Easiest Way to Check if a Car is Stolen

Across Africa, stolen vehicles are a major concern. In Nigeria, estimates suggest that 40% of imported cars may be stolen, with local thefts happening daily. Don’t risk getting caught in a crime investigation – even the seemingly perfect, affordable car you’re considering could be stolen. Protect yourself with Vehicle Checks – use our VIN lookup tool to verify a car’s history before you buy
No theft records found for this VIN!

Stolen car check

Why Every Vehicle Purchase Needs a Stolen Vehicle VIN Check

Vehicle theft is a significant issue locally in Nigeria, with Lagos and Abuja being hotspots. In 2021, it was reported that over 2,500 vehicles were stolen in Lagos alone, highlighting the importance of verification, given the many unreported stolen vehicles.

Globally, according to the FBI, over 721,000 motor vehicles were reported stolen in the United States in 2019, with a total value of approximately $6 billion. Similar high vehicle theft rates are observed in Brazil, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

Here is one of the reasons why you should  run a theft check on any vehicle: 

Peace of Mind for Buyers

Avoid financial loss by ensuring the car isn't stolen. Authorities can confiscate stolen vehicles, leaving you without compensation. Protect yourself from legal trouble. Unknowingly owning a stolen car can lead to arrest and fines. A VIN/Chassis check safeguards you from these risks. 

Financial Security for Dealers

Maintain a trustworthy reputation and avoid legal consequences. Selling a stolen car, whether imported ("Tukunbo") or locally used, can result in fines, penalties, and even a revoked dealership license.

Legal Compliance for Dealers

Regular VIN/Chassis checks ensure your dealership adheres to local and international laws regarding vehicle sales. 

Customer Trust for Dealers

You build customer trust and loyalty by offering verified, legal vehicles. This leads to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations. 

Reputation Management for Dealers

A strong reputation for trustworthiness and reliability is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. VIN/Chassis checks help ensure you never unknowingly sell a stolen car.

Don't fall for the Cheap Price Trick! Get a Chassis Check Now!

Tips to Avoid Buying A Stolen Vehicle

Car dealership

Use the services of a renowned dealer:

Patronizing a licensed or registered dealer can reduce the chance of purchasing a stolen vehicle, both locally used vehicles and imported Tokunbos

Urgency trap

Urgency trap:

Local sellers of stolen vehicles often create a sense of urgency, making it seem like you'll miss out on a great deal if you don't act quickly. If a seller is subtly pressuring you, take a moment to pause and reflect.

Car theft

Check if a car is stolen:

Smart car buyers and sellers use our services to run vehicle theft checks and confirm if a vehicle is stolen. They also get to see other vital information such as accident records, mileage history, and more!

Meet in Public Locations:

Arrange to meet the seller in a public place, preferably with security cameras. Avoid secluded or unfamiliar locations for transactions.

Low prices

Extremely Low Prices:

“The owner wants to Japa, that's why the price is low.” This statement can lead unsuspecting buyers to buy a stolen car. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Check if a Vehicle is Stolen

Frequently Asked Questions

You can check if a car is stolen by performing a stolen vehicle VIN check. This involves using the vehicle’s VIN to search through online databases that track reported stolen cars. Many websites offer this service for free or a small fee.

Yes, you can enter the VIN number to see if the vehicle has been reported stolen. We offer a free service on this website.

If you suspect you have bought a stolen car, immediately contact your local police and file a stolen car police report. Provide all relevant details, including the VIN, seller’s information, and any purchase documents. The police will assist you in conducting a vehicle theft check.

You can verify if a vehicle’s VIN is linked to any theft reports by conducting a stolen VIN search. Several online platforms and local authorities offer this service, allowing you to check the VIN against a database of reported stolen vehicles.

To report a stolen car to the police, you need to provide the vehicle’s VIN, license plate number, make, model, color, and any unique identifying features. Additionally, you should provide the location and time of the theft and any other relevant details to assist in the stolen vehicle lookup. You can use our “report stolen vehicle” feature on this page to hasten the reporting process.

In Nigeria, you can report stolen vehicles online at https://reportcmr.npf.gov.ng/ for thefts between 2018 and 2022 or in person at any police station with details like make, model, license plate, VIN (if available), and the date/location it was last seen. File a report immediately and contact your insurance company if applicable. On this page, you can also utilize the ever-growing database of Vehicle Checks to report a stolen vehicle or check if a car was stolen.