Yes. You can run a HPI finance check—stand-alone or within the Motorcheck Full Check—by entering the car registration to see instantly if any finance is outstanding.
If you buy a vehicle without a Motorcheck report, you risk having your car seized by the bank that’s owed the money—leaving you without a vehicle and in the difficult position of trying to track down the original seller.
Why a HPI / Finance Check Matters
- Avoid repossession risk: if finance is outstanding, a lender can seek to recover the car—even after you’ve paid the seller.
- Confirm true ownership: be sure the seller has the right to sell.
- Negotiate with confidence: a clear result supports a fair price.
- Instant peace of mind: results in seconds, with free bank verification if needed.
- Cross-border clarity: combine with UK & NI history for the full picture on imports.
How does a HPI check work?
When you order a finance check with Motorcheck, we take the registration number of the car you’re considering and check it against the central HPI finance database, which is updated by financial institutions across Ireland. The process is instant. If any lender shows an interest in the vehicle, you’ll be informed immediately—so you’re protected from buying a car that a bank still has ownership over.
Can Motorcheck do a finance check directly with the bank?
It’s not uncommon for a bank to be slow to remove the record of a settled finance agreement from the HPI database. This can result in a finance check indicating outstanding finance when, in fact, the agreement has already been settled. That’s why Motorcheck offers every customer the option to have their finance result verified directly with the bank at no extra cost. Just click the “Update” link in your report and our customer service team will contact the lender on your behalf to confirm the result.
You might also be interested to learn about the UK and NI history of a car, and see how Motorcheck can help you value used cars with our Used Car Valuation Calculator which is bundled with all car history reports.
Start your HPI Car Finance Check today
Enter the registration number and hit “Go” for instant access to an Irish finance check. Looking at an import? Your Full Check includes UK & NI history. You’ll also get our Used Car Valuation Calculator with every car history report.
Don't Regret It, MotorCheck It! - more reasons to use MotorCheck
Our affordable and easy-to-use reports save Irish car buyers thousands of euro every week.
Check for evidence of Clocking
Check for previous Write-off history
Check for use as a Taxi or Hackney
Check the full history from the UK & Northern Ireland
Outstanding Finance on a Car: FAQs
Can you perform a HPI check on your car for outstanding finance?
Yes. You can run a HPI finance check on any Irish-registered car either as a stand-alone report or within the Motorcheck Full Check. Enter the registration number to get an instant result showing whether any finance (HP, PCP, lease, etc.) is still owing. The check does not affect credit scores and includes free direct-with-bank verification if clarification is needed.
What does “outstanding finance” mean on a car?
“Outstanding finance” means a lender still has a legal interest in the vehicle under a live agreement (for example HP or PCP). Until that agreement is fully settled and the lender clears their record, the seller may not have the right to sell the car outright, and the lender can assert their interest—even after a private sale.
What happens if I buy a car with outstanding finance?
If you buy a car that still has finance owing, the lender can seek to repossess it because their interest takes priority. You could lose both the car and your money. If a Motorcheck report flags outstanding finance, stop the purchase immediately, ask the seller to settle the balance with their lender, and obtain written confirmation that the finance is cleared before proceeding.
How do I resolve an “outstanding finance” result?
Ask the seller to pay off the balance with their lender and provide proof (e.g., a lender clearance/settlement letter). Then click “Update” in your Motorcheck report so we can verify the status directly with the bank at no extra cost. Do not complete the sale—or hand over money—until your updated report confirms there is no outstanding finance.
Can Motorcheck verify the result directly with the bank?
Yes. If your report shows finance or looks out of date, use the “Update” link and Motorcheck will contact the lender to confirm whether the agreement is active or settled. This verification is free; once the lender confirms settlement, your report will be updated so you can proceed with confidence.
Can I run a HPI/finance check on an import (UK & Northern Ireland)?
Yes. The Motorcheck Full Check includes UK & NI history and can flag outstanding UK finance when available from lenders.
