What types of vehicles don't we inspect?
If the vehicle you're interested in buying is one of these, then we're not able to inspect it:
- Horse boxes
- American imports
- Kit cars
- Limousines
- Motorcycles
- London taxis / Hackney carriages
- Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes or trolley jacks
- Specific high-performance vehicles (supercars or hypercars)
We also can't inspect:
- Disability controls and modifications – although we can check the vehicle
- Commercial refrigeration units fitted to vehicles – although we can check the vehicle
- Body tipping equipment fitted to a vehicle
- Tail lifts fitted for any vehicle
What doesn't the Vehicle Inspection cover?
Our Vehicle Inspection won't cover:
- Dismantling, removing, disconnecting or taking apart any item on the vehicle (for more details see our Ts&Cs)
- Vehicle data checks, or mileage accuracy – but you can use our vehicle check to get information on this
- Oil and fuel consumption
- Sources of oil leaks
- Multimedia systems or sat navs
- Cylinder compression
- Air-conditioning function and efficiency (using specific diagnostic equipment)
- Vehicle electrics and electronics (requiring the use of specific diagnostic equipment)
- Exhaust emissions and/or catalytic converters (requiring the use of gas analysing equipment)
- Habitation area of motor homes (electrical systems, water/gas fittings and associated appliances; body/caravan area for water ingress or dampness)
Who does the inspection?
The inspection is carried out by one of our engineers or an engineer working on our behalf.
What should I ask the seller before I book?
For us to carry out a pre-purchase vehicle inspection, you need the seller’s permission.
You'll want to tell the seller
- You're arranging an inspection, and get their permission to have it performed
- The inspection includes a road test – make sure the vehicle's available
So that the vehicle’s ready for the engineer, ask the seller if the vehicle
- Has a valid MOT certificate (if applicable)
- Has enough oil, water and fuel for the road test
- Is on an off-road location on a hard, level surface
- Is reasonably clean
You’ll still have to pay the full fee if the engineer refuses or is unable to carry out any part of the inspection because the vehicle wasn’t set up for them. Plus there’ll be an additional fee for any later road test you ask us to carry out.
Who's responsible for any defects?
Our engineer performs a visual inspection of the car and carries out a road test. Any defects or notes are reported to you. It's then for you to raise these with the seller, and it's their responsibility to look at any defects or notes reported.
What do I get if I'm a Member?
If you're a Member with us and have an active Breakdown Cover policy, you'll get 10% off your inspection.
You can find out more about Smart Benefits and the other benefits which come with membership, including our free accident assist helpline an discounts on other products like car insurance and home insurance.