This post details how we managed to get a free PPSR check on the used car we just purchased in Australia. Saving ourselves money $$$$.
Recently we sold our dual-cab four-wheel drive and downsized it for a smaller and more economical vehicle. This financial move helped us free up cash for our current kitchen renovations, and also reduces our car expenses.
To maximise the money we were freeing up from the sale we decided to purchase our car secondhand privately and skipped the used car dealers. The issue with choosing to buying secondhand privately is that we needed to do the security and title checks ourselves before we went forward with the car purchase. If I purchase from a used car dealer I ask them to provide this at no charge to me. In Australia we call a security and title check a Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) check/report.
What is a PPSR check?
A PPSR is an Australian Government register that provides vehicle details and history to consumers. The register provides information on:
- Financing still owing on the vehicle
- Vehicles reported as stolen
- Cars that have been written off
- and even if the vehicle is affected by the Takata airbag recall.
The register is a great resource aimed at protecting consumers; however, it’s not freely accessible to the public. To access this register previously I’ve paid for a PPRS check to be completed.
What is the cost of a PPRS?
If you do a google search of ‘car title and security check Australia’ you will find the top hit is RevCheck which charges $9.90 per check. This cost increases to up to $35 depending on the company and what type of search/s is conducted.
The cheapest PPRS check is through the Australian Government website which isn’t even on the first page of results that I found. The link to this check is available here for $2, and this is the same check that is completed for free if you keep reading this post.
So how do I get a PPRS check for free?
Well, that’s really simple. The insurance company Budget Direct offer them for free here saving you up to $35 (dependent on the company you use to do the PPRS check).
What’s the catch?
Well, the catch with this free PPRS check is that you have to agree to allow Budget Direct to contact you occasionally about their products and services.
What details do I need to provide to get the PPRS check?
To get your PPRS check, you just need to provide the car’s VIN number, your name, email address and mobile phone number (as per screenshot below).
Do I need to sign up with Budget Direct Insurance?
No, you don’t have to sign up for insurance or be a Budget Direct customer. That said you’d be silly not to at least get a quote and shop around for the best deal.
How do I read the PPRS report?
Information on how to read your PPRS report is available here (Understand your car search result | Personal Property Securities Register (ppsr.gov.au))
So next time you’re looking for a secondhand car and need a PPRS check why not don’t give this method a try to save a few $.
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Frank on FIRE 