By looking into a car’s history with an HPI Check, you can understand whether the vehicle has an outstanding loan or finance agreement against it. If it does, and you purchase the vehicle, then you could lose both the car and the money you paid for it.

If someone is using your information to open a new account or take out loans in your name, submit an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commision (FTC). You can do so online at IdentityTheft.gov. Once you enter your information, the FTC will give you a recovery plan with suggested steps you should take.

Grace Period on Purchases. We will not charge you interest on any new purchases if the entire statement balance is paid in full by the due date, or payments and credits equal or exceed the statement balance. Unless otherwise stated, there is no grace period for cash advances, balance transfers, and transaction fees.

There’s no such thing as a Free HPI Check so be extremely cautious of any services that claim to provide an HPI Check Free. A ‘Free HPI Check’ is not genuine and will not provide you with the information needed to keep you protected from car scams and motor fraud.

It’s impossible to be accepted for car finance without having a hard credit check. People with excellent credit ratings are more likely to be offered cheaper deals. Even if you don’t have the best credit score, you can still obtain car finance, but you might have to pay more because you represent a bigger risk.

The Ultra-low Emissions Zone is a predefined area in London within which vehicles must not exceed specific polluting emissions levels, or they must pay a daily charge. “ULEZ compliant” therefore means that the car or vehicle complies with the latest European emissions standards and is allowed in the zone.

Virtually all petrol cars sold from 2005, plus some registered between 2001 and 2005, petrol vans sold after 2006 and motorbikes registered after July 2007 are ULEZ-compliant. Electric vehicles are automatically compliant as they produce zero tailpipe emissions.

Diesel cars

• Only Euro 6-compliant diesel cars are exempt from ULEZ charges.
• Almost every diesel car produced since September 2015 meets the standard.

If you drive in central London, you might have to pay the Congestion Charge….The Congestion Charge is based on number plate recognition:

1. Cameras read your vehicle number plate as you enter, drive around and leave the zone.
2. Once your number plate has been matched to the database, a check will run to see if you’ve paid.

You can find out if you will be charged by inputting your vehicle registration details into the Government vehicle checker.

The Congestion Charge applies to most vehicles entering central London. Make sure you know how it might affect your visit. The Congestion Charge applies between 7am and 10pm, seven days a week, except Christmas Day. The Congestion Charge costs £15 if you pay in advance or on the same day.

You need to pay a £15 daily charge if you drive within the Congestion Charge zone 07:00-22:00, every day, except Christmas Day (25 December). If your vehicle does not meet the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) standards, you must also pay the ULEZ charge. The zone covers the same area as the Congestion Charge.