Stolen Car

When a vehicle is taken without the owner’s consent. This can include cars that have been taken during a burglary or break-in, as well as cars that have been taken during a joyride or by someone who intends to keep the vehicle permanently. According to DVLA data, 58,082 vehicles were stolen in 2022, which is an increase of 18% compared to 2021. 

Table Of Content

What to do if my car is Stolen
How Police act, when a car is reported stolen
Chances of finding this car
Disadvantages of buying a stolen car
How do insurance companies handle stolen cars
What should I do if I mistakenly bought a stolen car
How to avoid buying a stolen car
Frequently Asked Questions

What to do if my car is Stolen

If your car is stolen, the first thing you should do is contact the police immediately and file a report. Just dial 101, Be prepared to offer detailed information about your vehicle, such as the make, model, year, and license plate number. You will be given a reference number, which you will need when reporting to your insurance company. The victim must be prepared to provide evidence of ownership and verify insurance information before filing the report or making an insurance claim. Once the official reports are filed Police will search for potential leads to apprehend and return any stolen goods if recovered.

How Police act, when a car is reported stolen

When police find a car which is reported lost or stolen , they will move it to the police pound for safekeeping . The registered keeper or owner will be sent a notice letter to collect their car. The notice letter also provides instructions on how to arrange collection . The owner is stipulated to pay a mandatory charge for statutory removal and storage . Failure to collect in 14 days will result in the vehicle being disposed of. Latest charge is outlined in the metropolitan police website at (The Removal, Storage and Disposal of Vehicles (Prescribed Sums and Charges) Regulations 2008).

Chances of finding a stolen car

The number of car thefts is increasing at an alarming rate. Unfortunately, if your vehicle has been stolen, the recovery rate is 50%, and it can be difficult to get your vehicle back. According to latest Government data, approximately 50% of stolen cars were recovered.  In order to stand the best chance of recovering it, you should immediately report the theft to police in your local area and keep track of any new information supplied by them. It is also a good idea to file a police report and document any details that may help you identify your car when it has been recovered.

Disadvantages of buying a stolen car

The disadvantages of buying a stolen car are many. One major disadvantage is that the vehicle will likely be considered stolen property and can be impounded by the police. Additionally, the legal owner of the vehicle can take legal action to reclaim their property. Another disadvantage is the vehicle may have been used in illegal activities, which can put the new owner at risk of being implicated in those activities. And you may face legal issues if you are caught with a stolen car. People caught in stealing cars may face up to seven years in prison, if the car value is more than £5000.

What should I do if I mistakenly bought a stolen car

Purchasing a stolen car is undoubtedly a great mistake that can lead you to enormous trouble even if you did not do it voluntarily. You have to take necessary actions to overcome the situation.

• Report to the Police. Give a full description of your purchase, explain why you bought this vehicle in good faith. What necessary steps you took to check the status of the vehicle.
• Return the vehicle to it’s rightful owner. Although you will get your money back, it will save you from being charged with theft.
• Take legal action against the seller. This is the only way you can recover your money.
• Once it is confirmed , the vehicle is a stolen property and the police are involved in investigating , you must cooperate with them precisely by providing information and necessary documents.

How to avoid buying a stolen car

The first and foremost way to avoid buying the wrong car is to check the detailed history of the vehicle. It may cost you a few quids but it is a great relief. History checkers like cardatacheker.co.uk offers a cheap history check facility. A premium check can confirm whether the car was reported stolen or not. You can also check the identification number of the vehicle( VIN) you are buying. You have to make sure the VIN matches the car registration number that appears in V5C, you ask the seller to provide evidence on what capacity the seller is selling it. If he is a legal owner, he must produce ownership documents. Buying from a reputable dealer is also a good option to avoid buying stolen cars. Finally, must keep evidence of purchases and transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What must I do first, if my car is Stolen?

Report to Police immediately and then notify your insurer.

How do insurance companies handle Stolen cars?

Once reported to the insurance company  the insurer will  assess the  factors such as age, model, make and condition of the car, they will pay you the market value of the car . If your vehicle is found after the settlement payout, they will keep the possession.

What action I can take to protect my car being Stolen ?

Always double check you locked your car or not. Securely Lock your vehicle, keep car key safe, Park in safer places.