether to pay for anything. Neither report replaces inspecting the car and checking the paperwork.

Frequently asked questions

Is MotorFile an HPI Check?

No. HPI Check is a separate product from a different company. MotorFile offers its own standard check for free and a paid Full Vehicle Check.

Does MotorFile check write-off, stolen and finance like HPI?

Yes, the Full Vehicle Check includes an insurance write-off record, a police stolen marker and an outstanding finance check. The two products are separate and the data returned for a given car can differ.

Does the MotorFile check come with a guarantee?

No. MotorFile does not offer a data guarantee. HPI publishes a guarantee of up to £30,000 on its full check, so read its terms if that matters to you.

Does MotorFile have a data guarantee?

No. MotorFile does not offer a data guarantee or cover. If a guarantee matters to you, compare the terms each provider publishes before you buy.

Sources (checked 25 Oct 2026)

  1. [1]HPI Check: home page (prices, guarantee, Basic check limits) www.home.hpicheck.com/
  2. [2]HPI Check: What is an HPI check? (coverage list) www.home.hpicheck.com/what-is-a-hpi-check/

MotorFile is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by any provider named on this page. Product names belong to their owners and are used only to identify them. General information only; this is not a recommendation to buy or not to buy any product.

Related