Information solutions company Experian is urging dealers to save time and money - and safeguard against fraud - by using its new online car check service.

Operating through the experian.com website, "e-series motor" provides access to data on more than 72 million vehicles. The system uses standard PC hardware and Experian says little or no training is required for its use by dealership staff to check vehicles against registration or VIN numbers.

Several levels of service are offered, the most comprehensive of which - Gold Car Data Check - includes an 18-point verification of the vehicle's identity, mileage checks, finance history, insurance company status, multi-franchise certification, stolen vehicle warnings, high risk notification and details on plate changes, valuation, previous keepers and colour alterations.

Among the advantages of checking online, says Experian, are customer autonomy and quicker results.

Neil Hodson, sales director of Experian's automotive division, said there would be no confidentiality worries as the site was "totally secure". He added: "By making it quicker, simpler and more economical to obtain a detailed check on every vehicle, our online Car data Check will strengthen the trade's defences against fraud and raise its standards of service to car buyers."

Refinement to the system are being developed and an upgraded version will be available "very soon". Existing Car Data Check customers can use their account details to purchase information through e-series motor.