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The risks of buying a stolen vehicle

Stolen car check

Buying a used car should give you peace of mind. No matter how good the used car dealership seems, the seller wants a quick deal without explaining the vehicle’s history. They hurried to make a better deal but later found out it was a stolen, cloned vehicle, and clocked car. Once the vehicle has been sold, buyers cannot expect a refund. This guide explains how stolen cars affect used car sales.

How does a stolen vehicle end up on the market?

In some instances, burglars successfully introduce stolen vehicles onto the market without informing them of their history. Here are three circumstances in which buyers become victims.

  1. The car was stolen some time ago and has since been reported to the police. This car is then put up for sale. You can prevent this risk by checking the vehicle’s history with the UK police database and seeing if the car has ever been reported stolen.
  2. The burglar altered the vehicle’s identity by exchanging its license plate, faking the registration card, or changing the VIN. Avoid this danger by ordering the report online, including the VIN, make, model, and colour. Compare these details to the logbook and walk away if there are any differences.
  3. The car is stolen and sold before the owner realizes what has happened. It usually occurs while the owner is out of town, and the thief is aware of their absence.

What happens if i accidentally buy a stolen vehicle?

According to UK statistics, a car is stolen every 5 minutes, making purchasing a used vehicle difficult. Furthermore, the Range Rover Sport is the most stolen car UK, with keyless entry theft increasing to 93 per cent. Safeguarding your vehicle and saving money when purchasing a second-hand car is critical. 

Even if you have genuinely bought a stolen car without being aware, the police could still seize it from you, and you will not also be compensated. You should notify the police immediately if you find out the car you bought is stolen.

The Auto Experts Data Check will disclose whether the vehicle is currently marked as stolen by the police. The check also informs purchasers whether their possible insurance firm has ruled the transaction a total loss, if it has been clocked, or if it is still in finance, providing crucial peace of mind before they buy.

How to know if a car is stolen?

In most circumstances, a stolen car will have a different identification to conceal the fact that it has been stolen. As a result, it’s only sometimes possible to discern if a car has a secret history. 

You may take a few steps to ensure that the car you’re considering purchasing is not stolen. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind while purchasing a used car:

  1. Ensure the V5C document (logbook) contains the DVLA watermark. Cross-check the car’s number plate with the VIN on the log.
  2. Only buy a vehicle that comes with a logbook.  Never purchase a vehicle without a V5C logbook.
  3. People attempting to sell stolen vehicles frequently try to sell them without their logbooks, claiming they have been sent to the DVLA for updating. Although this is possible, it is advisable to wait until the log is accessible before making any assumptions.
  4. When purchasing from a private seller, request identification. Check if the address on this identity matches the current owner’s address on the V5C.
  5. Invest in a police national database to find a previously stolen vehicle.
  6. Never agree to meet in an isolated location like a lay-by or the parking lot of a bar.
  7. Check that the serial number of the log book is not in the range of BG8229501 to BG9999030 or BI2305501 to BI2800000. If it is, the logbook might be stolen.
  8. Make that the VIN/chassis number in the log book and the one on the car’s dashboard are the same.

Check to see if a car has been stolen online.

Running a vehicle history report with an online provider can give you complete peace of mind. This is because these checks will supply you with a wealth of information not generally available to the general public. You will be able to detect not just if the car has been stolen in the past but also if it has been written off.

Safeguard yourself

Regarding car shopping, you are the only person with your best interests. When making sound financial decisions, you should not rely on others. Contrary to popular opinion, car insurance will not cover you against purchasing a stolen vehicle. The most significant way to protect yourself is to educate yourself on car buying.

Make sure these methods to determine if a car has been stolen:

  1. Cross-check the VIN of the car.
  2. Do a vehicle inspection by a local mechanic.
  3. Run a vehicle’s history with an online car check.

 It happens to buyers who perform the complete inspection metrics and follow the mechanic guidelines. Nonetheless, some consumers shop for a car by simply trusting their salesperson. It is not recommended, and you should make a checklist when purchasing a second-hand car.

After ensuring that your chosen vehicle is real and free of any potential dangers (stolen, financed, damaged, or clocked), proceed with the payment process, and don’t forget to complete the transfer of ownership method.

Voided Insurance

Insuring a stolen vehicle is doubtful. If you accidentally purchase a stolen vehicle and seek to obtain insurance coverage, the insurance company will most certainly deny your claim after the car’s stolen status is discovered. This exposes you to financial loss in the event of an accident, damage, or theft.

Answering your questions

Why should I conduct a stolen vehicle check?

You should conduct a stolen car check since it is your responsibility as the buyer to guarantee that you are not purchasing stolen items. If a car is stolen, the police can seize it and return it to the legal owner or insurer. They are also not required to compensate you, leaving you without a car and out of pocket.

Will I be refunded if I buy a stolen car?

If you buy a stolen car by mistake and it is confiscated, the authorities are not required to recompense you. And, most likely, they will not. If you discover that the car you purchased is stolen, report it to the police immediately.

It’s possible that your insurer will pay out to reimburse what you paid, but this depends on your insurer and isn’t a promise, so don’t bet on it.