Check If a Car is Stolen
Stolen Car Reg Check with MOT
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Verify the Legitimacy of Your Potential Vehicle Purchase
Buying a stolen car unknowingly can have serious legal consequences. By verifying the legitimacy of the vehicle, you protect yourself from potential legal troubles and ensure a smooth ownership transfer. This not only protects you legally and financially but also safeguards your safety. By uncovering any hidden issues or criminal history, you can make an informed decision and prioritize the well-being of yourself and your passengers. Now let’s take a look at how you can browse through databases to verify your vehicle’s condition and check if there are records of theft.
How to Check If a Vehicle is Recorded as Stolen
The Stolen Car Check tool provided by Smart Car Check is a simple and easy-to-use tool that allows you to check whether a vehicle has been reported as stolen. All you need to carry out this search is your license plate number. Here’s how to use the tool:
- Simply enter the Registration number of the vehicle you want to check in the search bar.
- Click “Check Vehicle” to get the results.
That’s it! You’ll be presented with a report detailing whether the vehicle has been marked as stolen or not.
What’s The Risk of Buying a Stolen Car?
Discovering that the car you’ve bought is stolen comes with several risks, both legal and financial. Firstly, it is illegal to buy or possess stolen property, including a stolen car and can result in criminal charges. If the buyer is found to be in possession of a stolen car, they could face fines or even imprisonment. Secondly, purchasing a stolen car means that the buyer may lose both the car and the money they paid for it, as the police have the power to reclaim stolen vehicles and return stolen property to its rightful owner.
Thirdly, a stolen car may have a false identity or may have been damaged or modified in ways that make it unsafe or unreliable to drive. Finally, purchasing a stolen car can be a moral issue, as it encourages and supports criminal activities such as theft and trafficking of stolen vehicles. Therefore, it is crucial to perform a stolen car check before buying a used car to avoid these risks.
What’s Included in the Stolen Check by Registration Number Report?
With SmartCarCheck, our concise stolen check report typically includes basic information about the vehicle, such as its make, model, and registration number. It also provides information on whether the car has been reported stolen, written off, or scrapped. Here is a list of what you can find in our concise stolen history report:
- Vehicle specifications
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- UK stolen car records
- Auction records
- MOT and Tax dues
- Previous keepers, plate and color
- Vehicle description
- MPG
- Alerts
- Vehicle performance
- MOT history
- Mileage history, and more.
Be aware that, if you’re looking for a free stolen car check, some providers may offer these free stolen checks but you may not be able to find out concise and accurate information about your vehicle.
MUST Do, To Avoid Buying a Stolen Vehicle
Buying a stolen vehicle can be a frustrating and costly experience, not to mention it is illegal. Here are some must-do steps to avoid buying a vehicle that might be stolen:
- Check the vehicle’s history: You can check the history of a vehicle by carrying out a vehicle check and getting a vehicle history report with SmartCarCheck. All you need is the reg number from the V5C. With this, you can generate a report and verify the history of the vehicle, including ownership, auction records, MOT history and more.
- Verify the seller’s identity: Ask the seller to provide identification and proof of ownership, such as a title or registration document. If the seller cannot provide these documents or the documents look fake, it could be a sign that the vehicle is stolen. Also, check the car insurance documents of the vehicle and contact the insurer whenever necessary.
- Use caution when buying from private sellers: Be cautious when buying a vehicle from a private seller. Check the seller’s background, and meet in a public place to make the transaction. If the seller seems evasive or unwilling to provide vehicle registration information and documents, it could be a sign that the vehicle is stolen. Also, note that if the price seems too good to be true, you should be ready to walk away from the deal.
- Buy from a reputable dealer: Buying from a reputable dealer can help reduce the risk of buying a stolen vehicle. Dealerships are required to follow certain laws and regulations when selling vehicles, and they typically conduct vehicle history checks to see red flags before offering the vehicle for sale.
- Use online resources: There are many online resources available to help you avoid buying a stolen vehicle. Websites like the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) offer a free VIN check service that can help you see if the vehicle has been reported as stolen.
What should I do if the car I bought is stolen?
If you discover that the car you purchased is stolen, it’s important to take immediate action to protect yourself and resolve the situation. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you find yourself in this unfortunate circumstance.
1. Confirm the Stolen Status: Obtain concrete evidence that the car is indeed stolen. Gather the vehicle’s registration certificate, purchase documents, and any other relevant paperwork. Check the police stolen reports and insurer databases to verify the stolen status of the vehicle.
2. Order a Stolen Car Check: Perform a thorough stolen car check using a reputable service. This check lets you see if the vehicle has been reported as stolen and provides additional information about its history. The check is often based on automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) data and other reliable sources.
3. Contact the Police: If the stolen car check confirms that the vehicle is genuinely stolen, contact your local law enforcement agency immediately. Provide them with all the evidence and information you have gathered, including the stolen report and any supporting documentation. Cooperate fully with the police and follow their instructions.
4. Notify Your Insurer: Inform your insurance company about the situation. Provide them with the relevant details, including the stolen car check results and the police report. They will guide you through the claims process and advise you on the necessary steps to take.
5. Cooperate with Law Enforcement: Work closely with the police throughout their investigation. Provide any additional information or evidence they may request. It is essential to cooperate fully to aid in the recovery of the stolen vehicle and the apprehension of those responsible.
6. Seek Legal Advice: Consult with a legal professional to understand your rights and obligations in this situation. They can provide guidance on legal proceedings, potential liabilities, and how to protect your interests.
7. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all conversations, documents, and actions taken regarding the stolen car. This documentation will be valuable for insurance claims, legal proceedings, and any potential disputes that may arise.
Remember, discovering that the car you purchased is stolen can be a stressful and frustrating experience. Take swift and appropriate action by following these steps to ensure the situation is handled properly. Your cooperation with law enforcement and other relevant parties will help resolve the matter efficiently and protect your rights as a victim of a stolen vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I check if a car is stolen for free?
Use the DVLA’s free online vehicle enquiry service: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) provides a police history check where you can check the details of any vehicle registered in the UK. This includes information on whether the car has been reported as stolen. Note, however, that a paid data check will provide more vehicle information compared to a free car check.
Can a stolen car be traced?
Yes, stolen cars can be traced by law enforcement agencies using GPS tracking systems, license plate recognition technology, and other tools.
How do thieves get past immobilizers?
Thieves can get past immobilizers by using a range of methods, including bypassing the wiring, using electronic devices to override the system, or stealing the key fob.
What should I do if I suspect a car is stolen?
If you suspect a car is stolen, you should contact local law enforcement agencies and provide them with the vehicle’s license plate number, make, model, and color. Do not attempt to confront the suspected thief or take matters into your own hands.
