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How do I find out if a car is stolen?
I'm interested in a cheap used car I found online, but something seems sketchy. Can you check to see if a car was stolen?
Matthew Macgugan · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“You’re smart for being cautious. Running a VIN check is the best way to tell if the car is a stolen vehicle.
Ask the seller to send you the VIN, or take a picture of it yourself when looking at the car in person. The number is usually located on the base of the windshield on the driver’s side of the vehicle or on a sticker inside the driver’s door well.
Once you locate this number, run it through an online database like (the appropriately named) VINCheck. This will tell you if the vehicle was reported stolen. If it has, you should contact the National Insurance Crime Bureau or police and stop communicating with the seller.
Insurance companies can usually tell you if a vehicle has been stolen, as well. However, some will only check vehicles with active policies through their own company.
Speaking of insurance, shopping around for a cheaper car insurance policy is another great way to save money. And the
Jerry
app makes it easy. Jerry will generate quotes from up to 50 of the top insurance companies in minutes and deliver the best deals straight to your phone for free.Good luck with your car purchase!”
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- Gregory R.
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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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