How to check if a car is stolen

Buying a car is always a big moment, but in all the excitement, it can be easy to cause yourself a headache if you don’t carry out the proper checks before handing over your hard-earned cash.

One thing you really do want to avoid is buying a stolen car, because even if you buy it in good faith, that isn’t always enough to keep yourself out of trouble. In this guide, we’ll show you how to check if a car has been stolen and what to watch out for to stay protected.

Remember, you can sell your car through Carwow. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

How can I check if a car is stolen?

A vehicle history check is a good way to avoid buying a stolen car. Often referred to as an HPI check (though HPI is just one provider), these services can reveal if a car has been stolen, written off, has outstanding finance, or shows signs of mileage fraud.

Prices vary depending on the level of detail. A basic check that includes stolen vehicle status usually costs around £10. More comprehensive checks, which include things such as past ownership, MOT history, and mileage verification, tend to cost around £20. Budget options are also available from other providers for as little as £2-4, though these may come with fewer guarantees.

Carwow also has a tool you can use to check a car’s history for free. You can also upgrade to a full car history check to get information including whether it’s been stolen, written off, or has outstanding finance, with prices starting from £3.99 per check.

The V5C logbook can also be really useful when checking if a car’s been stolen. By matching the details on the V5C with the car itself, you can spot red flags that might mean the car is stolen.

Key indicators of a stolen car

Here are some things to look out for when you’re looking at a car to buy but you’re not sure if it’s been stolen:

• Is the price too good to be true? If the car’s way cheaper than similar ones, it could be stolen or hiding something serious.
• VIN doesn’t match up? Make sure the vehicle identification number is the same on the car and in the paperwork and that there are no dodgy mismatches.
• Strange marks or damage? Scratches near the locks or ignition could mean someone’s tried to break in or mess with it.
• Docs not adding up? If the V5C logbook’s missing or service history is patchy, that’s a big red flag.
• Is the seller acting shady? If they avoid questions or won’t meet at home, it might be best to walk away.

How can I avoid buying a stolen car?

An HPI check is helpful, but it won’t guarantee a car isn’t stolen. Some thieves ‘clone’ number plates from similar, legal cars to slip under the radar. HPI reports show things such as colour, mileage, and number of doors – so watch out for anything that doesn’t add up.

Always ask the seller for the V5C logbook and double-check that the name and address match what they’ve told you. It’s also a good idea to ask for their ID to be sure.

Find the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the car, which is usually on the dashboard or inside the driver’s door, and make sure it matches the logbook. And remember: never buy a car without a proper logbook.

Lastly, be wary of cars priced way below market value. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Also,if a buyer wants to meet in a remote location away from their home, that’s a big red flag.

What should I do if I’ve bought a stolen car?

Citizens Advice says that if you think you’ve bought stolen goods, you should call the police on 101 or visit your local police station immediately. Attempting to return it to the seller could be considered ‘handling stolen goods’, which is illegal and could get you in hot water.

You will be given a crime reference number that you can use to inform the seller that you have handed the item over to the police. This then entitles you to a full refund, though if the seller refuses you might be able to get your money back from your bank if you used a debit or credit card, so it’s always a good idea to pay by card if possible.

If you’re still having trouble getting a refund, you could make a court claim for the money you’ve lost, which Citizens Advice says is particularly useful for ‘an expensive item like a car’.

This is a very long and difficult process that you are far from guaranteed to win, though.

Checking if a car is stolen FAQs

What happens if I buy a stolen car?

If you buy a stolen car, it’s unlikely you’ll get away with it for long. When a car is reported stolen, its details are put onto a police database. Every time you pass an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera, your number plate is checked against this database.

As soon as you drive the stolen car past one of these cameras, the police will be alerted and will pull you over.

Once this happens, the police have the power to immediately seize the car, so you’ve potentially wasted thousands of pounds on a car you can’t drive.

Even if the car has been cloned and is wearing the number plates of a different example of the same make and model of car, its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) will be stamped throughout the bodywork, so its true identity can be easily determined with a little light investigatory work.

Can I give the stolen car back to the sellers?

No, don’t give a stolen car back to the seller as that would actually get you in trouble for handling stolen goods. If you find out a car’s stolen, report it to the police straight away. They’ll take it from there and make sure it goes back to the rightful owner.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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