Frequently Asked Questions

PlateInsight is the UK's smartest vehicle check app. Enter any UK registration and get an instant report including full MOT history, an AI-powered Health Score, red flag detection, market comparison, and a clear buy/avoid verdict. It's backed by 261 million official MOT records and powered by our AI assistant, Higgy.

Your first vehicle check is free. After that, PlateInsight uses a simple pay-as-you-go credit system: 1 credit = 1 vehicle report. No subscriptions, no recurring charges, and credits never expire. Check the app for current credit packages and prices.

Yes, you need a free account to:

• Purchase and manage credits
• Access your search history
• Save vehicles to your Garage
• Use Vehicle Explorer
• Chat with Higgy

Sign up takes just 30 seconds with your email, Apple ID, or Google account.

Vehicle Explorer is a powerful research tool built into PlateInsight. It lets you explore the reliability of any make and model — before you even find a specific car. It's powered by a database of 261 million MOT test records from the DVSA, so every insight is based on real-world data, not opinions.

• Reliability rankings — See how any make and model ranks for MOT pass rates, common defects, and overall condition
• Side-by-side comparison — Compare two models head-to-head (e.g. VW Golf vs Ford Focus) on pass rates, mileage, and defect averages
• Best year finder — Discover which model years are the most reliable and which ones to avoid
• Common defects — See the most frequent failure points for any model so you know what to look for

No. Vehicle Explorer is free to use for all registered users. Credits are only needed for individual vehicle checks (specific registration lookups). You can browse, compare, and research as many makes and models as you like at no cost.

Vehicle Explorer is built from 261 million MOT test records sourced from the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency). We process this data with AI to generate reliability scores, defect patterns, and model comparisons. The data is updated regularly to reflect the latest test results.

Higgy is PlateInsight's built-in AI assistant. He's there to help you understand your vehicle reports, explain MOT jargon in plain English, and answer questions about defects, advisories, and what they mean for your purchase decision.

You can ask Higgy anything about your vehicle report, including:

• "What does this advisory mean?" — Higgy explains MOT advisories and defects in simple terms
• "Is this a good buy?" — Get Higgy's take on whether the vehicle is worth pursuing
• "What should I look for on a test drive?" — Tailored advice based on the vehicle's specific history
• "How serious is this defect?" — Understand whether something is a minor cosmetic issue or a deal-breaker

No. Higgy is included with every vehicle report at no extra cost. Once you've unlocked a report with 1 credit, you can chat with Higgy about that vehicle as much as you like.

Higgy is great for understanding your report and getting quick, informed guidance. However, for major purchases we always recommend getting a professional physical inspection as well. Higgy analyses the data — a mechanic can see and hear things that data can't capture. Use both for the best outcome.

Simple 4-step process:

1. Open the app and go to the Search tab
2. Enter the registration (e.g., AB12 CDE)
3. Tap "Search Vehicle"
4. Use 1 credit to unlock the full report

That's it! View your detailed analysis, ask Higgy any questions, and share the report with others.

Every report includes:

• PlateInsight Health Score (0–100)
• Complete MOT history with pass/fail dates
• Market comparison vs similar vehicles
• Mileage analysis and benchmarks
• Red flags and warnings
• AI-powered verdict
• Ownership history (V5C data)
• Tax & insurance status
• Recent advisories
• Chat with Higgy about the report

Yes! Once you've unlocked a vehicle with 1 credit, you can:

• View it unlimited times in your History
• Re-access the full report completely free
• Chat with Higgy about it anytime
• Share it with others

You only pay once per vehicle registration.

Yes! Add up to 10 vehicles to your Garage to:

• Quick access frequently checked vehicles
• Track vehicles over time
• Keep a watchlist of cars you're considering
• Compare garage vehicles side-by-side

No! Your credits never expire. Buy them now, use them whenever you need.

1. Tap "Buy Credits" on the Search screen
2. Choose your package
3. Complete purchase via Apple In-App Purchase
4. Credits added instantly!

All payments via Apple In-App Purchase, which accepts:

• Credit/debit cards
• Apple Pay
• iTunes gift cards
• Family Sharing (if enabled)

Credits are generally non-refundable. However, we will issue refunds for:

• Technical errors preventing report generation
• Duplicate charges
• Cases required by law

Email [email protected] within 14 days with your transaction ID.

We use official UK Government sources:

• DVLA — Vehicle details, tax, registration
• DVSA — MOT history and test results (261 million records)

This is the same data used by garages, dealerships, and insurance companies.

Our data comes directly from government databases and is typically very accurate. However:

• Data is updated regularly but not instant (usually within 24 hours)
• Rare errors can exist in government databases
• Always verify critical details with DVLA/DVSA for legal matters

For important purchases, we recommend a professional inspection in addition to our report.

The Health Score (0–100) rates vehicle condition based on:

• MOT pass rate compared to similar vehicles
• Mileage vs average for age
• Red flags (dangerous defects, anomalies)
• Ownership history
• Recent test results
• Maintenance needs

85+ = Excellent  |  60–84 = Good  |  40–59 = Fair  |  <40 = Poor

No, and it's worth knowing these guarantees are not all the same. Some checks are backed by Experian's AutoCheck Data Guarantee, whose own terms make it available to the motor trade, not to a private individual buying in their own capacity (condition 6.1), so as a private buyer you could not claim on one of those.

Other providers run their own separate schemes that do cover private buyers, but usually only if you bought from the registered keeper at the address on the V5, verified the seller's identity and paid a fair price, and they often exclude mileage, valuation and the logbook check. So before you trust a headline figure, check whose guarantee backs the report and whether you would actually qualify.

Our data comes from the DVLA, DVSA and independent providers, so we don't offer a cash guarantee and won't pretend to. What actually protects you is seeing the finance, theft, write-off and salvage records before you pay, and we refund you if we can't generate your report. You can read the Experian AutoCheck guarantee terms for yourself.

This can happen if:

• Registration entered incorrectly (check spelling)
• Vehicle is too new (under 3 years old, no MOT yet)
• Vehicle is MOT-exempt (pre-1960)
• Government database is temporarily unavailable

Double-check the registration and try again. If it persists, contact [email protected]

Try these steps:

1. Check your internet connection (WiFi or mobile data)
2. Close the app completely and reopen
3. Restart your device
4. Check for app updates in the App Store
5. If it persists, contact [email protected]

Yes. PlateInsight is run by real people, not a chatbot or an outsourced call centre. Email [email protected] and a person will read it and reply within one working day. Whether it's a question about a report, a refund, or a car you're not sure about, you'll get a straight answer from someone who knows the product.