Question 1

How do I find out how many BHP my car has?

Accepted Answer

The quickest way is to enter your registration plate in the checker above. MOTCO pulls the BHP figure directly from the vehicle's technical spec record, so you get the exact power output for that specific car, not just a model average. Results also include current MOT and tax status.

Question 2

What is BHP and how does it differ from PS and kW?

Accepted Answer

BHP (brake horsepower) is the traditional UK measure of engine power. PS (Pferdestärke) is the European metric equivalent — 1 PS equals roughly 0.986 BHP, so the difference is negligible in everyday use. kW (kilowatts) is the SI unit: divide kW by 0.7457 to get BHP. When we show a BHP figure we use the manufacturer's quoted output for that engine variant.

Question 3

Does BHP affect car insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Higher BHP is one of several factors that push a car into a higher insurance group, which typically means higher premiums. Insurers treat power output as a proxy for performance risk. A car with 200+ BHP will generally sit in a higher group than a similar-sized car with 100 BHP, though engine size, trim level and security features also play a role.

Question 4

Can I check the BHP of a car before I buy it?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Enter the seller's registration plate in the checker above and MOTCO will show the BHP for that exact vehicle, along with its MOT status and tax status. It's a free check with no login needed, so you can verify the power output matches what the seller is claiming before you commit.

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