MyCarChecklist
CompareCar guidesFAQPricingDealers

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about MyCarChecklist.

🔍 About the service

Is MyCarChecklist really free?

Yes — MOT history, risk assessment, and vehicle details are completely free with no account required. Unlock the full AI Buyer Guidance and personalised viewing checklist by entering your email address, which is also free.

Where does the MOT data come from?

Directly from the official DVSA MOT History API — the same government source used by dealers, insurers, and DVLA itself. The data is as accurate and up-to-date as what DVSA holds on record.

How accurate is the AI analysis?

The AI (GPT-4) uses the vehicle's actual MOT history, make, model, year, and mileage to generate its guidance. It draws on broad automotive knowledge to surface known issues for that specific model. It's informed guidance, not a professional inspection — always verify in person.

Can I check any UK vehicle?

Yes — any vehicle registered in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. This includes cars, vans, and motorcycles. We can't check vehicles registered overseas.

What if the registration doesn't return any results?

Double-check the plate — it's easy to mix up 0/O and 1/I. Very new vehicles (under 3 years old) may have limited MOT history as they don't require an MOT until year three. If you're certain the plate is correct, contact us at joe@mycarchecklist.co.uk.

🤖 AI & checklist

Why do I need to give my email to unlock the AI guidance?

The AI analysis costs us money to run (OpenAI API calls). Requiring an email lets us cover those costs sustainably without charging per lookup. We'll occasionally send car-buying tips — you can unsubscribe at any time.

Is the AI checklist the same for every car?

No — it's personalised. The checklist calls our AI with the vehicle's make, model, year, fuel type, mileage, and actual MOT history. It generates model-specific weak points (e.g. known issues for a 2018 VW Golf 2.0 TDI) and flags specific advisory or failure items from that car's MOT record for you to re-check at the viewing.

Can I save the checklist to my phone?

Yes. Open the checklist on your phone and tap the "Save to phone" button — then tap the share icon and select "Add to Home Screen". It works like an app with no download required. Your progress is saved automatically so you can tick items off during the viewing.

How do I share my checklist results?

Tap "Share results" at the bottom of the checklist page. On mobile this opens your native share sheet. On desktop it copies a text summary to your clipboard that you can paste into WhatsApp, email, or Notes.

💰 Budget & pricing

How accurate is the budget breakdown / market value estimate?

The market value is an estimate based on age, mileage, brand tier, and fuel type — not a live valuation from a data provider. Use it as a rough guide and ballpark for negotiation, not as a definitive valuation. For an accurate valuation, check AutoTrader or WhatCar.

Are you planning paid plans?

Yes — we're working on pay-per-report credits and a dealer plan for bulk lookups. Get in touch if you're interested in early access.

🔒 Privacy & data

Do you store the registration numbers I search?

We log searches anonymously for analytics and abuse prevention. We don't link searches to individuals unless you've provided your email. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Is it safe to enter a vehicle registration?

Yes — number plates are public information (displayed on every car). We only use them to retrieve MOT history from DVSA and never share your search history with third parties.

How do I delete my data?

Email joe@mycarchecklist.co.uk and I'll remove your data within 30 days in line with UK GDPR. See our Privacy Policy for your full rights.

📬 Still have a question?

Email us at joe@mycarchecklist.co.uk — I reply personally, usually within a few hours. No chatbots, no ticket systems — just Joe.

Or try one of our demo plates on the homepage: DEMO123, DEMOFAIL, or AB12CDE to see exactly what a full report looks like.

← Check a vehicle

© MyCarChecklist  ·  Terms  ·  Privacy  ·  Cookies