Buying a used car. Below are the UK’s most popular vehicle inspection companies..
UK’s Top Vehicle Inspection Companies
The UK vehicle inspection industry plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of vehicles on the road. Among the numerous companies providing these services, three stand out for their popularity and customer trust. Below is an overview of these leading companies:
- The AA (Automobile Association)
- Services Offered: The AA provides comprehensive vehicle checks, including mechanical, structural, and safety inspections.
- Customer Rating: Known for its high customer satisfaction, the AA has established itself as a trusted name in vehicle inspections.
- Coverage: With nationwide coverage, the AA offers its services across the UK, making it accessible to a wide range of customers.
- RAC (Royal Automobile Club)
- Services Offered: Similar to the AA, the RAC offers detailed vehicle inspections that cover various aspects of a vehicle’s condition.
- Customer Rating: The RAC is renowned for its thorough inspection process and reliable reports, contributing to its popularity.
- Coverage: The RAC’s services are available throughout the UK, ensuring a broad reach to vehicle owners.
- ClickMechanic
- Services Offered: ClickMechanic provides a user-friendly platform for booking various types of vehicle inspections, including pre-purchase checks.
- Customer Rating: Customers appreciate the convenience and quality of service provided by ClickMechanic’s network of professional mechanics.
- Coverage: With a strong online presence, ClickMechanic caters to customers across the UK, offering flexible booking options.
These companies are highly regarded for their commitment to quality and customer service, making them the go-to choices for vehicle inspections in the UK. Whether it’s for pre-purchase evaluations, routine checks, or specific mechanical inspections, these companies have proven their reliability and expertise in the field.
For more detailed information or to book an inspection, you can visit their respective websites or contact them directly through their customer service channels. Remember to always verify the latest reviews and ratings to ensure you choose the service that best fits your needs.
(1) . https://bing.com/search?q=UK+most+popular+vehicle+inspection+companies.
(2) UK Leading Vehicle Inspection Service | CarExamer. https://carexamer.com/.
(3) Vehicle Inspections London. http://www.metvehicleinspections.co.uk/.
(4) PCO Vehicle Inspection Centre. https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/licensing/private-hire-vehicle-licence.
(5) Inspection Services (UK). https://safeinspect.co.uk/.
(6) Best companies in Vehicle Inspection on Trustpilot. https://uk.trustpilot.com/categories/vehicle_inspection.
(7) Car Inspection – Clickmechanic Versus AA Car/Vehicle Check & RAC. https://www.carveto.co.uk/blog/car-inspection/.
(8) The best used car checks available in 2022 – Car Guide. https://www.carguide.co.uk/best-used-car-checks-2020/.
(9) en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_inspection.
What checks should I do before buying a used car?
When buying a used car, it’s important to conduct thorough checks to ensure you’re making a wise purchase. Here’s a checklist to guide you through the processBefore Viewing the Vehicle:
- Vehicle History Check: Use services like hpi.co.uk¹ or checkamotor.co.uk to get a detailed report on the car’s history. These checks can reveal if the car has been in any accidents, has outstanding finance, or has been reported stolen. They can also provide information on previous owners, vehicle specifications, and MOT history.
- MOT and Service Records: Verify the car’s MOT status and history to ensure it’s been well-maintained. This can often be checked through the same services that offer vehicle history checks.
- Seller Questions: Ask the seller for the registration number, make, model, and MOT test number.
During the Vehicle Inspection:
- Documentation: Check the V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book) for authenticity and matching details.
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Ensure the VIN matches the one on the log book.
- Physical Inspection: Look for signs of damage, rust, tire condition, and the overall state of the vehicle.
- Test Drive: Take the car for a test drive to check for any mechanical issues.
After the Inspection:
- Price Check: Make sure the price is in line with the market value.
- Professional Inspection: Consider getting a professional mechanic to inspect the car if you’re not confident in your own assessment.
Remember, it’s crucial to be diligent and not rush into a purchase. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to walk away. Happy car hunting! 🚗
(1) HPI | Car Check, Vehicle Valuations & MOT History Check. https://www.hpi.co.uk/.
(2) Motor Check – Check a Motor. https://checkamotor.co.uk/.
(3) Check a used vehicle you’re buying – GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/checks-when-buying-a-used-car.
(4) HPI | Free Car Valuations, How Much Is My Car Worth? Used Car Values. https://www.hpi.co.uk/car-valuation.html.
(5) Vehicle Check | Online Vehicle Check Service from HPI. https://www.hpi.co.uk/vehicle-check.
(6) Vehicle Checks, Used Car History Checks Online, Instant Car Data Check …. https://www.hpi.co.uk/hpi-check.
(7) Online Car Check: A Comprehensive Guide to buying Your Car – Safe and …. https://checkamotor.co.uk/online-car-check-a-comprehensive-guide-to-buying-your-car-safe-and-secure/.
(8) Our guide to buying a car on gumtree.com – Check a Motor. https://checkamotor.co.uk/our-guide-to-buying-a-car-on-gum
It’s cold but the AA and RAC are working hard for their members
The AA and RAC are two of the most popular breakdown cover providers in the UK. Here are some key differences between the two:
The AA is generally more expensive than RAC, but it offers more comprehensive coverage options.
Customer satisfaction:
According to a recent survey, AA has a higher customer satisfaction rating than RAC.
Fleet size:
The AA has a larger fleet of patrols than RAC, which means they can respond to more breakdowns at once.
Membership benefits:
Both AA and RAC offer a range of membership benefits, such as discounts on hotels, restaurants, and other services. However, the specific benefits may vary depending on the type of membership you have.
In terms of breakdown cover, both AA and RAC offer similar services, such as roadside assistance, home start, and onward travel. However, the level of coverage and pricing may differ depending on the type of membership you choose. It’s important to compare the different options available and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
The AA offers a range of membership options, including vehicle cover and personal cover. Vehicle cover means that your vehicle is covered in the event of a breakdown, no matter who is driving. If you’ve lent your car to your gran so she can pick up some whiskey, she’s covered. This is ideal for couples or families sharing a car. On the other hand, personal cover gives you breakdown cover, no matter what vehicle you’re in. This is usually a more expensive option compared to vehicle cover. But if you drive multiple vehicles, it’s probably cheaper to take out a personal cover policy.
The AA also offers a range of additional services, such as European breakdown cover, which provides assistance if your vehicle breaks down while you’re driving in Europe. They also offer a mobile app that allows you to track the progress of your patrol and get real-time updates on their estimated arrival time.
RAC also offers a range of membership options, including vehicle cover and personal cover. They also offer a range of additional services, such as key replacement, which provides assistance if you lose your car keys. They also offer a mobile app that allows you to report a breakdown and track the progress of your patrol.
Both AA and RAC offer joint and family policies starting at exactly the same price. However, RAC offers a free MOT (worth up to £55) with their policies, which may be a deciding factor for some customers.
In terms of customer service, both AA and RAC have received awards for their customer satisfaction. However, according to a recent survey, AA has a higher customer satisfaction rating than RAC.
In summary, both AA and RAC offer similar breakdown cover services, but the level of coverage and pricing may differ depending on the type of membership you choose. The AA is generally more expensive than RAC, but it offers more comprehensive coverage options. The AA has a larger fleet of patrols than RAC, which means they can respond to more breakdowns at once. However, RAC offers a free MOT with their policies, which may be a deciding factor for some customers. It’s important to compare the different options available and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.