Stolen Car Check
Check if a vehicle has been recorded as stolen on the Police National Computer (PNC) before you buy
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Checking for stolen cars reveals whether the vehicle theft is documented in the Police National Computer. By entering the car's licence plate number, you can determine the legal status of the car you intend to buy.
This crucial step is essential when considering purchasing a used car, as it provides valuable insights into its theft history. If necessary, you can contact the police for detailed information.
Why is it important to check if a car is stolen?
Conducting a stolen car check assures that the vehicle you're purchasing is not rightfully owned by someone else. If the car is indeed someone else's property, the police will recover it, potentially leaving you at a financial loss.
Identifying a stolen vehicle is often challenging through visual inspection alone. Even if the car appears impeccably clean inside and out, the hidden truth can only be unearthed through a comprehensive paid data check. And don't fall for the "FREE" stolen car check, as this type of car check is not free. So be cautious when the provider offers the stolen report for free.
What is included in our police stolen check report?
Caranalytics leverages the Police National Database (PND), DVLA, and VOSA, among other reputable sources, to validate the status of any vehicle, with a focus on theft records. Simply input the Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM) to initiate the check. Our thorough stolen vehicle checks encompass several crucial verifications, including:
- Verification by registration number or chassis number
- Logbook verification check
- Tax & MOT status check
- Reporting to DVLA for NO Tax or SORN if the vehicle is on the road
- Linking to askMID to verify car insurance status
- and more, totalling over 50+ individual checks.
Usually, the stolen car check comes with a comprehensive vehicle check package. The premium report highlights the
- Date of the theft
- Police source information, if any
By opting for a total vehicle check, you can proactively identify a stolen vehicle, ensuring you make informed decisions before investing your hard-earned money.
How to avoid buying a stolen vehicle?
In the UK, verifying if a vehicle is stolen lies with the buyer—yes, that's you!
It's crucial to note that even if you unintentionally purchase a stolen vehicle, the police have the authority to seize it. Additionally, financial institutions can legally demand interest payment if the vehicle is on a finance plan—a situation distinct from the concept of 'good title' applicable to some vehicles with outstanding finance.
When acquiring a vehicle, it's imperative to take several precautionary measures:
- Examine the V5C Document:
- Request a copy of the V5C document confidently. As the buyer, it's in your best interest, and if there are any hesitations, insist on seeing it later.
- Verify the authenticity of the V5C by checking for the DVLA watermark to ensure it's not a counterfeit. Find additional tips on confirming the legitimacy of the V5.
- Verify the VIN Number:
- Confirm that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches the one recorded on the V5C whenever possible.
- Authenticate the Seller:
- Ensure the information about the seller's location on the V5C aligns with the details on their driving license, ID, or utility bill—or, ideally, all three. Don't hesitate to seek clarification!
Taking these precautionary steps can help safeguard your interests when purchasing a vehicle and reduce the risk of inadvertently acquiring a stolen one. Read this blog to know more about the risks of buying a stolen vehicle in the UK.
Stolen Car Check FAQs
If you mistakenly purchase a stolen car, the first thing you should do is contact the police. Once you have confirmed that the used car is stolen, you should return it to the rightful owner or the police department.
Sometimes, you can ask for a refund for the used car from your insurance company. However, it is essential to remember that purchasing a stolen car is a crime, and you could face criminal charges if you are caught.
As the owner of a stolen car that has been recovered and returned to you, getting it back in full working order within the time span required to maintain a clean title is good news as it will not impact the resale value.
If your insurance provider settles a claim for your stolen vehicle, it is essential to inform the DVLA that the vehicle has been transferred to the insurance company. You can achieve this by completing the 'notification of sale or transfer' section (V5C/3) on your V5C registration certificate and submitting it to the DVLA. Include a letter specifying the date the payment was accepted and provide details about the insurance company. The remaining part of the V5C should be handed over to the insurance company.
In the event that your insurance company requests the entire V5C registration certificate, you will need to send a letter to the DVLA. The letter should contain information about your insurance company, the claim date, your registration number, the make, model, and colour of your vehicle, along with your signature. Send the letter to:
DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD
IsItNicked.com offers a free stolen vehicle check, but registration is required to use it. However, you should always run a full car history check to spot critical issues,especially if a vehicle has been written off because of theft and to check for accidents, outstanding finance and other serious problems.
Suppose the insurance company has recovered and declared the vehicle a write-off following the theft. In that case, it will be transferred from the stolen register to appear on the write-off/condition alert register.
As per the most recent statistics provided by the UK government, the general recovery rate for stolen vehicles in the UK is around 50%. Nevertheless, this percentage is subject to variation based on factors including the vehicle's make and model, the theft's location, and the theft's nature.