THE battle against vehicle theft and fraud is to receive a major boost with the market arrival of one of Europe's largest credit and business information providers. CCN Motorfile has launched its live database into a sector which was previously monopolised by HPI Equifax.

The CCN system offers a range of information services on millions of vehicles and has the support of the Finance and Leasing Association and the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association.

CCN's database draws its information from the DVLA for car registration numbers, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders for new car sales and the Association of British Insurers for accident damage information. It also has the ability to cross-check registration numbers against VIN codes and chassis numbers, and will provide mileage-adjusted used vehicle valuations from both CAP and Glass's Guide.

CCN has been building its database for more than a year, but the breakthrough came last month when in addition to recommending all its members to register their financed vehicles with CCN, the FLA asked HPI to trade information with CCN. As well as offering an extensive menu of services CCN, unlike HPI, does not make a charge for registering vehicles. CCN is putting its money where its mouth is with an indemnity similar to HPI's recently launched Gold Check guarantee which entitles customers to compensation if they fall victim to fraud after Motorfile has checked a vehicle clear.