You need to carry out an experian check, not a HPI , and find the insurer who total lossed the vehicle. Contact the insurer, and be very very nice to them, explain the situation, and ask could the possibly explain what the area of damage or the claim was for, or even better, could they blank out any details for Data Protection, and send you a copy of the engineers report. You have no lawful entitlement to this in any way, so they can just say no. But a little charm and courtesy can go a long long way. If that doesn't work, you can use the V5 to write a letter to the previous owner asking.