HPI, which operates a service to help car buyers in the UK avoid buying a written-off, stolen, ‘clocked’ or financed vehicle, says it saw an 80 per cent increase in the number of HPI Checks conducted by iPhone or iPad rising by during the second half of 2011.

There was a 172 per cent increase in the number of visits to the HPIcheck website by car buyers on iPads in December, compared to the previous six months, and a 39 per cent increase in the number of visits conducted using iPhones over the same period. 

The company says these stats demonstrate the power of new media in supporting the car buying process. Consumers, who are often emotionally driven by a purchase decision, can use technology to fully check the history of the vehicle, inputting its Vehicle Registration Number (VRM) and 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) whilst actually walking around the vehicle and looking under its bonnet, in order to make a rational assessment.

“Our figures show that more and more consumers are turning to smartphones and other mobile devices, such as iPads and iPhones, when it comes to shopping for cars,” says HPI consumer services director, Kristian Welch. “We recognised the importance of this new technology some time ago and adapted our online HPI Check to be fully functional as a mobile enabled browser early in 2011, but even we are surprised by the surge in iPad activity during the lead up to Christmas.”

HPI says it used more vehicle information than any other used car data provider, confirming the vehicle description; whether it is currently recorded as stolen; been written-off by an insurance company; is subject to outstanding finance; or has had a plate change. In addition, a mileage check comes as standard, offering added peace of mind to used car buyers that a car has not been clocked. HPI’s National Mileage Register (NMR) holds over 130m mileage readings.

To use the service, visit www.hpicheck.com on your phone’s browser.