What to Do If You Buy a Stolen Car: Legal Steps & Solutions
Buying a used car can be exciting, but it also comes with risks—like accidentally ending up with a stolen vehicle. It might not seem likely, but stolen cars do get sold to unsuspecting buyers, leading to serious legal and financial trouble. To avoid this, make sure to get an NICB theft report to review vehicle history beforehand.
This guide will help you spot the warning signs, understand the risks, and take the right steps to protect yourself.
Before you buy, run a VIN check for a thorough background check and ensure it’s not stolen. A quick check can save you from costly mistakes!
Signs That a Car Might Be Stolen
Before you buy a car, watch out for these warning signs that it could be stolen:
| Price Seems Too Good to Be True | If the deal is way below market value, be suspicious. Stolen cars are often sold cheap for a quick sale. Check car price estimators like KBB and J.D. Power if you’re unsure. |
| Missing or Sketchy Paperwork | No title? Registration and plate details don’t match? Seller won’t give a bill of sale? Red flag. A real owner should have some records. If they have nothing to show, that’s suspicious. |
| Weird VIN Issues | The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) should match official records. If the VIN plate looks messed with, walk away. |
| Shady Seller Behavior | If the seller won’t meet in person, seems rushed, keeps changing their story, only takes cash, or won’t let you check out the car properly, that’s a red flag. |
| Suspicious Vehicle History | A vehicle history report can reveal red flags like frequent ownership changes or missing service records. |
| Keys Don’t Match | If the car starts with a worn-out key, a screwdriver, or the key doesn’t work on the doors, that’s a big warning sign. |
| Fresh Paint in Odd Spots | A rushed or uneven paint job might be hiding something—like the car’s original identity. |
| Damaged or Missing Locks | If the door locks look tampered with or the ignition switch seems forced, it’s a major concern. |
Always do your homework before buying a car—run a vehicle history check, verify the VIN number, and trust your instincts!
Legal Consequences of Unknowingly Buying a Stolen Car
If you unknowingly buy a stolen car, you could be in for some serious trouble. Here’s what could happen:
The Car Gets Taken Away
If the police find out it’s stolen, they’ll confiscate it. And chances are, you won’t get your money back.
You Lose Your Money
Since the car legally belongs to the original owner, you likely won’t be reimbursed.
Insurance Issues
Your insurance company might cancel your policy or refuse to cover any claims.
Title & Registration Problems
You won’t be able to legally register or sell the car. Basically, you’re stuck.
Possible Legal Trouble
If the seller used fake documents, you might have to go to court to prove your innocence.
Loan Problems
If you financed the car, you may still have to make payments even after losing it. This could hurt your credit.
What to Do If You Suspect a Car Is Stolen
If you suspect a car you’re buying—or already own—might be stolen, don’t ignore it. Here’s what happens if you buy a stolen car and steps you should take:
- Stop Driving It – If you already bought the car, park it until you know for sure it’s legit.
- Check the VIN – Use the NICB VIN Check to see if it’s been reported stolen.
- Call the Police – Report your suspicions to local law enforcement. They can check the car’s status and tell you what to do next.
- Get Legal Advice – If you unknowingly bought a stolen car, a lawyer can help you figure out your options.
- Talk to Your Insurance Company – If you already own the car, let your insurer know. They can check its history and help you out.
- Hold Off on Payments – If you haven’t finished the purchase, don’t send any more money until you confirm the car’s legit.
- Contact the DMV – Your local DMV can help verify the car’s history and legal status.
If anything seems shady, trust your gut and take action fast. Better safe than sorry!
Conclusion
Buying a stolen car—even by accident—can cause huge legal and financial problems. But you can avoid this by spotting red flags, checking the car’s history, and using tools like the NICB theft report. A little research before buying a used car can save you a ton of trouble later.
If you want to check if a car is stolen for free, start with VinCheck.info VIN Check. Don’t take chances—always verify before you buy!
