Stolen Car Check

In 2022 alone, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) reported a staggering 61,106 cars being stolen. This was a significant 26% increase from 2021 when 48,493 cars were taken. Keyless systems hacked by criminal gangs and reduced policing have been identified as the leading causes behind this surge. It’s become increasingly crucial to ensure the vehicle you’re interested in buying has a clean history.

Our related article on how to prevent keyless car theft can provide you with additional insights: Preventing Keyless Car Theft.

It’s crucial to be aware of potential signs that may hint at a car’s dubious past:

1. Price too good to be true: If a deal seems unusually attractive, it could be a trap. Always research the average market value for the model and year of vehicle that you’re interested in buying. Our instant car check provides a condition-based valuation for most cars derived from current market values and specific details about the actual vehicle you’re interested in, such as – mileage, age and fitted optional extras.
2. Rushed sale: Sellers pushing for an immediate sale or settlement can be suspect. Genuine sellers will allow you the time to do your due diligence and carefully consider your purchase.
3. Missing or freshly issued documentation: Always ask for the vehicle’s paperwork. If it’s recently issued or if the seller hesitates to show it, it could be a red flag.
4. Mismatched VIN: A stolen car might have its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) tampered with. Ensure the VIN on the documentation matches the VIN found on the vehicle and verify the VIN and car details with our full car check (Gold). The VIN on the vehicle can usually be found in several place places around the car including  – etched into the vehicle chassis beneath some carpet trim under the driver’s seat and also can be viewed from outside the vehicle on the bottom corner of the windscreen.
5. Suspicious payment methods: Beware of sellers who only accept cash or avoid providing a receipt of sale. If it’s a significant amount of cash, stay vigilant and minimise your risk. Meeting with a large amount of cash can be dangerous! Ensure you meet in a public place during daylight hours and bring someone along with you. If you’re uncomfortable with cash, suggest paying with a cashier’s check as an alternative. It’s traceable and provides documentation for the transaction.

Our comprehensive stolen car check can be a game-changer for buyers:

1. Peace of mind: Know the car you’re buying has a clean slate from only £1.99.
2. Financial security: Avoid potential financial losses from buying a stolen vehicle, or one with outstanding finance.
3. Verify VIN and logbook: Ensure all paperwork is legitimate and in order.
4. Stay within the law: Avoid legal complications from unknowingly buying a stolen car.
5. Provenance details: Get all the facts – Get detailed insights into a car’s history and origins.

We use sophisticated algorithms and analytics to provide reliable and timely information about a vehicle’s history and provenance. Our stolen car check data is gathered in near real-time from an array of reputable sources, including DVLA, Police National Computer, insurance companies, and many more.

With data on over 58 million vehicles, if it’s a car registered in the UK, we’ll know about it as soon as it’s registered.