CarCostCheck vs MyCarCheck (2026): Full Comparison

CarCostCheck and MyCarCheck both sit at £4.99 for a UK car history check. They source their core provenance data from the same Experian database, so the stolen, finance and write-off coverage is equivalent. The real difference is what each layers on top of that core data: CarCostCheck includes MOT failure analysis, reliability scoring and running cost estimates at no extra cost, while MyCarCheck sticks to the traditional car history report format. For most private buyers, CarCostCheck is the stronger choice at the same price.

Price and What Each Includes

Both providers charge £4.99. Here is how the contents compare:

Both providers match on every core provenance check. CarCostCheck adds four analysis features MyCarCheck does not include at any tier. At the same £4.99 price, CarCostCheck gives you measurably more for your money.

Data Sources

Every UK car history check in the £4.99 to £20 price range pulls from the same three databases:

• Experian AutoCheck: stolen markers, outstanding finance agreements, write-off category
• DVSA: MOT test results, defect reasons, pass/fail history
• DVLA: registration details, tax status, keeper count, plate and colour history

CarCostCheck and MyCarCheck both access these sources. The provenance data you receive is the same from either provider. What differs is what each does with the raw data. CarCostCheck builds an analysis layer on top (MOT categorisation, reliability, running costs); MyCarCheck presents the raw data as a traditional report.

Where CarCostCheck Pulls Ahead

At the same £4.99 price, CarCostCheck includes four features MyCarCheck does not:

1. MOT Failure Categorisation

Every historical MOT failure is grouped by category (brakes, suspension, emissions, lights, tyres, body, steering) so recurring issues become visible at a glance. MyCarCheck shows you the raw MOT data but does not do the categorisation.

2. Reliability Score

The specific make and model is scored against millions of DVSA test results. You see whether the car sits above or below average for its class before you buy it. MyCarCheck has no equivalent.

3. Running Cost Estimate

Fuel cost at current pump prices, road tax for the registration year, insurance group and typical annual service costs combined into an all-in annual figure. This is the kind of breakdown most buyers underestimate, and MyCarCheck does not provide it.

4. Predicted Repair Costs

Based on model-specific MOT failure patterns, CarCostCheck estimates likely repair bills for the next 12 months. Useful for negotiating on price or deciding whether the car is worth pursuing. MyCarCheck does not include this.

What MyCarCheck Offers

MyCarCheck's main strength at £4.99 is its £30,000 data accuracy guarantee, which is formally worded and well-documented. Buyers who specifically need a clearly-stated guarantee for insurance, legal or documentation purposes may prefer this angle. MyCarCheck has also been running since the early 2000s, so buyers familiar with the longer-established brand name sometimes default to it out of habit.

For the actual data received, MyCarCheck covers the same core provenance checks as CarCostCheck without the analysis layer. At the same price, you are trading CarCostCheck's four analysis features for MyCarCheck's formally-worded guarantee.

Free Tier Comparison

Both providers offer a free option. The contents are very different:

Free Tier Includes	CarCostCheck	MyCarCheck
Make, model, year, fuel, engine	✓	✓
Tax status and MOT expiry	✓	✓
Full MOT history	✓	Limited
Reliability score	✓	Not included
Running cost estimate	✓	Not included
Insurance group	✓	Not included
Predicted repair costs	✓	Not included
Stolen/finance/write-off	Paid tier	Paid tier

CarCostCheck's free tier alone includes more than MyCarCheck's paid tier in several categories. If you are at an early stage evaluating a car, CarCostCheck covers the reliability and running cost view at zero cost.

Which to Choose

For most private buyers, CarCostCheck is the stronger choice. It matches MyCarCheck on every core provenance check and adds four analysis features for the same £4.99 price. The free tier is also considerably more detailed, which lets you evaluate a car without spending anything before committing to the paid provenance check.

MyCarCheck is worth considering specifically if:

• You need a formally-worded £30,000 data accuracy guarantee for insurance, legal or documentation purposes.
• A dealer or lender has specifically asked for the MyCarCheck report by name.

Outside those narrow cases, CarCostCheck delivers more at the same price — the provenance data you need plus the analysis that helps you decide whether the car is worth buying at all.