Skip to content

Press release -

RAC vehicle check service extended to cover more vehicle categories

The RAC has extended its popular RAC vehicle check service to cover three new vehicle categories – motorcycles, motorhomes and light commercial vehicles (LCVs), which together account for around 15% of all vehicles on the UK’s roads.*

Buyers can now benefit from the peace of mind and protection offered by the most comprehensive vehicle check available on the market, which has already proven its worth in the used car space with thousands of motorists relying on the RAC’s service before putting up the cash for their next vehicle.

The online service is competitively priced at £14.99 and provides invaluable information to prospective buyers on the vehicle’s history. Buyers can find out in seconds whether the bike, motorhome or LCV they are looking to buy is stolen, written-off or still on finance. Beyond this, the RAC vehicle check provides a personalised valuation, to confirm whether the asking price is fair or not, as well as a checklist of things to look for when viewing the vehicle which could help in negotiating on price.

RAC director of motoring services Rob Diamond said: “Our comprehensive vehicle data check product has already given thousands of motorists greater confidence when buying a used car, so we are pleased to now be able to extend the service and offer it to people in the market for their next motorbike, motorhome or LCV.

“Of the 64,000 vehicles stolen in England and Wales in the year to March 2015, more than half were motorcycles** so it pays for every rider on the lookout for their next bike to make sure they’re not caught out – and getting a comprehensive vehicle check done can make the difference between a really great buy, and a really poor one.

“The relatively high value of motorhomes meanwhile makes doing your homework before buying one on the used market very worthwhile. Our vehicle check provides top tips when it comes to viewing one, plus a list of the sorts of things that can lead motorhomes to break down – vital information for anyone planning to take their vehicle on long excursions.

“The LCV market is booming and there are bargains to be had in the private used market in particular, but understandably small businesses looking for their next vehicle will want some reassurance that their purchase is a good one – not least because small businesses clock up so many more miles per year on average than private motorists. A vehicle check can really help here – for instance, it is the case that many LCVs are originally bought on finance and an SME will not want to be stung with being responsible for another firm’s outstanding debts.”

Related links

Topics


Notes to Editors

* Source: DVLA

** 35,000 motorcycle thefts in year ending March 2015 (www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/adhocs/005654estimatesofmotorcycletheftyearendingmarch2015crimesurveyforenglandandwales) Total vehicle thefts retrieved from www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/datasets/natureofcrimevehiclerelatedtheft

About the RAC

With more than eight million members, the RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoring organisations, providing services for both private and business motorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, insurance, buying a used car, vehicle inspections and checks, legal services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information – the RAC offers a solution for all motoring needs. The RAC is committed to making motoring easier, safer, more affordable and more enjoyable for drivers and road users.

The RAC is the motorist’s champion and campaigns to support the interests of its members and UK motorists at a national level, including advancing levels of road safety, supporting the needs of young drivers and voicing concerns about the increasing cost of motoring. The RAC’s annual Report on Motoring – first published in 1989 – provides a clear insight into the concerns and issues facing today’s motorists.

For the very latest news on UK fuel prices, check RAC Fuel Watch or follow #racfuelwatch on Twitter. This is a comprehensive guide to the latest UK unleaded petrol and diesel prices – both at the wholesale level and at the pump. RAC Fuel Watch analyses how prices changed through the previous month and compares the most recent prices with those from three, six and 12 months before.

Key facts:

  • RAC patrols fix four out of five vehicles at the roadside and on average within 30 minutes
  • RAC vans carry more than 500 parts and tools to get members’ vehicles going again
  • 92% of members would recommend RAC Rescue to their friends and family

Contacts

Press office team

Press office team

Press contact For journalist enquiries only Emails monitored during normal office hours We're unable to help with member enquiries - instead please tap here or call 0330 159 0740

News, comment, data and research from the UK's longest-serving driving services organisation

The RAC Media Centre is home to all our content for journalists and news outlets: press releases and comments, as well as the latest driving and motoring-related data and research