Start with the financial claim
A security interest is a recorded claim over property, such as a vehicle used as security. It deserves attention before you hand over money. It is not the same thing as a statement showing the seller’s exact outstanding loan balance.
Read the vehicle records separately
The search may also carry vehicle information supplied through NEVDIS. Treat the recorded stolen and written-off findings as separate checks, with their own coverage and availability. The certificate is not a list of every accident or repair.
Use the report at the inspection
Open the report while you are with the car. Compare the VIN, not just the make and colour. Save the certificate alongside your notes, seller correspondence and inspection report so the documents relate to the same vehicle.
For example, a listing described as “2018 white Corolla” is not specific enough to identify a car. Two similar cars can have entirely different records. A mismatch should be resolved before the purchase continues.
Keep the next step practical
If a finding is unclear, ask the relevant source or a qualified adviser to explain it before committing. A clean recorded result helps answer a records question; a separate mechanical inspection helps answer a condition question.
Sources and further reading
Official guidance can change. Check the linked source for current details.