If you are looking to buy a second-hand car, one important thing you can do is to check if the vehicle is stolen or not. Many people end up losing thousands of dollars each year because they unknowingly buy stolen cars. All these problems can be avoided by using the police stolen car database.
The stolen car database is a valuable tool that allows buyers, sellers, and law enforcement officers to find out if a car has or has not been stolen. Sometimes, the tool is free, and you get an instant result.
This article provides an overview of how the database works, what you will find out, and why it matters.
What Is the Police Stolen Vehicle Database?
The police stolen car database is a list of stolen cars entered after they are reported to the authorities when they are stolen. Upon a car’s theft report to the authorities, it is entered in a national or regional database, which can be accessed by the police or any authorized persons.
This database is often maintained by the national governments, transport ministries, or police. Access to stolen vehicle information is also offered by private businesses by pulling data from police sources. Its main aim is to prevent the sale and transfer of stolen cars.
It helps potential buyers confirm the authenticity of the vehicle prior to purchasing it. It also helps the law enforcers in identifying the stolen cars and recovering them when they stop them or randomly search them.
What Information Can You See in the Database?
A police stolen vehicle database provides concise and useful information informing users of whether or not a car has a criminal history. Information provided can vary slightly between countries, but tends to provide:
- The VIN number: The unique 17-character code used to track the vehicle.
- License Plate Number: In many instances, you can check a car for any theft record using the plate number instead of the VIN.
- Report Status: You will know if the car is currently listed as stolen or has been recovered.
- Date and Location of Theft: The day and city or area where the vehicle was reported stolen.
- Case Number: This is a reference the police use if further information is needed.
- Recovery Status: Some databases may include a note if the vehicle has been found or returned to the rightful owner.
READ ALSO: Unveiling The License Plate To VIN API: How It Works
Can Anyone Access the Police Stolen Vehicle Database
No, a stolen vehicle database is not open to the general public. The database, such as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), is handled by the FBI to track stolen vehicles and is used primarily by law enforcement to investigate and manage auto crime.
However, third-party sites like Detailed Vehicle History, National Insurance Crime Bureau, and more have access to stolen vehicle records, thus providing the possibility of anyone conducting a stolen vehicle check.
Why a Stolen Vehicle Check Matters
A stolen vehicle check is the most important step to take before buying a used vehicle. Thieves disguise most stolen vehicles as normal and sell them to unsuspecting individuals who are unaware of the risks involved. A stolen car check helps in the following ways:
- Avoid Legal Troubles: Police will confiscate the stolen vehicle if they find out that you bought it. Even after paying for the car in full, you may not receive a refund.
- Avoid Financial Loss: Once a vehicle is confiscated by the police, the buyer usually has no way to recover their money. Stolen vehicle sellers usually go into hiding.
- Check Registration and Insurance: It is against the law to register or insure most stolen vehicles. You may have trouble getting plates, renewing paperwork, or making insurance claims.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that the vehicle that you are looking to buy is clean and legal brings you peace of mind when buying.
The Michigan Case Study
Couple Loses $33k for buying a Stolen 2023 Chevy Model
John and Michele Tibbs found a great deal on a 2021 Chevy Suburban they found on Facebook Marketplace. It was not until later that they knew the car was a stolen 2023 Chevy model.
How did that happen?
The couple saw that the car was a great deal at $33,000 (far below the market price). They were even careful enough to run a Carfax report, which helped their confidence to go ahead. Unfortunately, the report didn’t show it’s a stolen car.
After purchasing the car, they visited the DMV to register the car in Michigan. At this point, the real problem surfaced: the title and the SUV had been stolen. They became victims of “VIN swapping” while the seller had disappeared into thin air, nowhere to be found.
Source: www.wcpo.com
READ ALSO: 10 Best Carfax Alternatives for Affordable Vehicle Reports
How to Use the Police Stolen Vehicle Database
Conducting a stolen vehicle check online is simple. There are several official government and third-party platforms where you can check the theft status of a car. Here are general steps to follow:
- Get the Vehicle Information: Collect the license plate number or VIN of the vehicle. You will find the VIN on the dashboard near the windshield, driver’s side door frame, or on the registration of the vehicle.
- Visit the Official Database Website: Most national policing agencies or transport departments maintain a web register of stolen vehicles. You can use their official website to avoid misleading or fake websites.
- Give the Details to Search: Enter the VIN or license plate number and proceed as instructed. A few sites will request a captcha or email verification to proceed.
- Verify the Results: If the vehicle is stolen, the database will also indicate the date, location, and status of the case. If nothing shows, then it usually means that the vehicle is not reported stolen in the database.
- Take Action Based on the Results: If the report is suspicious or incomplete, do not go ahead with the purchase. Contact local police or someone you trust in authority to confirm the information. In some regions, you can also phone a police hotline to ask about the status of a motor vehicle.
