Stolen Car Check: How to Verify a Car's Legitimacy

Car theft is still one of the top vehicle crimes in India. Knowing how to check if a car is stolen before you hand over your hard-earned money for that second-hand car is very important because not doing a 'stolen car check' can land you in a muddy legal battle, which can result in a major financial drain.

This guide will walk you through how to identify if a car is stolen and help you avoid the risk of unknowingly buying a stolen vehicle.

How to check if a car is stolen?

If you are wondering how to check if a vehicle is stolen, start by verifying the registration certificate (RC). Ensure the owner’s details match the seller’s ID and that the engine and chassis numbers align with the RC.

You can also visit the local RTO for verification. Use government portals like Parivahan or eChallan to check ownership, accident history, fines or blacklisting. Contact the local police station to see if any complaints are filed against the vehicle.

Additionally, hiring a trusted mechanic can help spot tampering with the VIN, engine or chassis, which may indicate the car is stolen.

Can I run a stolen car check online?

The government of India offers several free online tools where you can check for stolen vehicles. Here are a few official sites:

• Pariwahan Sewa Portal

Parivahan Sewa is the Ministry of Transport and Highways' (MoRTH) official site that automates and regulates all vehicle registration and driving licence activities. Here's how to use the platform:

1. Visit the official site.
2. Go to "Information Services," and then click "Know Your Vehicle Details."
3. Enter your vehicle registration number or your phone number, whichever is applicable.
4. Click "Vehicle Details."
5. The portal will display everything related to the car's registration, car insurance online status and the last ownership.

• Use the eChallan website

eChallan Parivahan is a digital traffic enforcement solution initiated by MoRTH. It issues and manages traffic violation challans (fines). To check for stolen vehicles on this platform:

1. Click on "Get Challan Details" at the bottom left of the main page.
2. Enter the vehicle registration number to see if there are any unpaid fines.

Stolen vehicles often have multiple unresolved penalties.

• ZIPNET

ZIPNET (Zonal Integrated Police Network) is an online service that allows you to check the status of stolen vehicles in eight North Indian states.

1. Visit the portal.
2. Click on "Stolen Vehicles."
3. Enter vehicle registration, engine or chassis number.
4. Click "Search."
5. If a car is listed, you can view the complainant's name, vehicle make, model and colour, stolen location and date.

What's included in a stolen car check?

When performing a vehicle history check, review key details in the report, including ownership history, registration certificate, accident and service records and any theft or no-trace reports.

Also check for third-party car insurance coverage, outstanding loans or hypothecation, RTO blacklisting status and any pending challans. These factors help ensure the vehicle’s legal and financial standing before purchase.

How to avoid purchasing a stolen vehicle?

To check for stolen vehicle, always ask the seller for original documents like the registration certificate, insurance, pollution certificate and service records. Carefully inspect the chassis and engine numbers for tampering, and be cautious of prices significantly below market value. Meet the seller at their home or workplace, not just public places and verify the vehicle’s status through RTO, police and online checks.

Confirm the seller’s ID and address, insist on a detailed sale agreement and avoid cash payments by using digital methods or cheques for better traceability.

I've found out my car was stolen – what should I do?

Discovering that the car you bought is stolen can be extremely frustrating and scary, but quick action will help protect your interests. Here's what you should do:

1. Stop using the vehicle immediately.
2. Contact your local police station to file a complaint. Submit all necessary documents.
3. Inform your insurance company and the RTO about the situation without delay.

How to report a stolen car?

Quick reporting will increase your chances of recovering your car and help other buyers avoid purchasing your stolen vehicle. Here's how to report an incident:

1. Start by filing an FIR at a local police station.
2. Submit copies of vehicle registration certificate, driving licence, insurance papers and any other relevant documents.
3. Provide detailed information about your vehicle, such as make and model, colour and any distinctive features.
4. Mention the time and location where you last saw the car.
5. Contact your insurance company within 24 hours.
6. Inform the RTO.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the answers to the question "how can I check if a car is stolen," use the knowledge wisely when you decide to purchase a used car in the future.

Also, even after all the checks, things can still go wrong. That's why having the right kind of protection matters. Opting for a comprehensive policy is a good option. It offers broader protection against theft, fire and natural disasters. You can easily compare and buy car insurance online in just a few clicks.

FAQs

• Is it legal to buy a stolen-and-found car in India?

Yes, you can buy a stolen-and-found car in India as long as the paperwork is correct and valid.

• Will the police take the car if it's found to be stolen after I buy it?

Yes, the police will seize the vehicle once they detect the theft and notify the original owner.

• Can I claim my comprehensive car insurance if I unknowingly bought a stolen car?

Comprehensive car insurance usually covers theft of your own car, that is, if it's stolen from you after you legally purchased it and got it registered in your name.

However, if the car was already stolen property when you bought it, the legal ownership was never transferred to you, so the insurer may not honour the claim.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the topic featured in the article. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.