Often yes. If the car was serviced at a UK franchised dealer, the records are stored centrally in the manufacturer's system and can be retrieved by registration — even without the service book.

It can — buyers are wary of cars without history. Recovering the digital record (and providing a printed report) restores most of that confidence and often the resale value with it.

Manufacturer records only cover work done at franchised dealers using the manufacturer's authorised systems. Independent garage history is harder to recover. MOT history (which we include) covers any garage that performed an MOT.

Yes. Many owners use a printed digital service report as the canonical record when the paper book is lost. It includes service dates, mileage, dealer, and work performed — everything a stamp would have shown.

It depends on the brand and age. Most major brands (BMW, Audi, Mercedes, VW, Ford, Toyota etc.) have strong digital records from 2012 onwards. If we find nothing, your card is not charged.

Most reports arrive within 1–2 minutes of payment. We submit the lookup to the manufacturer dealer system as soon as the card is authorised. If the dealer system is slow we hold the order and email you the report when it lands — typically the same hour.

No. The manufacturer dealer system only holds records for visits to franchised dealerships. Independent garage services don't appear in the manufacturer database — that's the same gap any main dealer would see if you asked them directly. For independents, look for paper invoices or receipts from the seller.

If you have the 17-character VIN you can run the lookup at /check-service-history-by-vin instead. The VIN route is helpful for imports, vehicles awaiting registration, or auction stock. Otherwise the UK registration (VRM) is the easiest way to identify the vehicle.

Manufacturer digital service records typically start around 2012. Earlier vehicles may have partial or no electronic records — the warning that appears at checkout flags pre-2012 vehicles. If we can't find any records your card isn't charged.

No — an HPI check covers stolen markers, write-off categories, outstanding finance, and mileage anomalies. A service history check covers manufacturer dealer service records and DVSA MOT history. Used-car buyers usually want both: the HPI confirms the car is legitimately for sale; the service history confirms it's been maintained.