Stolen Car Check: Is Your Vehicle Stolen?
Verify any UK vehicle against the Police National Computer before you buy. Protect yourself from buying a stolen car. Results in seconds.
What the stolen car check covers
PNC
Police theft records checked
3 in 1
Stolen, finance and write-off checks
£4.99
Full check including stolen
How stolen vehicle checks work
When a vehicle is reported stolen, the police add a theft marker to the Police National Computer (PNC). This database is maintained by the Home Office and contains records of all reported vehicle thefts across the UK.
Our premium check accesses this data through Experian, one of the UK's largest data providers. When you run a check, we look up the registration to see if there is an active theft marker. The report also shows the last 4 characters of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on record, and the engine number where the record has it, so you can check them against the car and the V5C. That helps you spot a cloned car, where thieves have given a stolen car the identity of a legitimate one.
If you are buying a used car privately, a stolen check is particularly important. A dealer is a business you can trace and pursue if something goes wrong, while a private seller can disappear, so the risk is higher with private purchases, especially for desirable models.
Warning signs a car might be stolen
How it works
Enter the reg plate
Type any UK vehicle registration into the search bar. No signup needed.
We check police databases
We verify the vehicle against the Police National Computer via Experian to check for theft markers.
Get your result
View the stolen check result alongside MOT history, mileage verification, and the full report.
Frequently asked questions
How does the stolen car check work?▼
Our premium check looks for a theft marker from the Police National Computer (PNC), where the police record vehicles reported stolen in the UK. If the car has an active theft marker, the report flags it straight away. The data is provided by Experian AutoCheck.
What happens if I buy a stolen car?▼
If you unknowingly purchase a stolen vehicle, the police will seize it when discovered. You will lose both the car and the money you paid. The seller may be untraceable by that point. This is why a stolen check before purchase is essential.
Is the stolen car check free?▼
The stolen vehicle check is part of our premium report at £4.99. This also includes outstanding finance, write-off history, keeper count, VIN check, and more. Our free check includes full MOT history analysis, mileage verification, and reliability scoring at no cost.
How common is car theft in the UK?▼
Thousands of vehicles are reported stolen every year; the Office for National Statistics publishes the police-recorded figures for England and Wales. Not every stolen car is recovered, and some are given a false identity and sold to unsuspecting buyers. A stolen check is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Can a car be stolen but not reported?▼
It is possible, though uncommon. Most stolen vehicles are reported to the police quickly because the owner needs a crime reference number for their insurance claim. However, some vehicles involved in fraud or cloning may not have active theft markers, which is why the report also shows the last 4 characters of the VIN on record and the plate transfer history, so you can spot a car whose identity does not add up.
What should I do if the check shows the car is stolen?▼
Do not purchase the vehicle. Report the situation to the police on 101 (non-emergency) and provide them with the registration plate and seller details. If you have already purchased it, contact the police immediately. Your motor insurance may provide some cover, but this varies by policy.
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Check if a car is stolen before you buy
Enter any UK reg plate for instant results. Full premium check including stolen, finance, and write-off for just £4.99.