You can check if a vehicle is stolen using services like Vincario. Just enter the VIN to see if it has a theft record in any police database.

To perform a stolen vehicle check, you need the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — a unique 17-digit code. You can find it on the dashboard (driver’s side), on the door jamb, or in the registration documents.

Situations like this are rare, but if you find out that the vehicle you bought is stolen, it’s important to act quickly and follow the right steps to protect yourself. Here’s what to do:

• Step 1: Stop using the vehicle – Avoid driving or moving the car until you’ve reported the issue.
• Step 2: Contact your local police – Report the situation right away. Provide the VIN, bill of sale, and any other documents you have.
• Step 3: Share seller information – Give police as much detail as possible about who sold you the vehicle, including name, contact info, and where the sale happened.
• Step 4: Inform your insurance company – Let your insurer know the vehicle has been reported stolen. They may also guide you on next steps.
• Step 5: Cooperate with the investigation – You may be asked to make a statement or share documents. Be honest and transparent.
• Step 6: Don’t try to resell the vehicle – Selling or transferring ownership could create more legal trouble. Wait until authorities complete their investigation.

While the VIN is the most accurate way to check a vehicle’s status, some services may allow checks using the license plate number. However, since license plates can be easily switched, relying solely on them may not provide accurate results. It’s recommended to use the VIN for the most reliable information.

To protect yourself from purchasing a stolen vehicle:

• Always perform a stolen vehicle check using the VIN before buying.
• Verify the seller’s identity and ensure they have the legal right to sell the vehicle.
• Inspect the vehicle’s title and registration documents for authenticity.
• Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.

If you unknowingly purchase a stolen vehicle, you may face several consequences:

• The vehicle can be confiscated by law enforcement, leaving you without the car and the money you paid.
• You may be subject to legal investigations to determine your involvement.
• Insurance claims related to the vehicle may be denied.

Yes, many countries run official police databases where stolen vehicles are listed. Vincario connects you to these records in countries like the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovenia, and Slovakia.

The most stolen car in 2025 (based on EU data) is the Ford Fiesta followed by the Volkswagen Golf and Toyota RAV4 in second and third place.

In 2025, the most common colors of stolen cars are dark and neutral shades. Our data shows these colors are stolen the most:

• Black
• Grey
• Blue

The most commonly stolen cars in 2025 are mostly from the year 2005, 2006 and 2007. Our data shows that vehicles from this year are targeted more often than others because their security systems are much weaker compared to modern cars. They usually lack advanced alarms, immobilizers, and the sophisticated anti-theft electronics you find in newer models. Thieves can break into them and drive off in just a few minutes. Other reasons:

• Parts demand: There are still a lot of these cars on the road, so there’s a high demand for used spare parts.
• Simple electronics: Older cars don’t have complex electronic systems, so it’s easier to bypass the ignition or hotwire them.
• Low profile: These cars are common and don’t attract much attention, so thieves can steal or strip them for parts without anyone noticing.

Yes, Vincario provides access to a global database of stolen vehicles. The platform continuously expands its coverage to help users verify theft records across multiple countries.