What counts as a structural change
A structural change is a modification to the vehicle relative to how it was built and type-approved. Some changes follow repair after damage; others are deliberate modifications by an owner.
- Repair or replacement of load-bearing body parts after a collision.
- Installation of an LPG system or a change to the fuel system.
- A change in seat count, or converting a commercial vehicle to passenger use and vice versa.
- Changes to suspension, ride height, or fitting a tow bar.
How to check whether a structural change is on record
The record comes from Ministry of Transport datasets and appears in the plate-number report. Remember that the record documents what was reported: a repair carried out and never reported creates no record, so the absence of a structural change is not proof that a car was never in a collision.
Effect on resale value and insurance
A registered structural change affects the sale price, and sometimes insurance terms. Insurers may require a declaration of the modification, and a vehicle with an undeclared change can run into difficulty at claim time.
For a buyer the practical implication is simple: if a structural change is on record, ask the seller for the repair details and documentation, and point the inspection centre at exactly that area.
Frequently asked questions
Does a structural change always mean a collision?
No. Fitting an LPG system or changing the seat count is also recorded as a structural change, regardless of any collision.
Can a structural change record be removed?
The record reflects the history of the vehicle and is not erased when it passes to a new owner.
Can I see accident history by plate number?
No. The public registries carry no accident report. What is recorded is a structural change — so a collision repaired without being reported leaves no trace in the report.