How Can I Avoid Buying a Stolen Car?
In the UK, buying a used car can be a cost-effective option, but it also comes with certain risks—one of the biggest being the possibility of purchasing a stolen vehicle. If you unknowingly buy a stolen car, it could be seized by the authorities, leaving you without a car and out of pocket. To help you avoid this situation, we’ve compiled 10 essential tips that will keep you safe during your purchase, including how to use CarOwl’s stolen vehicle check.
Tip 1: Always Get the Vehicle Registration Number (VRN)
The first step in any vehicle purchase is to obtain the Vehicle Registration Number (VRN). The VRN is found on the car’s number plate and on the registration documents (V5C logbook). You will need this number to check the car’s history.
Tip 2: Use a Trusted Stolen Vehicle Check Service
Don’t rely on free checks, as they typically don’t include data on stolen vehicles. Use a comprehensive service like CarOwl, which provides access to records from the DVLA and major insurers, offering a full report on the car’s history.
Tip 3: Verify the VRN Matches All Documents
Ensure that the VRN on the car’s number plate matches the details on the V5C logbook and any other registration documents. Any discrepancies could indicate that the vehicle is stolen or cloned.
Tip 4: Ask for Proof of Ownership
A genuine seller should have no problem providing proof of ownership, such as the V5C logbook. If the seller is unwilling or unable to provide this, it’s a major red flag.
Tip 5: Check the Car’s Service History
Request to see the car’s service history. Gaps in the service records or missing documents could indicate a questionable past. Cross-check the VRN with the details in the service history to ensure everything matches.
Tip 6: Be Wary of Unusually Low Prices
If the price of the car is significantly lower than the market average, it might be too good to be true. Stolen cars are often sold at lower prices to attract quick sales. Don’t rush into a deal without checking the vehicle’s history.
Tip 7: Conduct a Full Stolen Vehicle Check with CarOwl
CarOwl provides a thorough stolen vehicle check using the VRN. This report includes information from the DVLA and major insurance companies, giving you a clear view of the car’s history before you buy.
Tip 8: Inspect the Vehicle Identification
While the focus is on the VRN, also inspect the car for signs of tampering, such as scratched number plates or altered identification numbers. These could indicate an attempt to hide the car’s true identity.
Tip 9: Meet the Seller in a Public Place
Avoid meeting the seller at an obscure location. Instead, meet in a public place or at the seller’s home address. This reduces the risk of dealing with a fraudulent seller and provides an added layer of safety.
Tip 10: Trust Your Instincts and Walk Away If Unsure
If something feels off during the transaction—whether it’s the seller’s behaviour or the car’s condition—don’t hesitate to walk away. There are plenty of legitimate vehicles on the market, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
How CarOwl Can Help You Avoid Buying a Stolen Car
CarOwl is a trusted service that helps UK buyers avoid purchasing stolen cars. By using the VRN, CarOwl provides instant, detailed reports that include:
- Stolen Vehicle Status: Check if the car has been reported stolen.
- Write-Off Information: Discover if the car has been previously written off due to damage or accidents.
- Outstanding Finance Check: Find out if there is any finance still owed on the vehicle, which could affect your ownership.
Conclusion
Following these 10 tips can help you avoid buying a stolen car in the UK. By using a reliable service like CarOwl, you can perform a thorough check using the VRN and gain peace of mind before making a purchase. Always take the time to verify the car’s history and trust your instincts. With CarOwl’s comprehensive stolen vehicle check, you can make a safe and informed decision.
