HPI is a brand name, not a synonym for 'car history check'. Several UK providers run on the same underlying data partners (Experian and Cazana/Percayso) and can offer comparable coverage at a lower price.
What an HPI-style report actually contains
Any serious HPI alternative needs to cover the same core sections:
- Outstanding finance (HP, PCP, conditional sale) — Experian.
- Stolen marker (Police National Computer) — Experian.
- Insurance write-off and salvage (MIAFTR) — Experian.
- Previous adverts and mileage anomalies — Cazana/Percayso.
- DVLA identity and DVSA MOT history.
If an 'alternative' is missing finance, stolen or write-off, it is not a real alternative — it is just a reg check.
What to look for in a strong HPI alternative
- Per-section provider attribution. You should be able to see whether the finance check came from Experian, the previous-advert data came from Cazana/Percayso, and so on.
- One-off pricing. A flat £9.99 (or similar) is usually better value than a subscription if you only need one or two checks.
- Independence. The provider should not claim to be HPI; it should be honest that it is an independent service using the same underlying data partners.
- A downloadable PDF report you can share with a mechanic or keep as proof of due diligence.
Where RegRadar fits
RegRadar is designed as an independent HPI alternative for UK private buyers. The £9.99 premium report covers finance, stolen, write-off, mileage anomalies and previous adverts, sourced from Experian and Cazana/Percayso via One Auto API. RegRadar is not affiliated with HPI, DVLA, DVSA, Experian, One Auto API, Cazana or Percayso.
Bottom line
The best HPI alternative is the one that delivers the same finance/stolen/write-off/mileage coverage at a clearer price, attributes its data, and gives you a PDF you can actually use.