Get A Stolen Car Check

Purchasing a stolen vehicle can lead to significant financial loss, regardless of whether you knew it was stolen. The police have the authority to confiscate such a vehicle, and you may face legal consequences as a result.

What’s the risk of buying a stolen car?

Purchasing a stolen car can lead to immediate legal issues. Such vehicles are typically listed on insurance databases as stolen, and when driven, they can be detected by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. This situation can entangle you in legal problems. The police have the authority to seize stolen vehicles and return them to their rightful owners or insurers. Unfortunately, in these cases, you are unlikely to receive any compensation.

How To Check If A Car Is Stolen

Performing a check to determine if a car is stolen is a crucial step before making a purchase. A stolen car check offers reassurance about the vehicle’s legality. Here at MOT Reg Check, we can provide comprehensive checks, including police records, to identify any stolen vehicle history. The benefits of our stolen car check include:

• Reliable Data: Detailed information to aid in making an informed decision.
• Police Data Validation: Ensures the accuracy of the vehicle’s history.
• Peace of Mind: Checks are supported by a substantial data guarantee to protect you from inaccuracies.
• Customer Support: Access to a dedicated team for any inquiries regarding your vehicle’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included when a stolen car check is carried out?

When conducting a stolen car check, MOT Reg Check utilises resources like the Police National Database and additional sources to determine if a vehicle has been reported stolen. To perform this check, only the vehicle’s registration plate number is required. The process includes a variety of assessments, such as verifying the logbook, conducting live checks for car tax and MOT status, and confirming insurance coverage, among other critical checks.

What does a stolen car report provide me with?

A stolen vehicle report focuses on crucial details like the presence of a stolen warning flag, the date when the theft report was filed, contact details for the police for further information, and a comprehensive vehicle check that includes verifying the car’s mileage and MOT history.

Will I get my money back if I buy a stolen car?

In the event that you inadvertently buy a stolen car, the chances of recovering your money are slim. If your insurance policy covers such situations, the insurance company will conduct a thorough investigation, which could take several months, to ascertain the legitimacy of the claim.

This process is crucial to eliminate any possibility of fraud and to confirm that the car is indeed stolen. If the investigation concludes that you purchased the car in good faith without knowledge of its stolen status, and if your insurance policy permits, you may receive partial reimbursement. However, full compensation is not guaranteed.

How do I report a car as stolen?

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having unwittingly purchased a stolen vehicle without having conducted a stolen car check, it’s important to act promptly and methodically. Here’s what you should do:

1. Report to the Police: Immediately contact the police by dialling 101 to connect with your local police station. Provide them with the car’s registration number, make, model, and colour. You will receive a crime reference number, which you will need for your insurance claim. The police will also notify the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) about the theft.
2. Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance provider to inform them of the situation and provide them with the necessary details, including the crime reference number.
3. Contact DVLA: Even if the police have said they will inform the DVLA, it’s a good practice to contact them yourself as well.
4. Complete Necessary Documentation: Fill out the ‘notification of sale or transfer’ or the V5C/3 section of the V5C registration certificate. Include a letter stating the date of payment and send it to the DVLA. Keep the rest of the V5C document to give to your insurance company. If your insurance company requires the full V5C certificate, contact the DVLA with details about your insurance company, the date of your claim, the vehicle’s registration number, make, model, and colour, along with your signature. 

Taking these steps will help ensure that you’ve properly reported the situation and can assist in the investigation process.

Can I just give the car back to the seller?

No, keeping a stolen car is deemed as handling stolen goods, which can lead to serious legal consequences. If you find out that the car you’ve purchased is stolen, it’s imperative to contact the police right away. You should report the situation and obtain a report number from them for your records.

What other checks should I carry out when buying a car?

Before arranging to view a vehicle, request the seller to provide the registration number, make and model, and the MOT test number. Verify that the details given to you align with those on record with the DVLA.

Additionally, ensure that the MOT status and history correspond with the information provided by the seller, and check if the vehicle has been subject to any serious safety recalls. If everything matches and you decide to proceed with viewing the vehicle, ask to see the V5C registration certificate. Confirm that it features a DVLA watermark and that the serial number is not within the ranges BG8229501 to BG9999030, or BI2305501 to BI2800000, as these could indicate a stolen V5C. If you encounter such a situation, contact the police as soon as it is safe to do so.