MotoFiles vs AA Car Check: Free vs Paid
The AA is one of the UK's most trusted brands for vehicle checks — but their full report costs up to £20. MotoFiles gives you the same core DVLA and DVSA data for free. Here is how they compare.
Feature-by-feature comparison
Both services use official DVLA and DVSA data. The difference is what you get for free versus what you pay for.
| Feature | MotoFiles | AA Car Check |
|---|---|---|
| Free basic vehicle check | ||
| MOT history & advisory notes | ||
| Tax status & expiry date | ||
| Vehicle specifications (make, model, fuel, CO2) | ||
| Mileage history from MOT records | ||
| No sign-up required for free check | ||
| Instant results (no waiting) | ||
| Outstanding finance check | ||
| Insurance write-off (Cat S/N) check | ||
| Stolen vehicle marker (PNC) | ||
| Number plate change history | ||
| Price for full check | Free | £9.40–£19.99 |
Why choose MotoFiles over AA Car Check?
No Payment Needed
The AA charges £9.40–£19.99 per check. MotoFiles gives you MOT history, tax status, and vehicle specs completely free — check as many cars as you like.
No Account Required
Just enter a registration number and get instant results. No sign-up, no email, no payment details to enter before seeing your report.
Same Official Data
Both MotoFiles and the AA pull from the same DVLA and DVSA databases. The core vehicle data is identical — the difference is price and convenience.
Try it free right now
Enter any UK registration to get instant MOT, tax, and vehicle data — no payment required.
Free check — no sign-up required
Frequently asked questions
Is MotoFiles a good alternative to AA Car Check?
For free basic checks, yes. MotoFiles gives you MOT history, tax status, vehicle identity, and technical specs at no cost. AA Car Check charges for their full report which includes finance, write-off, and stolen checks. If you only need the core DVLA and DVSA data, MotoFiles saves you money.
What does AA Car Check include that MotoFiles does not?
AA Car Check includes outstanding finance checks, insurance write-off categories, stolen vehicle markers from the PNC, and number plate change history. These require paid data partnerships. MotoFiles is building premium features to cover these, but our free check already provides the essential foundation.
Can I use MotoFiles before paying for an AA Car Check?
Absolutely — and many buyers do. Run a free MotoFiles check first to review MOT history, tax status, and vehicle specs. If anything looks suspicious or you are seriously considering buying the car, then invest in a paid AA or HPI check for finance and stolen status before committing.
How fast is MotoFiles compared to AA Car Check?
Both return results instantly. MotoFiles performs live DVLA lookups, so you get real-time data without creating an account or entering payment details. AA Car Check also provides instant results but requires payment first.