How to Check if a Car is Stolen for Free: A Comprehensive Guide

I. Introduction

Buying a car is a significant investment, and it’s essential to ensure that you’re getting a legitimate vehicle for your money. One of the most crucial steps you can take before purchasing a used car is to make sure it’s not stolen. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous sellers may try to pass off stolen cars as legitimate, and if you unknowingly purchase one, you could lose your money and the vehicle when the rightful owner comes to claim it. So, read on for our comprehensive guide on how to check if a car is stolen for free using the most reliable methods.

II. Run a free VIN check on a reputable online database

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code assigned to individual vehicles, and it’s often used to track their history. Running a VIN check is an effective way to determine if a car is stolen since it’ll usually pop up if it has been reported missing or stolen previously. Some reputable online databases offer free VIN checks, and the following is how you can conduct one:

1. Locate the VIN on the car by checking the dashboard or the driver’s side door jamb.
2. Visit a reputable online database such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) VIN Look-up Tool, the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), or Carfax.
3. Enter the VIN into the database and wait for the results.
4. If the car comes up as stolen in the database, do not proceed with the purchase.

III. Contact the local police department

In addition to running a VIN check, you can also contact your local police department to inquire if the car is stolen. It’s an effective method since the police have access to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database of stolen vehicles. Here’s how to do it:

1. Get the car’s VIN, make, and model, and contact your local police department’s non-emergency line.
2. Provide the information and ask if they can check if the car is stolen or if there are any theft reports on file.
3. Wait for the results and follow their advice. If the car is reported stolen, do not buy it.

IV. Look out for signs of tampering with the car

It’s not unusual for thieves to tamper with the vehicle locks, ignition switch, or steering wheel column when stealing a car. Here are some common signs of tampering, and if you notice any, you should look for a different vehicle:

• Broken or damaged locks.
• Scratches or pry marks around the keyhole or steering column.
• Loose or disconnected wires in the dashboard or beneath the steering wheel.
• A non-factory installed ignition switch or steering wheel column cover.

V. Check the car’s paperwork for any discrepancies or unusual records

Checking the car’s paperwork is an effective way to see if it’s stolen. You should examine the following documents for any red flags:

• The title, which shows who owns the car.
• The registration documents, which show the car’s history and any accidents it may have had.
• The car’s service records, which provide details about its maintenance.

You should look for any discrepancies or missing documents, such as salvage or rebuilt titles, and ensure that the information on the documents matches the car’s identification number.

VI. Check the car’s registration details against the manufacturer’s history records

You can also check the car’s registration details against the manufacturer’s history records to determine if it’s stolen. The manufacturer’s records contain information such as the original owner, accident history, and service records, and here’s how to access them:

1. Contact the manufacturer and request a vehicle history report on the car. Some manufacturers offer these reports for free, while others charge a fee.
2. Provide the manufacturer with the car’s VIN, make, and model.
3. Wait for the results and check the information against the car’s history documents.
4. If there are any discrepancies, or if the car is a cloned or stolen vehicle, do not buy it.

VII. Use a stolen car search tool provided by some insurance companies or other resources

Several resources offer stolen car search tools that you can use to check if a car is stolen. Insurance companies often provide these services to their customers, and you can also find them on websites such as the NICB and AutoCheck. Here’s how to use them:

1. Enter the car’s VIN into the search tool.
2. Wait for the results and check if the car is reported stolen.
3. If it is, do not proceed with the purchase.

VIII. Check with the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)

The NICB is a non-profit organization that helps prevent insurance fraud and vehicle theft. They offer a free VIN check service for stolen vehicles, and here’s how to use it:

1. Visit the NICB website and enter the car’s VIN into the search tool.
2. Wait for the results and check if the car is reported stolen.
3. If it is, do not proceed with the purchase.

IX. Conclusion

Checking if a car is stolen is critical before purchasing a used car. You can use a combination of methods, including running a VIN check, contacting the police, looking for signs of tampering, checking the car’s paperwork, using stolen car search tools, and checking with the NICB and manufacturer’s history records. By following these steps, you’ll safeguard your purchase and avoid buying a stolen vehicle.

If you’re unsure about the car’s history, it’s always best to seek professional advice before purchasing it. You can hire a mechanic or bring the car to a dealership for a thorough inspection to ensure that you’re making a sound investment.