A growing share of used cars sold in the UK may be carrying undisclosed damage histories, raising concerns for buyers navigating the second-hand vehicle market. New research from vehicle data company CarVertical found that more than one in five cars checked in 2025 had previously suffered damage serious enough to affect their condition, structure, or long-term reliability.
According to the report, 20.3% of inspected used vehicles had at least one recorded damage event. These cases often involve repairs following collisions or other incidents that can leave behind costly or hard-to-detect issues, even when the car appears visually sound in online listings or at the point of sale.
CarVertical said the findings were based on tens of thousands of vehicle history checks, drawing on insurance claims, repair invoices, and inspection records. On average, a single damage event identified in 2025 carried a repair cost of around £4,800, with some cases reaching at least half of the vehicle’s market value. In more serious situations, this can result in a car being classed as an insurance write-off, including Category S or Category N.
The study also found notable differences across car brands. Vauxhall recorded the highest proportion of damaged vehicles, with 24.7% of checked models showing at least one incident in their history. It was followed by Fiat (23.6%), SEAT (23.5%), Hyundai (23%), and Ford (22.6%). Many of these brands are widely associated with lower-cost, everyday vehicles, suggesting that affordable used cars may be particularly exposed to hidden damage risks.
At the model level, smaller city cars ranked among the most affected. The SEAT Ibiza had the highest damage rate, with 33.6% of checked vehicles showing a recorded incident. The Audi A1 followed at 30.6%, while the Fiat 500 came in at 30.1%. These models are especially popular with younger motorists and urban drivers, groups often more exposed to low-speed collisions and everyday wear.
The findings come as the UK used car market remains highly active, with many buyers prioritizing affordability over detailed background checks. While dealers and traders are legally required to disclose known major damage, private sellers are not always held to the same standard, leaving more room for important vehicle history details to go unmentioned.
Industry experts say a previous repair does not automatically make a car unsafe, but the quality of the work matters. Poorly repaired or undocumented damage can create hidden structural, mechanical, or electrical issues that may not be obvious during a routine inspection or test drive.
CarVertical representative Matas Buzelis said damage history continues to be one of the most common concerns in the second-hand market, particularly among practical and budget-friendly models that attract the highest buyer demand. He noted that the problem often affects the very vehicles most consumers are actively searching for.
The report also highlighted sharp differences in repair costs between brands. Bentley vehicles recorded the highest average repair bill at around £16,000 per damage event, reflecting the high cost of parts and specialist labour. Tesla followed with an average of £5,700, while BMW averaged £5,200 per repair.
As used car prices remain a major financial consideration for households, the report underscores the need for greater transparency in vehicle sales. For buyers, checking a car’s damage history is becoming increasingly important—not only to avoid unexpected repair bills, but also to ensure safety, value, and long-term dependability.
