> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://tools.osintnewsletter.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://tools.osintnewsletter.com/osint-tools/car-detective.md).

# Car Detective

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="266.3333740234375"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Car Detective</strong></td><td><strong>Quick Overview</strong></td></tr><tr><td>URL</td><td><a href="https://www.cardetective.com/">https://www.cardetective.com/</a> </td></tr><tr><td>What it does</td><td>Provides vehicle history checks using registration numbers or VINs, showing info such as registration details, MOT history, mileage records, write-offs, finance status and theft indicators (where available). </td></tr><tr><td>How to use it</td><td>Enter a vehicle registration number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to generate a report containing historical and current vehicle information. </td></tr><tr><td>Cost</td><td>Basic vehicle info is free. Full functionality is paid. </td></tr><tr><td>Account required</td><td>No (for individual vehicle checks). </td></tr><tr><td>Cookies</td><td>Mainly Google authentication, security, localisation cookies, plus one third-party security cookie from AutoCheck. </td></tr><tr><td>Ownership</td><td>Not publicly disclosed.</td></tr><tr><td>Use in Reporting</td><td>Useful for verifying vehicle identities, supporting asset tracing, investigating vehicle provenance and corroborating information.</td></tr></tbody></table>

### What does Car Detective do?

Car Detective provides detailed vehicle history reports by combining information from multiple automotive and public sector data sources. You can verify vehicle registration details, review MOT histories, identify mileage discrepancies and determine whether a vehicle has been reported stolen, written off or is subject to outstanding finance (depending on data availability).&#x20;

**The lowdown:** It provides a consolidated view of information that would otherwise require searching multiple vehicle databases individually.

### How to Use:

**1. Enter the vehicle registration number or VIN into the search tool and run the search to return basic vehicle information.**

<img src="/files/rIRL6Fnvhj17OxnTApiu" alt="" height="569" width="602">

**2. Review basic details and select Report option to review the vehicle's registration details, MOT history, mileage records, finance indicators, insurance write-off status and theft records where available.**&#x20;

**3. Cross-reference findings with official vehicle registration authorities, police databases (where authorised), insurance records and other investigative sources.**

### Cost

* [ ] Free
* [x] Partially Free
* [ ] Paid

Basic vehicle info is free. Full functionality is paid.

## Data Processing

### Account Required:

* [x] Yes
* [x] No

No for individual vehicle checks. Yes for advanced features.

### Cookies:&#x20;

The site uses Google authentication, security and personalisation cookies to maintain signed-in sessions, protect accounts and tailor search results (e.g. SID, SAPISID, SSID, UULE). It also uses consent management (SOCS) and third-party security cookies from Imperva used by AutoCheck for bot and fraud protection.

### Use in Reporting

Car Detective can support reporting by:

* Verifying vehicle registration information.
* Confirming vehicle specifications.
* Reviewing MOT and mileage histories.
* Identifying insurance write-offs and salvage records.
* Supporting fraud, insurance and financial investigations.
* Corroborating vehicle provenance during due diligence or asset tracing.

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="255"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Capabilities</strong></td><td><strong>Limitations</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Searches vehicles using registration numbers or VIN.</td><td>Coverage depends on the availability and quality of source datasets.</td></tr><tr><td>Provides consolidated vehicle history reports.</td><td>Reports require payment before full information is released.</td></tr><tr><td>Reveals MOT history and recorded mileage.</td><td>Does not provide live vehicle location or tracking information.</td></tr><tr><td>Identifies insurance write-offs and salvage categories where available. </td><td>Ownership details are generally restricted by privacy legislation.</td></tr><tr><td>Indicates whether outstanding finance or theft records exist depending on available data.</td><td>Vehicle history may not include incidents that were never officially reported.</td></tr></tbody></table>

### Summary

Car Detective is an effective enrichment tool, adding historical and technical information to a known vehicle rather than discovering previously unknown assets. However, as always, it should be used alongside official vehicle registration authorities and other OSINT sources to build a comprehensive picture.

### Ownership

Not publicly disclosed.

### Ethical Considerations

* Vehicle information should only be obtained and used for lawful and legitimate investigative purposes.
* Respect applicable privacy and data protection legislation when handling vehicle-related information.
* The absence of finance, theft or insurance records does not guarantee that a vehicle is free from issues.
* Vehicle history reports should be treated as supporting intelligence rather than definitive legal evidence.
* Verify significant findings using official government or regulatory records before drawing investigative conclusions.

### Related Tools:

* [AutoDNA](/osint-tools/autodna.md)
* HPI Check
* DVLA Vehicle Enquiry Service
* GOV.UK Check MOT History
* VINCheck.info

#### Sources

<https://www.cardetective.com/>&#x20;

<https://www.cardetective.com/about-car-detective/>&#x20;