Top Four Sites to Conduct a Stolen Vehicle Check
There are trusted websites that provide full stolen car reports that include more than just theft records. They also provide lien and loan records, accident history, title brands, mileage, service records, and more. They offer deeper insights than free tools like NICB VINCheck.
Detailed Vehicle History
Detailed Vehicle History offers accurate stolen vehicle checks and full vehicle history reports with auction photos, sales history, title checks, and more. It pulls data from trusted sources across North America and is ideal for buyers and dealerships needing detailed, verified vehicle records. Their tool can accurately decode both standard 17-digit VINs and classic car VINs with 5-14 digits.
The stolen records usually cover the following information:
- Theft Status
- Number of theft(s)
- Event date
- Location
- Data source
- Report case
- Recovery status with date (sometimes)
Premium VIN
Premium VIN provides comprehensive vehicle reports that include theft status, accident damage, and title status. It’s widely used by car shoppers who want more than a basic check. Their reports are clear, affordable, and cover both U.S. and imported vehicles.
Instant VIN Reports
Instant VIN Reports provides instant and accurate vehicle history reports, including stolen vehicle checks, mileage verification, ownership history, and more. It combines data from auctions, insurance firms, and state records, giving buyers the confidence and peace of mind when buying used cars.
National Insurance Crime Bureau
To get a free stolen vehicle check, you can use the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)’s VINCheck service to see if a car was reported stolen or marked as salvage. Just enter the car’s VIN and hit “Search VIN.”
However, you won’t get other important records like accidents, ownership, and more. The database is also limited and may not show recent or international theft records.
Signs a Car Might Be Stolen
Even before you conduct a stolen car check, there are indications that a car might be stolen. You should watch out for the following:
- No VIN or mismatched VINs: When the VIN on the dashboard is not the same as the door VIN or documentation, it is a possible indication of tampering.
- Missing documents: A seller who refuses to present the title, registration, or ID might be concealing something.
- Very cheap price: If the deal appears too good to be true, it likely is. Stolen cars are often sold at low prices to dispose of them quickly.
- Rushed sale: Sellers who insist on cash payment and pressure you to decide in a hurry may be looking to disappear.
- Seller is unaware of the details: When the seller of the car is unaware of simple details such as previous owners or service history, it might be a red flag.
What Happens If You Buy a Stolen Car?
If you unknowingly buy a stolen vehicle, you can lose both the car and the money you paid. This is why a simple stolen vehicle check is always worth doing before handing over money. Here are the possible outcomes:
- Vehicle Seizure: Police can take the car and return it to the real owner.
- No Compensation: In most cases, you won’t get your money back unless you bought it from a registered dealer.
- Legal Investigation: You may be questioned or treated as a suspect until the case is cleared.
- Registration Problems: You won’t be able to register or insure the vehicle in your name.
- Emotional Stress: Losing a car you just bought and dealing with the police can be frustrating and stressful.
Other Ways to Check If a Car Is Stolen
Other than using the police stolen vehicle database, there are other tools and services you can use to check a vehicle’s theft status:
- VIN Decoder Tools: There are sites that offer tools that can decode the VIN to show specifications and any red flags, like theft status.
- Vehicle History Report: These give the history of accidents, ownership, mileage, as well as whether the vehicle was ever stolen.
- Insurance Claims Databases: Some services connect to the insurance companies to determine if a theft claim was submitted.
- Ask a Mechanic: A trusted mechanic can sometimes spot signs of tampering or repainting that suggest a stolen car.
How to Report a Stolen Car
If your car is ever stolen, you should act quickly. Reporting quickly increases the chances of recovering your car and catching the thief. Here are the steps to take:
- Call the Police Immediately: Contact the police. They will ask for the vehicle’s VIN, plate number, color, and details of the theft.
- File an Official Report: Get a police case number and be sure the vehicle is added to the police stolen vehicle database.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Let them know as soon as possible so they can begin the claim process.
- Watch Online Listings and Auctions: Thieves may try to resell the car through online platforms. Keep an eye out.
Final Thoughts
The police stolen vehicle database is one of the most valuable tools for anyone buying a used car. It helps protect your money, avoid legal issues, and ensures your safety. Taking just a few minutes to run a stolen vehicle check can save you from serious problems.
Many stolen cars are disguised to look normal, and without checking, you may never know the truth. Use the database, ask questions, and be careful. It is better to walk away from a suspicious deal than to lose your money and peace of mind.
Stolen Vehicle API by Vehicle Databases
Vehicle Databases offers one of the world’s biggest and most accurate databases of vehicle information. Among its 25+ robust vehicle data APIs is the stolen vehicle API, intended to assist auto businesses in identifying theft issues in a timely manner.
With the API, marketplaces, dealers, insurers, and fleet businesses can access theft data in real-time and prevent the sale or registration of stolen cars.
Based on existing records gathered from trusted authorities, Vehicle Databases’ Stolen Vehicle API reduces risk, improves buyer protection, and establishes trust. It is a trusted solution for businesses to operate with confidence.
