The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has released a report advocating for an online portal that would allow consumers to access essential car history information for free. This initiative aims to empower second-hand car buyers by providing them with critical data such as mileage readings, write-off status, and past accidents.

Currently, much of the necessary information about used cars is collected by the State but is either not accessible to the public or available only through paid services from commercial providers. The CCPC argues that making this information freely available would help reduce the number of dangerous, clocked, or poorly repaired vehicles on Irish roads.

Brian McHugh, Chair of the CCPC, emphasized the importance of closing the knowledge gap for consumers, stating that thousands of inquiries are made to the CCPC helpline each year regarding issues with second-hand cars. He highlighted that while the CCPC conducts investigations and enforcement actions, providing consumers with accurate information is the most effective way to safeguard car sales.

The report points out that many EU countries, including Belgium, Estonia, and Poland, already offer public access to car histories, as do countries like the UK, New Zealand, and Australia. The CCPC believes that Ireland should follow suit to protect consumers and ensure safer roads.

In 2024, the CCPC received over 3,192 contacts related to second-hand car issues, including problems with clocked cars, previously crashed vehicles, and misleading advertising. The CCPC is calling for the State to capture and share key car history information with consumers for free, as purchasing a car is one of the most significant financial decisions consumers make.