FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Guidance Notes

Click or tap on the headings below to reveal answers. Please also see our Terms and Conditions.

 

Can we inspect salt water damage?

We cannot accept these vehicles under the HPI scheme.

Can you inspect Category A or B vehicles?

We cannot inspect Category A or B vehicles even if the vehicle has had a log book (V5) issued.

How is my personal data protected (GDPR)?

Please read our Privacy Policy here.

How long does it take for HPI to change their records?

HPI can take up to 10 days to move from Condition Alert register to the Condition Inspected register.

How long does the inspection take?

Between 1 – 2 hours dependent on the extent of the damage.

How long will it take for my paperwork to be received?

Paperwork is issued via email within 3-5 working days (Saturday is not included as a working day) after your inspection has been completed.

How much will the inspection cost?

This is dependent on car type and you will be advised when you register and make your application the cost. It is currently between £250.00 – £325.00. Retests are between £65.00 and £95.00.

How will I know appointment availability?

This will be advised when you make your booking.

How will the inspection affect my vehicle’s HPI?

The thing to emphasise here is that we only work with HPI so it will not work with any other company, for example, Experian. Sellers can advertise that the vehicle has been inspected and provide a copy of the certificate of conformity and a full report of the vehicle to confirm the vehicle’s status on HPI.

When the vehicle passes, a certificate of conformity is issued to you and HPI are advised accordingly. It moves from the Condition Alert register to the Condition Inspected register.  On HPI at the top of the register it will now show ‘Condition Inspected’, then it will give all the vehicle information, VIN etc.  Scroll down and it will show;

  • Condition inspected. Vehicle previously recorded as damaged against Condition Alert register. 
  • Date of Inspection is given.
  • Category was previously S or N or D or C (as current status).
  • Date of the original claim is given.
  • Centre Inspection was carried out at given.
  • Autolign’s details given.

Is the vehicle removed from all vehicle history sites?

Only with HPI will the status be changed which means the vehicle’s status will be changed from the Condition Alert register to the Condition Inspected register. If a search is completed on the vehicle’s history using the information other than from HPI, it will still show as a categorised vehicle.

What do I need to bring to the inspection?

The V5 log book, the current MOT or taxi equivalent.

What does the inspection cover?

An engineer will inspect for any accident repair.  The repair has to be completed to HPI standards for the vehicle to pass. The engineer will check the condition of the upper and underbody. There will be a wheel alignment check, a brake test and a road test. All the electrical ancillaries and vehicle lighting will be checked. Tyres, tread, pressure and condition will be checked, the suspension and steering parts will be inspected. We would recommend the vehicle is repaired by an insurance approved garage and the vehicle is MOT’d again after the repairs have been completed, to avoid the vehicle from failing inspection.

What happens if I want to cancel?

Please read our Terms and Conditions.

What happens if my vehicle fails the inspection?

A retest will be required, the engineer will go through the failure points with you at the time of inspection followed by a failure report sent via email 3-5 working days after inspection. Once these areas have been rectified, you will need to rebook your vehicle in for re-inspection. If the vehicle fails and requires a retest, as along as the vehicle is brought back within 30 days, the retest fee is between £65 and £95.  Over 30 days, the car will need a full inspection at the full current inspection cost.

What if my vehicle is for private hire or taxi usage?

If your car is a private hire vehicle / taxi or intended for this use, please inform us which council you require us to send paperwork to which is issued via email within 3 – 5 working days (Saturday is not included as a working day)

What vehicles cannot be inspected?

  • Vehicles over 3 metre wheelbase
  • We do not inspect Motorbikes
  • Category A or B vehicles

When do I need to pay?

When you have submitted your application and a suitable inspection date has been agreed by you.

Where are the inspection centres?

There are currently three vehicle inspection sites:

  1. Wolverhampton
  2. Royston in Hertfordshire
  3. Redhill in Surrey

Get Directions

Where should I get my vehicle repaired?

Autolign Inspections Ltd are not allowed to refer customers, however, it is advisable to ensure your vehicle is repaired by a reputable repairer.