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
130,000+
Cars stolen in the UK per year
46%
Never recovered
£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 verify the registration plate against the PNC to see if there is an active theft marker. We also verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to detect cloned vehicles where thieves have swapped the identity of a stolen car with a legitimate one.
If you are buying a used car privately, a stolen check is particularly important. Dealers are required to carry out due diligence, but private sellers are not. 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 verifies the vehicle against the Police National Computer (PNC), which records all vehicles reported stolen in the UK. If the car has an active theft marker, we alert you immediately. The data is provided by Experian, the same source used by HPI and other major providers.
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 verification, and more. Our free check includes full MOT history analysis, mileage verification, and reliability scoring at no cost.
How many cars are stolen in the UK each year?▼
According to the Office for National Statistics, approximately 130,000 vehicles are stolen in the UK each year. Many are never recovered, and some end up being 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 we also check VIN verification and plate history.
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.
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.