AI agents for business finance: what they can and can't do
What AI agents can do in bookkeeping, close, collections and compliance today, where a person must stay in charge, and how to judge a product.
The short answer
Before paying for a used car in the UK, GOV.UK says to get the registration, make, model and MOT test number from the seller, check them against DVLA's vehicle information and the free MOT history, check for safety recalls, and inspect the V5C log book for a "DVL" watermark and a serial number outside the ranges linked to stolen log books. Outstanding finance and write-off status are not on the free GOV.UK checks, so buyers commonly pay for a private history check.
The used car market is where many new arrivals lose money, because the fastest way to buy is also the riskiest: a private seller, a bank transfer and a handshake. In Nigeria a buyer might rely on a trusted mechanic or a "tokunbo" dealer's word. In the UK, much of what you need to know is on free government databases, if you check before you pay.
Before you see the car
GOV.UK's guidance on checks when buying a used car (updated September 2026) starts before the viewing. Ask the seller for:
- the registration number
- the make and model
- the MOT test number
Then use them on GOV.UK:
- DVLA vehicle information: check the details match what the seller told you, such as colour and engine size.
- MOT history: GOV.UK's MOT history service shows whether each past test was a pass or a fail, the mileage recorded at each test, when the next MOT is due and, for tests in England, Scotland and Wales, which parts failed, including minor problems. Car records go back to 2005.
- Safety recalls: GOV.UK says to check if the vehicle has been recalled for a serious safety issue.
Mileage that falls between two MOTs, or a long gap with no test at all, is a question to ask the seller. A list of repeated advisories on the same part tells you what the next repair bill might be.
At the viewing: the V5C log book
GOV.UK says to ask to see the V5C log book and check three things:
- it has a "DVL" watermark
- the serial number is not in the ranges BG8229501 to BG9999030 or BI2305501 to BI2800000; if it is, GOV.UK says the V5C might be stolen and to call the police as soon as it is safe
- the seller's name and address match the log book
Then check the vehicle identification number (VIN) and engine number on the car against the log book. If the seller says the log book is "with DVLA" or "lost", that is a reason to wait, not to pay. GOV.UK lists the fee for a replacement log book as £25, so a seller who really owns the car can get one.
What the free checks do not show
GOV.UK's guide does not cover two of the biggest risks:
| Risk | Why it matters | How buyers usually check |
|---|---|---|
| Outstanding finance | If a car is still under a hire purchase agreement, the finance company may own it, not the seller | A paid vehicle history check from a private provider |
| Insurance write-off | A car previously written off may have been repaired to an unknown standard | A paid history check; ask the seller directly |
| Stolen vehicle | You can lose the car and the money | V5C checks above, plus a paid history check |
We did not review a specific history check provider, so we do not name one or quote a price. Compare what each includes (finance, write-off, stolen, number plate changes, mileage) before choosing.
Questions to ask the seller
- How long have you owned it, and why are you selling?
- Is there any finance outstanding on the car?
- Has it ever been in an accident or an insurance claim?
- Do you have service records and receipts for recent work?
- Can I see it at the address on the log book?
Write the answers down. If a later check contradicts what you were told, that tells you as much as the check itself.
Paying and driving away
- Arrange insurance first. GOV.UK says you must have insurance before you use the vehicle on the road; driving it home uninsured risks a £300 fixed penalty and 6 points (see the penalties).
- Pay by a traceable method and keep a written receipt with the date, price, registration and both parties' names.
- Get the green new keeper slip from the V5C. GOV.UK says to tax the vehicle immediately using it.
- Register for MOT reminders. Once a car is 3 years old it needs an MOT every year.
Dealer or private seller
Dealers often arrange finance as part of the sale. If you are thinking of finance, read car finance as a new arrival first, because a thin UK credit file affects what you are offered. Your consumer rights differ between dealer and private sales; this guide does not cover them, so check them before you buy.
Where Pryme fits
A car purchase is a large payment in pounds. A Pryme account holds GBP with UK account details, and Pryme partners with VerifyDoc.ai so you can generate a verifiable statement or receipt for the payment that anyone can check is genuine and unaltered, a useful record if a dispute arises.
Questions people ask
How do I check if a used car is stolen in the UK?
Check the V5C has a "DVL" watermark and that its serial number is not in GOV.UK's listed stolen ranges. Many buyers also pay for a history check.
How can I check a car's MOT history for free?
Use GOV.UK's MOT history service with the registration number. It shows past results, recorded mileage and when the next MOT is due.
Does GOV.UK show if a car has outstanding finance?
No. The free GOV.UK checks do not show finance. Buyers commonly use a paid vehicle history check for that.
Does road tax transfer when I buy a used car?
No. GOV.UK says to tax the vehicle immediately using the green new keeper slip from the log book.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Checks when buying a used car (updated 9 Sep 2026) · accessed Oct 2026
- GOV.UK: Check the MOT history of a vehicle (updated 25 Sep 2026) · accessed Oct 2026
- GOV.UK: Vehicle insurance, driving without insurance · accessed Oct 2026
This article is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Products described are provided under the terms on this site and are subject to regulation and eligibility.