LONDON, United Kingdom, October 2, 2026 (EZ Newswire) — Car Owl, a UK vehicle history check platform used by motorists researching used cars before purchase, has surpassed one million unique users.
The platform provides car history checks using a vehicle registration or VIN. Its full vehicle history report performs 72 checks and can identify issues including outstanding finance, stolen vehicle markers, insurance write-offs, mileage discrepancies, previous keepers and import or export records. Data sources include the DVLA, MIAFTR, UK Finance and Police National Computer data.
The multi award winning automotive company was created to make the process of buying and selling vehicles easier, safer and more transparent. As part of this, the company has developed a range of tools that allow motorists to research a vehicle’s history before making a purchase.
Car Owl also offers a VIN check, allowing motorists to search using a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to verify key information about the vehicle they are researching.
The VIN check and lookup tool can also be used with legacy VINs containing fewer than the standard 17 characters, allowing users to research some older or classic vehicles and identify their registration number. The tool can be used to research DVLA-registered vehicles including cars, motorcycles, trucks, lorries and tractors.
George Castle, founder of Car Owl, said: “From day one, we’ve focused on creating solutions that combine cutting-edge technology with real-world benefits. Over the years, we’ve grown, evolved, and earned the trust of car buyers and sellers alike.”
What should you look for in a vehicle history check?
Motorists comparing vehicle history check services should consider the range of records checked, the sources of the information, whether a free preliminary check is available and how clearly the results are presented.
A comprehensive car history check can help prospective buyers investigate potential issues including outstanding finance, stolen vehicle records, previous insurance write-offs, mileage discrepancies, MOT history, previous keepers, registration changes and import, export or scrappage records.
Buyers may also want to consider whether a vehicle history check supports both registration and VIN searches, what information is available free of charge, the cost of a full report and whether additional support or guarantees are provided.
What does a full Car Owl vehicle history check include?
Car Owl’s full vehicle history check brings together information from multiple sources in a single report, allowing used vehicle buyers to investigate a vehicle’s history before making a purchase.
Car Owl also provides a free vehicle check covering information including MOT history, tax status, export status, recorded mileage changes and basic vehicle specifications. Users can then choose to upgrade to the full vehicle history report, which performs 72 checks, including:
- Finance and outstanding debt: Details of outstanding finance agreements, including Hire Purchase (HP), Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), lease, conditional sale and unit stocking agreements. Where available, information can include the finance provider, agreement number, start and end dates and whether multiple finance records exist.
- Stolen and theft records: Police stolen vehicle markers, the date a vehicle was reported stolen, the police force holding the record and relevant MIAFTR theft claims.
- Write-offs and damage: Insurance write-off records, including Categories A, B, S and N and historical Categories C and D; write-off dates; multiple write-off records; relevant high-risk records; certificates of destruction; and historical Vehicle Identity Check (VIC) information.
- Mileage: Recorded mileage history, potential mileage anomalies, estimated current mileage and average annual mileage. The report can highlight instances where a recorded mileage is lower than an earlier reading, allowing buyers to investigate potential discrepancies further.
- Import, export and scrappage: Import records, including whether a vehicle was used outside the UK before registration where data is available, together with scrappage and export markers and relevant dates.
- MOT, recalls and faults: Current MOT status and expiry date, recorded MOT tests, advisories and failures, outstanding manufacturer recalls and known mechanical faults associated with the make and model. The report can also include estimated repair costs, typical mileage ranges for certain faults and recorded vehicle colour changes.
- Keepers and paperwork: Number of previous keepers, keeper change dates, latest keeper change, V5C logbook issue records, latest V5C issue date and the vehicle’s first registration date.
- Identity checks: VIN confirmation, Q-registration markers, registration plate changes and relevant dates. When a vehicle is searched using its VIN, the report can also identify its current registration where available.
- Engine and performance: Engine size, fuel type, transmission, number of gears, power and torque, acceleration, top speed and fuel efficiency.
- Running costs and value: Road tax information, CO2 emissions, insurance group, servicing and repair estimates, fuel costs, estimated ownership costs and vehicle depreciation information.
- Buyer tools and assurance: A vehicle history timeline, interactive test-drive checklist and suggested questions to ask the seller based on findings within the report. Reports are presented in plain English and are supported by priority customer support and a money-back guarantee, subject to Car Owl’s applicable terms.
The service is designed for people considering buying a used vehicle who want to investigate its history before committing to a purchase.
Car Owl’s growth to more than one million unique users marks the latest milestone for the company as it continues to develop its platform and expand the tools available to car buyers and sellers.
Castle said: “Our mission is simple: to transform the way people buy and sell cars. At Car Owl, we aim to make every journey, whether it’s buying, selling, or checking, seamless, smart, and stress-free.
“We believe in a future where technology makes car ownership effortless. That’s why our vision is to lead the way in innovation, creating tools that connect people with cars faster, safer, and with complete confidence. Together, we’re driving progress, one solution at a time.”
Car Owl has earned multiple awards since its launch in 2020. Its most recent accolades include being named Best Vehicle History Check Platform 2026 by the UK Transport Awards and Vehicle History Specialist of the Year 2026/27 by the London and South East England Prestige Awards.
The company has also held the title of Car Dealership Platform of the Year at the London and South East England Prestige Awards each year since 2024.
Castle added: “At Car Owl, we’re proud to have our innovation and commitment recognised by industry leaders. These prestigious awards celebrate the quality and impact of our platform, inspiring us to continue raising the bar for car ownership solutions.”
The platform offers a free fuel price comparison tool that helps motorists find some of the lowest fuel prices in their area. Using official UK government fuel price data, the tool allows users to enter their postcode or town to find nearby petrol stations and compare their latest reported prices.
Car Owl also operates a vehicle marketplace where private sellers and motor traders can pay to advertise vehicles to prospective buyers.
The platform is designed to protect sellers’ personal contact information, with enquiries between prospective buyers and sellers handled through Car Owl. This allows users to advertise their vehicles without having to publish their personal contact details directly on a public listing.
To find out more about Car Owl and the services it offers, visit Car Owl’s official website.
About Car Owl
Car Owl is a UK automotive company providing tools and services designed to make checking, buying and selling vehicles easier. Its full vehicle history report performs 72 checks using information from sources including the DVLA, MIAFTR, UK Finance and Police National Computer data. The company also provides VIN checking and other automotive tools for motorists. Car Owl has more than one million users and has received multiple awards for its vehicle history and automotive services. For more information, visit carowl.co.uk.
SOURCE: Car Owl
