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How can I check to see if a car is stolen?
I found a car on Facebook Marketplace that seems like an incredible deal but the seller seems to know very little about it and says he just wants it gone. I grew very suspicious when he said I need to buy it the same day and was wondering if there was any way for me to see if the car is stolen?
Jack Walsh · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
You’re right to be suspicious and do your due diligence to ensure you are not purchasing a stolen vehicle.
There are a few ways to make sure you are not purchasing a stolen vehicle, such as:
- Using an online resource to make sure the VIN has not been reported stolen
- Order a VIN history report or ask the buyer to provide you with one
- Compare the name of the owner on the pink slip to the seller
- Insist on meeting at the DMV to complete the sale
- Meet at a local law enforcement location to verify the vehicle before purchase
- Conduct a title search of the vehicle
- Ask for service or ownership documents and confirm the owner’s name using their license
- Trust your instincts
Hopefully, you did really just find an incredible deal and all the information checks out! If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, don’t forget you need
car insurance
too.Consider downloading
Jerry
to compare quotes from up to 50 car insurance companies. You will get quotes in seconds, can make changes at any time, and if you ever have any questions, agents are just a text away!View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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