Stolen car check
A stolen car check reveals whether a vehicle is currently listed as stolen in official police databases. This check helps buyers identify vehicles that should not be purchased, protecting against legal and financial risks.
Why this matters
If you purchase a vehicle with a current stolen record, the police may recover it and return it to the rightful owner. You may lose both the vehicle and the money you paid, with limited legal protection as a buyer of stolen property. You cannot obtain legal ownership of a stolen vehicle, and attempting to insure or register it may have legal consequences.
What can happen if you skip it
- The vehicle may be recovered by police and returned to the rightful owner
- You may lose both the vehicle and your money with no legal recourse
- You may face legal consequences for handling stolen goods
- You cannot legally insure or register a stolen vehicle
- The vehicle will be seized if discovered by authorities
What to look for before buying
- Run a vehicle history check before purchasing any used car
- Verify the vehicle's identity matches the registration documents
- Check the seller's identity and verify their right to sell the vehicle
- Be cautious of vehicles offered at unusually low prices
- Verify the vehicle history check shows no current stolen record
- Report any stolen vehicle being offered for sale to the police
How a vehicle history check helps
A vehicle history check provides official records from UK databases, including current stolen vehicle status. This helps buyers identify if a vehicle is currently listed as stolen before purchase, protecting against legal and financial risks. Sellers may not disclose that a vehicle is stolen, or may be unaware themselves. A vehicle history check provides independent verification from official sources.
What a Carpeep vehicle history check can show
- Theft and recovery status, including whether the vehicle has been reported stolen
- Write-off category (Cat S, Cat N, Cat A, Cat B, Cat C, Cat D) and date of write-off
- Outstanding finance agreements, including provider name, agreement type, and start date
- Mileage inconsistencies and potential odometer rollbacks, automatically flagged
- Keeper changes and number of previous owners
- MOT history timeline, including all test dates, pass/fail results, advisories, and recorded mileage at each test
- Vehicle identity verification
Related guides
Learn more about stolen vehicle records: What does stolen vehicle record mean? and What does previously stolen mean? For information about recovered vehicles, see What does recovered theft mean?
Frequently asked questions
Can I legally buy a stolen vehicle?
No. You should not purchase a vehicle with a current stolen record. If you do, the police may recover it and return it to the rightful owner. You may lose both the vehicle and your money, and you may face legal consequences for handling stolen goods.
What is the difference between stolen and previously stolen?
A stolen vehicle record means the vehicle is currently listed as stolen and should not be purchased. Previously stolen means the vehicle was reported stolen but has since been recovered and removed from the stolen database. Previously stolen vehicles can be legally purchased, though you should be aware of their history.
How can I check if a car is stolen?
You can check if a car is stolen by running a vehicle history check using the vehicle's registration number. The check will show if the vehicle is currently listed as stolen in official police databases. This information comes from official UK police and vehicle databases.
What happens if I buy a stolen vehicle?
If you buy a stolen vehicle, the police may recover it and return it to the rightful owner. You may lose both the vehicle and the money you paid. You may also face legal consequences for handling stolen goods, even if you were unaware the vehicle was stolen.
Can I insure a stolen vehicle?
No. You cannot legally insure a stolen vehicle. Insurance companies will not provide cover for vehicles listed as stolen, and attempting to insure such a vehicle may have legal consequences. The vehicle will be seized if discovered by authorities.
What should I do if I see a stolen vehicle for sale?
If you encounter a stolen vehicle being offered for sale, do not purchase it. Report the incident to the police immediately. Provide them with the vehicle's registration number and details of where and from whom it is being sold.